Valley Center, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Valley Center, California is 10,303 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 493rd-largest city in California. The median household income is $116,620, the median home value is $809,300, and the median age is 40.8.
10,303
Population
375
People / sq mi
$116,620
Median Income
$809,300
Median Home Value
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Valley Center covers 27.4 sq mi of land at 375 people per square mile.
About Valley Center, CA
Valley Center stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 375 people per square mile. Valley Center is a city in California with a population of 10,303.
The typical household earns $116,620 a year, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.1%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $809,300, with typical rent around $1,163.
35.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, near the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is above the national 14.0% at 15.3%, and the average commute runs about 37 minutes each way.
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 61.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$116,620
Median Household Income
$46,664
Per Capita Income
9.1%
Poverty Rate
2.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$809,300
Median Home Value
$1,163
Median Rent
88.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.4%
High School+
35.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
78.0%
Public Transit
15.3%
Work From Home
36.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
21.5%
Foreign Born
71.0%
Non-English at Home
7.8%
Veterans
7.5%
With Disability
90.1%
Health Insurance
99.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.5% |
| Construction | 13.4% |
| Manufacturing | 9.0% |
| Information | 6.6% |
| Public Administration | 5.4% |
| Retail Trade | 3.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.0% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Valley Center, California has a population of 10,303 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 493rd-largest city in California.
The median household income in Valley Center, California is $116,620, with 9.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Valley Center, California is $809,300, with median monthly rent at $1,163 and a homeownership rate of 88.3%.
The median age in Valley Center, California is 40.8 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
Where to stay in Valley Center
Visiting or relocating to Valley Center, 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.