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Population Review

Clearlake, California Population 2026

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

The population of Clearlake, California is 16,604 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 389th-largest city in California. The median household income is $41,580, the median home value is $204,500, and the median age is 35.8.

The population has grown 9.0% since 2010 (15,267 → 16,636).

16,604

Population

1639

People / sq mi

$41,580

Median Income

$204,500

Median Home Value

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Clearlake covers 10.1 sq mi of land at 1639 people per square mile.

About Clearlake, CA

Clearlake is defined demographically by education — 6.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Clearlake is a city in California with a population of 16,604.

Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $41,580, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 17.6%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $204,500, with typical rent around $1,162.

College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 6.9%, below the national 35.0%. Around 10.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.

Clearlake city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Clearlake city had a population of 15,267 in 2010 and 16,636 in 2024, a 9.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,773 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.65%.

2021 · 17K20102024
Clearlake city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

16,636

Population (2024)

15,267

Population (2010)

16,773

Peak (2021)

0.65%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201015,267
201115,139
201215,067
201315,015
201415,052
201515,101
201615,526
201715,532
201815,355
201915,267
202016,695
202116,773
202216,592
202316,574
202416,636

Race & Ethnicity

White59.1%
Black or African American3.9%
Asian0.3%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)8.2%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$41,580

Median Household Income

$19,944

Per Capita Income

17.6%

Poverty Rate

8.1%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$204,500

Median Home Value

$1,162

Median Rent

58.4%

Owner-Occupied

Education

79.6%

High School+

6.9%

Bachelor's+

Commute

2.6%

Drive Alone

68.0%

Public Transit

10.3%

Work From Home

32.3 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

14.8%

Foreign Born

76.0%

Non-English at Home

7.8%

Veterans

21.3%

With Disability

92.2%

Health Insurance

91.3%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management28.3%
Public Administration12.4%
Education, Health Care & Social Services8.4%
Construction8.2%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate7.4%
Agriculture & Mining5.2%
Manufacturing4.3%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services3.8%
Retail Trade3.6%
Transportation & Warehousing1.4%
Information0.5%

Largest cities in California

Largest counties in California

Part of California

Metro areas in California

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearlake, California has a population of 16,604 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 389th-largest city in California.

The median household income in Clearlake, California is $41,580, with 17.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Clearlake, California is $204,500, with median monthly rent at $1,162 and a homeownership rate of 58.4%.

The median age in Clearlake, California is 35.8 years. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

The population has grown 9.0% since 2010 (15,267 → 16,636).

Where to stay in Clearlake

Visiting or relocating to Clearlake, 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.