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Population Review

Oceanside, California Population 2026

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

The population of Oceanside, California is 172,542 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest city in California. The median household income is $93,724, the median home value is $702,000, and the median age is 38.1.

The population has grown 1.7% since 2010 (168,079 → 170,941).

172,542

Population

4181

People / sq mi

$93,724

Median Income

$702,000

Median Home Value

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Oceanside covers 41.3 sq mi of land at 4181 people per square mile.

About Oceanside, CA

In Oceanside, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $702,000. With 172,542 residents, Oceanside is a city in California. It ranks #29 among cities in California by population.

The typical household here earns about $93,724, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 4.5%, is on the lower side for US cities and below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $702,000, with typical rent around $2,207.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 34.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. About 14.8% of the workforce is home-based, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.

High housing values reframe the income picture in Oceanside — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.

Oceanside city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Oceanside city had a population of 168,079 in 2010 and 170,941 in 2024, a 1.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 175,884 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.12%.

2017 · 176K20102024
Oceanside city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

170,941

Population (2024)

168,079

Population (2010)

175,884

Peak (2017)

0.12%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010168,079
2011170,008
2012171,590
2013173,175
2014174,318
2015175,189
2016175,451
2017175,884
2018175,758
2019175,742
2020174,071
2021173,023
2022171,929
2023171,069
2024170,941

Race & Ethnicity

White52.9%
Black or African American4.2%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.3%
Two or More Races0.1%

Economy & Income

$93,724

Median Household Income

$43,094

Per Capita Income

4.5%

Poverty Rate

3.4%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$702,000

Median Home Value

$2,207

Median Rent

58.5%

Owner-Occupied

Education

86.5%

High School+

34.3%

Bachelor's+

Commute

2.1%

Drive Alone

71.4%

Public Transit

14.8%

Work From Home

29.5 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

24.7%

Foreign Born

66.4%

Non-English at Home

9.4%

Veterans

12.2%

With Disability

90.9%

Health Insurance

97.6%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management18.9%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate14.1%
Manufacturing12.4%
Education, Health Care & Social Services11.4%
Construction7.8%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.0%
Information4.9%
Retail Trade4.1%
Public Administration3.9%
Transportation & Warehousing1.6%
Agriculture & Mining1.0%

Largest cities in California

Largest counties in California

Part of California

Metro areas in California

City rankings

Common questions about Oceanside, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Oceanside, California has a population of 172,542 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest city in California.

The median household income in Oceanside, California is $93,724, with 4.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Oceanside, California is $702,000, with median monthly rent at $2,207 and a homeownership rate of 58.5%.

The median age in Oceanside, California is 38.1 years. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

The population has grown 1.7% since 2010 (168,079 → 170,941).

Where to stay in Oceanside

Visiting or relocating to Oceanside, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.