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).
Where to stay in San Marcos
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.