San Marcos, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of San Marcos, California is 94,078 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 81st-largest city in California. The median household income is $105,286, the median home value is $792,400, and the median age is 36.8.
The population has grown 15.1% since 2010 (83,926 → 96,620).
94,078
Population
3829
People / sq mi
$105,286
Median Income
$792,400
Median Home Value
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San Marcos covers 24.6 sq mi of land at 3829 people per square mile.
About San Marcos, CA
In San Marcos, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $792,400. San Marcos is a city in California with a population of 94,078.
The typical household earns $105,286 a year, above the US median of $78,538. About 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $792,400, with typical rent around $2,191.
42.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average of 35.0%. About 18.7% 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 Marcos — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
San Marcos city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of San Marcos city had a population of 83,926 in 2010 and 96,620 in 2024, a 15.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 96,664 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 1.02%.
96,620
Population (2024)
83,926
Population (2010)
96,664
Peak (2019)
1.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 83,926 |
| 2011 | 85,001 |
| 2012 | 86,816 |
| 2013 | 89,423 |
| 2014 | 92,372 |
| 2015 | 93,199 |
| 2016 | 94,932 |
| 2017 | 95,614 |
| 2018 | 96,480 |
| 2019 | 96,664 |
| 2020 | 94,938 |
| 2021 | 93,372 |
| 2022 | 94,228 |
| 2023 | 95,195 |
| 2024 | 96,620 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$105,286
Median Household Income
$44,376
Per Capita Income
7.4%
Poverty Rate
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$792,400
Median Home Value
$2,191
Median Rent
63.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.1%
High School+
42.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.5%
Drive Alone
69.8%
Public Transit
18.7%
Work From Home
27.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
21.1%
Foreign Born
65.1%
Non-English at Home
6.4%
Veterans
10.8%
With Disability
92.9%
Health Insurance
97.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 15.6% |
| Manufacturing | 12.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.4% |
| Construction | 7.5% |
| Information | 5.6% |
| Retail Trade | 4.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.4% |
| Public Administration | 2.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
San Marcos, California has a population of 94,078 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 81st-largest city in California.
The median household income in San Marcos, California is $105,286, with 7.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in San Marcos, California is $792,400, with median monthly rent at $2,191 and a homeownership rate of 63.0%.
The median age in San Marcos, California is 36.8 years. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The population has grown 15.1% since 2010 (83,926 → 96,620).
San Marcos city, CA Climate
San Marcos city, CA has an average annual temperature of 17.3°C (63°F) and receives about 351 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.3°C
Avg Temp
351
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13° / 55° | 70 mm |
| February | 14° / 56° | 64 mm |
| March | 14° / 57° | 62 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 29 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 9 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 2 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 1 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 3 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 9 mm |
| October | 19° / 67° | 9 mm |
| November | 16° / 60° | 44 mm |
| December | 13° / 56° | 49 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit San Marcos city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit San Marcos city, CA are typically July, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near 7°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near San Marcos
Visiting or relocating to San Marcos, 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.