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
Get Barstow's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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%.
24,897
Population (2024)
22,812
Population (2010)
25,411
Peak (2020)
0.64%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,812 |
| 2011 | 23,020 |
| 2012 | 23,118 |
| 2013 | 23,301 |
| 2014 | 23,484 |
| 2015 | 23,689 |
| 2016 | 23,894 |
| 2017 | 23,981 |
| 2018 | 23,944 |
| 2019 | 23,915 |
| 2020 | 25,411 |
| 2021 | 25,254 |
| 2022 | 25,075 |
| 2023 | 24,939 |
| 2024 | 24,897 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.5% |
| Black or African American | 18.9% |
| Asian | 1.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
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 & Management | 23.6% |
| Retail Trade | 11.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.7% |
| Public Administration | 10.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.3% |
| Construction | 6.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.4% |
| Manufacturing | 3.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
| Information | 1.1% |
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).
Barstow city, CA Climate
Barstow city, CA has an average annual temperature of 18.2°C (65°F) and receives about 102 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.2°C
Avg Temp
102
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 46° | 16 mm |
| February | 11° / 51° | 16 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 14 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 6 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 3 mm |
| June | 26° / 80° | 1 mm |
| July | 30° / 85° | 4 mm |
| August | 29° / 84° | 9 mm |
| September | 25° / 77° | 6 mm |
| October | 19° / 66° | 5 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 9 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 13 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Barstow city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Barstow city, CA are typically May, October and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 39°C high). The coldest is December (near 0°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Barstow
Visiting or relocating to Barstow, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Barstow
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Barstow?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Barstow, CA by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from California
Population 3,857,897
Population 1,385,061
Population 990,054
Population 836,321
Population 543,615
Full rankings of California cities by population
Statewide data for California
Population, race, income, age, and trends across California
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.