San Luis Obispo, CA
Population 48,039 · California
About San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 48,039 residents. The median household income is $66,711 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in San Luis Obispo is 26.2 years.
Housing in San Luis Obispo has a median home value of $896,500 and median monthly rent of $1,906. Of the 21,783 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 7,793 owner-occupied and 12,212 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in San Luis Obispo is 6.7% and the poverty rate is 30.0%. 54.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.6 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in San Luis Obispo?
The median household income in San Luis Obispo, CA is $66,711 per year.
What is the median home value in San Luis Obispo?
The median home value in San Luis Obispo, CA is $896,500.
What is the average rent in San Luis Obispo?
The median monthly rent in San Luis Obispo, CA is $1,906.
What is the unemployment rate in San Luis Obispo?
The unemployment rate in San Luis Obispo, CA is 6.7%.