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Population Review

Barstow, California Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Barstow, California is 25,198 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 302nd-largest city in California. The median household income is $51,811, the median home value is $222,600, and the median age is 32.9.

The population has grown 9.1% since 2010 (22,812 → 24,897).

25,198

Population

610

People / sq mi

$51,811

Median Income

$222,600

Median Home Value

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Barstow covers 41.3 sq mi of land at 610 people per square mile.

About Barstow, CA

Educational attainment is the headline number in Barstow: 11.1% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 25,198 residents, Barstow is a city in California.

Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,811, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.3%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $222,600, with typical rent around $1,065.

Barstow is among the least college-educated US cities, at 11.1% — below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.4%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.

Barstow city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Barstow city had a population of 22,812 in 2010 and 24,897 in 2024, a 9.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,411 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.64%.

2020 · 25K20102024
Barstow city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

24,897

Population (2024)

22,812

Population (2010)

25,411

Peak (2020)

0.64%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201022,812
201123,020
201223,118
201323,301
201423,484
201523,689
201623,894
201723,981
201823,944
201923,915
202025,411
202125,254
202225,075
202324,939
202424,897

Race & Ethnicity

White36.5%
Black or African American18.9%
Asian1.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)6.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$51,811

Median Household Income

$25,531

Per Capita Income

18.3%

Poverty Rate

5.3%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$222,600

Median Home Value

$1,065

Median Rent

45.7%

Owner-Occupied

Education

83.8%

High School+

11.1%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.8%

Drive Alone

77.3%

Public Transit

3.4%

Work From Home

28.3 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

19.4%

Foreign Born

75.4%

Non-English at Home

9.8%

Veterans

17.9%

With Disability

93.6%

Health Insurance

86.1%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management23.6%
Retail Trade11.9%
Education, Health Care & Social Services11.7%
Public Administration10.7%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate7.3%
Construction6.0%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.4%
Manufacturing3.8%
Agriculture & Mining1.7%
Transportation & Warehousing1.6%
Information1.1%

Largest cities in California

Largest counties in California

Part of California

Metro areas in California

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Barstow, California has a population of 25,198 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 302nd-largest city in California.

The median household income in Barstow, California is $51,811, with 18.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Barstow, California is $222,600, with median monthly rent at $1,065 and a homeownership rate of 45.7%.

The median age in Barstow, California is 32.9 years. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

The population has grown 9.1% since 2010 (22,812 → 24,897).

Where to stay in Barstow

Visiting or relocating to Barstow, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.