South El Monte, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of South El Monte, California is 19,413 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 358th-largest city in California. The median household income is $67,153, the median home value is $578,100, and the median age is 37.8.
The population has declined 4.9% since 2010 (20,100 → 19,121).
19,413
Population
6826
People / sq mi
$67,153
Median Income
$578,100
Median Home Value
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South El Monte covers 2.8 sq mi of land at 6826 people per square mile.
About South El Monte, CA
South El Monte is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 2.2% of the population. With 19,413 residents, South El Monte is a city in California.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,153 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 19.2%, above the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $578,100, with typical rent around $1,708.
South El Monte is among the least college-educated US cities, at 10.2% — below the national 35.0%. Just 6.0% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
South El Monte city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of South El Monte city had a population of 20,100 in 2010 and 19,121 in 2024, a -4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,865 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: -0.35%.
19,121
Population (2024)
20,100
Population (2010)
20,865
Peak (2017)
-0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,100 |
| 2011 | 20,187 |
| 2012 | 20,261 |
| 2013 | 20,341 |
| 2014 | 20,351 |
| 2015 | 20,688 |
| 2016 | 20,818 |
| 2017 | 20,865 |
| 2018 | 20,729 |
| 2019 | 20,574 |
| 2020 | 19,549 |
| 2021 | 19,419 |
| 2022 | 19,313 |
| 2023 | 19,169 |
| 2024 | 19,121 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 14.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$67,153
Median Household Income
$22,743
Per Capita Income
19.2%
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$578,100
Median Home Value
$1,708
Median Rent
49.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
55.7%
High School+
10.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.6%
Drive Alone
74.8%
Public Transit
6.0%
Work From Home
27.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
2.2%
Foreign Born
19.1%
Non-English at Home
2.6%
Veterans
11.6%
With Disability
87.1%
Health Insurance
92.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 16.0% |
| Manufacturing | 13.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.1% |
| Retail Trade | 9.0% |
| Construction | 8.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.9% |
| Information | 3.3% |
| Public Administration | 2.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.2% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
South El Monte, California has a population of 19,413 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 358th-largest city in California.
The median household income in South El Monte, California is $67,153, with 19.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in South El Monte, California is $578,100, with median monthly rent at $1,708 and a homeownership rate of 49.5%.
The median age in South El Monte, California is 37.8 years. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
The population has declined 4.9% since 2010 (20,100 → 19,121).
Where to stay in South El Monte
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.