San Luis Obispo, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of San Luis Obispo, California is 48,039 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 196th-largest city in California. The median household income is $66,711, the median home value is $896,500, and the median age is 26.2.
The population has grown 10.1% since 2010 (45,156 → 49,729).
48,039
Population
3522
People / sq mi
$66,711
Median Income
$896,500
Median Home Value
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San Luis Obispo covers 13.6 sq mi of land at 3522 people per square mile.
About San Luis Obispo, CA
Age is the most distinctive thing about San Luis Obispo: a median age of 26.2, younger than the national median. With 48,039 residents, San Luis Obispo is a city in California.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $66,711 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 6.5%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $896,500, with typical rent around $1,906.
About 54.4% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is on the higher side at 15.9%, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
San Luis Obispo city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of San Luis Obispo city had a population of 45,156 in 2010 and 49,729 in 2024, a 10.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 49,729 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.69%.
49,729
Population (2024)
45,156
Population (2010)
49,729
Peak (2024)
0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 45,156 |
| 2011 | 45,346 |
| 2012 | 45,728 |
| 2013 | 46,236 |
| 2014 | 46,478 |
| 2015 | 47,016 |
| 2016 | 47,313 |
| 2017 | 47,344 |
| 2018 | 47,300 |
| 2019 | 47,459 |
| 2020 | 47,191 |
| 2021 | 47,882 |
| 2022 | 48,498 |
| 2023 | 49,110 |
| 2024 | 49,729 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$66,711
Median Household Income
$45,462
Per Capita Income
6.5%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$896,500
Median Home Value
$1,906
Median Rent
39.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.0%
High School+
54.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.4%
Drive Alone
64.0%
Public Transit
15.9%
Work From Home
15.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.3%
Foreign Born
83.4%
Non-English at Home
3.3%
Veterans
9.4%
With Disability
94.4%
Health Insurance
96.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 17.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 16.4% |
| Manufacturing | 7.3% |
| Public Administration | 4.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.1% |
| Construction | 4.1% |
| Retail Trade | 3.3% |
| Information | 2.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.1% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
San Luis Obispo, California has a population of 48,039 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 196th-largest city in California.
The median household income in San Luis Obispo, California is $66,711, with 6.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in San Luis Obispo, California is $896,500, with median monthly rent at $1,906 and a homeownership rate of 39.0%.
The median age in San Luis Obispo, California is 26.2 years. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The population has grown 10.1% since 2010 (45,156 → 49,729).
Where to stay in San Luis Obispo
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.