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Population Review

Palmdale, California Population 2026

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

The population of Palmdale, California is 165,487 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest city in California. The median household income is $81,151, the median home value is $435,300, and the median age is 33.2.

The population has grown 6.3% since 2010 (152,936 → 162,536).

165,487

Population

1560

People / sq mi

$81,151

Median Income

$435,300

Median Home Value

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Palmdale covers 106.1 sq mi of land at 1560 people per square mile.

About Palmdale, CA

Palmdale is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 9.2% of the population. Palmdale is a city in California with a population of 165,487. It ranks #32 among cities in California by population.

The typical household here earns about $81,151, near the US median of $78,538. Roughly 11.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $435,300, with typical rent around $1,736.

College attainment is 16.6%, below the national 35.0%. Just 8.2% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 42 minutes each way.

Palmdale city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Palmdale city had a population of 152,936 in 2010 and 162,536 in 2024, a 6.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 168,907 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.46%.

2020 · 169K20102024
Palmdale city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

162,536

Population (2024)

152,936

Population (2010)

168,907

Peak (2020)

0.46%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010152,936
2011153,996
2012154,861
2013156,495
2014156,770
2015156,988
2016156,739
2017156,558
2018156,158
2019155,079
2020168,907
2021165,543
2022163,520
2023162,605
2024162,536

Race & Ethnicity

White31.8%
Black or African American13.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$81,151

Median Household Income

$28,767

Per Capita Income

11.9%

Poverty Rate

4.5%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$435,300

Median Home Value

$1,736

Median Rent

66.2%

Owner-Occupied

Education

77.0%

High School+

16.6%

Bachelor's+

Commute

1.3%

Drive Alone

74.0%

Public Transit

8.2%

Work From Home

41.6 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

9.2%

Foreign Born

47.4%

Non-English at Home

4.2%

Veterans

11.6%

With Disability

91.9%

Health Insurance

96.0%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management22.3%
Manufacturing11.5%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate10.2%
Construction9.5%
Retail Trade8.2%
Education, Health Care & Social Services8.0%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.6%
Public Administration5.0%
Information4.7%
Transportation & Warehousing1.6%
Agriculture & Mining0.4%

Largest cities in California

Largest counties in California

Part of California

Metro areas in California

City rankings

Common questions about Palmdale, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale, California has a population of 165,487 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest city in California.

The median household income in Palmdale, California is $81,151, with 11.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Palmdale, California is $435,300, with median monthly rent at $1,736 and a homeownership rate of 66.2%.

The median age in Palmdale, California is 33.2 years. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

The population has grown 6.3% since 2010 (152,936 → 162,536).

Where to stay in Palmdale

Visiting or relocating to Palmdale, 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.