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).
La Mesa city, CA Climate
La Mesa city, CA has an average annual temperature of 18°C (64°F) and receives about 325 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18°C
Avg Temp
325
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14° / 57° | 64 mm |
| February | 14° / 58° | 60 mm |
| March | 15° / 58° | 64 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 26 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 7 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 2 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 1 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 3 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 7 mm |
| October | 20° / 68° | 11 mm |
| November | 16° / 62° | 37 mm |
| December | 14° / 57° | 43 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 La Mesa city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit La Mesa city, CA are typically June, July and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near 7°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near La Mesa
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.