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Population Review

San Juan Capistrano, California Population 2026

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

The population of San Juan Capistrano, California is 34,998 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 239th-largest city in California. The median household income is $127,893, the median home value is $929,700, and the median age is 44.8.

The population has grown 2.9% since 2010 (34,483 → 35,469).

34,998

Population

2425

People / sq mi

$127,893

Median Income

$929,700

Median Home Value

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San Juan Capistrano covers 14.4 sq mi of land at 2425 people per square mile.

About San Juan Capistrano, CA

In San Juan Capistrano, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $929,700. San Juan Capistrano is a city in California with a population of 34,998.

Households take in a median $127,893, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 4.8%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $929,700, with typical rent around $2,500.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 42.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 15.8% of workers primarily work from home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.

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

San Juan Capistrano city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of San Juan Capistrano city had a population of 34,483 in 2010 and 35,469 in 2024, a 2.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 35,941 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: 0.21%.

2016 · 36K20102024
San Juan Capistrano city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

35,469

Population (2024)

34,483

Population (2010)

35,941

Peak (2016)

0.21%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201034,483
201134,862
201235,096
201335,525
201435,779
201535,935
201635,941
201735,882
201835,902
201935,911
202035,159
202134,919
202234,877
202335,031
202435,469

Race & Ethnicity

White62.7%
Black or African American0.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$127,893

Median Household Income

$60,670

Per Capita Income

4.8%

Poverty Rate

2.5%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$929,700

Median Home Value

$2,500

Median Rent

78.5%

Owner-Occupied

Education

88.5%

High School+

42.3%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.8%

Drive Alone

68.2%

Public Transit

15.8%

Work From Home

27.0 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

20.3%

Foreign Born

67.0%

Non-English at Home

5.5%

Veterans

10.3%

With Disability

93.0%

Health Insurance

97.9%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management19.0%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate17.7%
Manufacturing10.7%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.7%
Information9.3%
Construction7.2%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.4%
Retail Trade3.1%
Public Administration2.3%
Transportation & Warehousing1.7%
Agriculture & Mining0.7%

Largest cities in California

Largest counties in California

Part of California

Metro areas in California

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

San Juan Capistrano, California has a population of 34,998 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 239th-largest city in California.

The median household income in San Juan Capistrano, California is $127,893, with 4.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in San Juan Capistrano, California is $929,700, with median monthly rent at $2,500 and a homeownership rate of 78.5%.

The median age in San Juan Capistrano, California is 44.8 years. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

The population has grown 2.9% since 2010 (34,483 → 35,469).

Where to stay in San Juan Capistrano

Visiting or relocating to San Juan Capistrano, 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.