San Luis Obispo, CA
Population 48,039 · California
About San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 48,039 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,711 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in San Luis Obispo features a median home value of $896,500, which is 266% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Luis Obispo in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,906, 64% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,783 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (7,793 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (12,212 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 Luis Obispo shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in San Luis Obispo have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
54.4% of San Luis Obispo 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 13.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in San Luis Obispo, CA
Compared to national averages, San Luis Obispo has a median household income of $66,711 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $896,500, which is 266% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,906 is 64% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Luis Obispo's income is 32% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 37% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo offers a well-educated community where 54.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,711) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $896,500. However, San Luis Obispo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
San Luis Obispo has a population of 48,039 with a median age of 26.2 years. Compare San Luis Obispo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Luis Obispo
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Highlands | 47,900 | $65,090 | $344,900 | Compare |
| Cerritos | 48,340 | $133,953 | $908,600 | Compare |
| Poway | 48,515 | $143,825 | $971,500 | Compare |
| Brea | 47,337 | $124,837 | $874,300 | Compare |
| Rancho Santa Margarita | 47,257 | $146,827 | $907,900 | Compare |
| Ceres | 48,918 | $76,862 | $397,200 | Compare |
| Newark | 47,145 | $164,909 | $1,094,200 | Compare |
| Antelope | 49,080 | $95,102 | $468,200 | 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 Luis Obispo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Luis Obispo
What is the population of San Luis Obispo, CA?
The population of San Luis Obispo, CA is 48,039 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in San Luis Obispo?
The median household income in San Luis Obispo, CA is $66,711 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Luis Obispo?
The median home value in San Luis Obispo, CA is $896,500, which is 266% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in San Luis Obispo?
The median monthly rent in San Luis Obispo, CA is $1,906, which is 64% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Luis Obispo?
The unemployment rate in San Luis Obispo, CA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Luis Obispo, CA a good place to live?
San Luis Obispo offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 48,039 and a median age of 26.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is San Luis Obispo, CA?
54.4% of residents in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Luis Obispo, CA: median home value is $896,500 (266% above national), median rent is $1,906/month, and median household income is $66,711. The home-value-to-income ratio is 13.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Luis Obispo?
The poverty rate in San Luis Obispo, CA is 30.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo's population is 13.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.