San Diego, CA
Population 1,385,061 · California
About San Diego, CA
San Diego is a major city located in California with a population of 1,385,061 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,321 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in San Diego features a median home value of $848,500, which is 246% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Diego in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,223, 91% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 559,653 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (248,395 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (273,751 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Diego shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Diego have an average one-way commute time of 23.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.9% of San Diego residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 24.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian residents, with 24.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How San Diego Ranks in California
Cost of Living in San Diego, CA
Compared to national averages, San Diego has a median household income of $104,321 (39% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $848,500, which is 246% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,223 is 91% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Diego's income is 7% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 30% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Diego, CA?
San Diego offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,321, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 49.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $848,500. However, as a major city, San Diego provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
San Diego has a population of 1,385,061 with a median age of 36 years. Compare San Diego with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Diego
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 990,054 | $141,565 | $1,187,800 | Compare |
| San Francisco | 836,321 | $141,446 | $1,380,500 | Compare |
| Fresno | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Sacramento | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | Compare |
| Long Beach | 458,491 | $83,969 | $762,200 | Compare |
| Oakland | 438,072 | $97,369 | $924,700 | Compare |
| Bakersfield | 408,366 | $77,397 | $347,300 | Compare |
| Anaheim | 344,553 | $90,583 | $771,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare San Diego With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego
What is the population of San Diego, CA?
The population of San Diego, CA is 1,385,061 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in San Diego?
The median household income in San Diego, CA is $104,321 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Diego?
The median home value in San Diego, CA is $848,500, which is 246% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in San Diego?
The median monthly rent in San Diego, CA is $2,223, which is 91% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Diego?
The unemployment rate in San Diego, CA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Diego, CA a good place to live?
San Diego offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,385,061 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Diego, CA?
49.9% of residents in San Diego aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in San Diego?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Diego, CA: median home value is $848,500 (246% above national), median rent is $2,223/month, and median household income is $104,321. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Diego?
The poverty rate in San Diego, CA is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is San Diego, CA?
San Diego's population is 24.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, and 5.4% two or more races. 24.8% of residents are foreign-born.