National City, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of National City, California is 55,960 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 165th-largest city in California. The median household income is $64,248, the median home value is $580,900, and the median age is 36.6.
The population has declined 0.3% since 2010 (58,624 → 58,460).
55,960
Population
7616
People / sq mi
$64,248
Median Income
$580,900
Median Home Value
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National City covers 7.3 sq mi of land at 7616 people per square mile.
About National City, CA
Homeownership is the standout figure in National City: 34.2% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 55,960 residents, National City is a city in California.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $64,248, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.6%, close to the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $580,900, with typical rent around $1,619.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 16.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 6.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
National City city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of National City city had a population of 58,624 in 2010 and 58,460 in 2024, a -0.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 61,476 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.01%.
58,460
Population (2024)
58,624
Population (2010)
61,476
Peak (2020)
-0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 58,624 |
| 2011 | 59,042 |
| 2012 | 59,369 |
| 2013 | 59,776 |
| 2014 | 60,132 |
| 2015 | 60,721 |
| 2016 | 60,967 |
| 2017 | 61,083 |
| 2018 | 61,272 |
| 2019 | 61,394 |
| 2020 | 61,476 |
| 2021 | 58,095 |
| 2022 | 58,372 |
| 2023 | 58,122 |
| 2024 | 58,460 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 32.5% |
| Black or African American | 4.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$64,248
Median Household Income
$27,073
Per Capita Income
12.6%
Poverty Rate
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$580,900
Median Home Value
$1,619
Median Rent
34.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
76.5%
High School+
16.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
3.8%
Drive Alone
70.3%
Public Transit
6.2%
Work From Home
26.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
8.8%
Foreign Born
31.0%
Non-English at Home
6.1%
Veterans
12.8%
With Disability
87.1%
Health Insurance
91.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.7% |
| Construction | 9.0% |
| Manufacturing | 8.8% |
| Retail Trade | 6.9% |
| Public Administration | 4.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.5% |
| Information | 4.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.9% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
National City, California has a population of 55,960 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 165th-largest city in California.
The median household income in National City, California is $64,248, with 12.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in National City, California is $580,900, with median monthly rent at $1,619 and a homeownership rate of 34.2%.
The median age in National City, California is 36.6 years. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The population has declined 0.3% since 2010 (58,624 → 58,460).
Where to stay in National City
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.