South Lake Tahoe, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of South Lake Tahoe, California is 21,319 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 340th-largest city in California. The median household income is $73,940, the median home value is $630,200, and the median age is 39.3.
The population has declined 0.9% since 2010 (21,410 → 21,225).
21,319
Population
2118
People / sq mi
$73,940
Median Income
$630,200
Median Home Value
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South Lake Tahoe covers 10.1 sq mi of land at 2118 people per square mile.
About South Lake Tahoe, CA
Homeownership is the standout figure in South Lake Tahoe: 46.1% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. South Lake Tahoe is a city in California with a population of 21,319.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $73,940 — below the US median of $78,538. About 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $630,200, with typical rent around $1,467.
Roughly 34.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 13.2%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
South Lake Tahoe city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of South Lake Tahoe city had a population of 21,410 in 2010 and 21,225 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,197 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.05%.
21,225
Population (2024)
21,410
Population (2010)
22,197
Peak (2019)
-0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,410 |
| 2011 | 21,376 |
| 2012 | 21,292 |
| 2013 | 21,360 |
| 2014 | 21,512 |
| 2015 | 21,722 |
| 2016 | 21,761 |
| 2017 | 21,943 |
| 2018 | 22,052 |
| 2019 | 22,197 |
| 2020 | 21,303 |
| 2021 | 21,441 |
| 2022 | 21,221 |
| 2023 | 21,153 |
| 2024 | 21,225 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Economy & Income
$73,940
Median Household Income
$50,098
Per Capita Income
7.1%
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$630,200
Median Home Value
$1,467
Median Rent
46.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.0%
High School+
34.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.2%
Drive Alone
61.0%
Public Transit
13.2%
Work From Home
15.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
23.9%
Foreign Born
71.2%
Non-English at Home
2.6%
Veterans
11.6%
With Disability
88.6%
Health Insurance
96.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 28.1% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 16.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.7% |
| Construction | 6.8% |
| Information | 6.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.0% |
| Manufacturing | 3.9% |
| Retail Trade | 3.8% |
| Public Administration | 2.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.4% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
South Lake Tahoe, California has a population of 21,319 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 340th-largest city in California.
The median household income in South Lake Tahoe, California is $73,940, with 7.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in South Lake Tahoe, California is $630,200, with median monthly rent at $1,467 and a homeownership rate of 46.1%.
The median age in South Lake Tahoe, California is 39.3 years. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The population has declined 0.9% since 2010 (21,410 → 21,225).
Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.