La Mesa, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of La Mesa, California is 60,835 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 153rd-largest city in California. The median household income is $84,337, the median home value is $738,800, and the median age is 37.1.
The population has grown 6.3% since 2010 (57,149 → 60,767).
60,835
Population
6691
People / sq mi
$84,337
Median Income
$738,800
Median Home Value
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La Mesa covers 9.1 sq mi of land at 6691 people per square mile.
About La Mesa, CA
In La Mesa, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $738,800. With 60,835 residents, La Mesa is a city in California.
Median household income is $84,337, above the US median of $78,538. About 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $738,800, with typical rent around $1,958.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 38.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Around 14.9% of workers work from home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in La Mesa — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
La Mesa city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of La Mesa city had a population of 57,149 in 2010 and 60,767 in 2024, a 6.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 61,094 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.44%.
60,767
Population (2024)
57,149
Population (2010)
61,094
Peak (2020)
0.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 57,149 |
| 2011 | 57,644 |
| 2012 | 58,099 |
| 2013 | 58,556 |
| 2014 | 58,855 |
| 2015 | 59,697 |
| 2016 | 59,751 |
| 2017 | 59,722 |
| 2018 | 59,389 |
| 2019 | 59,249 |
| 2020 | 61,094 |
| 2021 | 60,758 |
| 2022 | 60,727 |
| 2023 | 60,670 |
| 2024 | 60,767 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.4% |
| Black or African American | 8.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$84,337
Median Household Income
$46,783
Per Capita Income
7.2%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$738,800
Median Home Value
$1,958
Median Rent
46.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
94.2%
High School+
38.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.4%
Drive Alone
71.4%
Public Transit
14.9%
Work From Home
24.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
26.0%
Foreign Born
74.9%
Non-English at Home
8.4%
Veterans
12.4%
With Disability
94.7%
Health Insurance
96.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 15.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.3% |
| Retail Trade | 6.8% |
| Public Administration | 6.6% |
| Manufacturing | 5.8% |
| Construction | 5.5% |
| Information | 5.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
La Mesa, California has a population of 60,835 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 153rd-largest city in California.
The median household income in La Mesa, California is $84,337, with 7.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in La Mesa, California is $738,800, with median monthly rent at $1,958 and a homeownership rate of 46.0%.
The median age in La Mesa, California is 37.1 years. The population is 47.9% male and 52.1% female.
The population has grown 6.3% since 2010 (57,149 → 60,767).
Where to stay in La Mesa
Visiting or relocating to La Mesa, 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.