San Diego County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in California
The population of San Diego County, California is 3,282,782 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in California. The median household income is $102,285, the median home value is $791,600, and the median age is 37.1.
The population of San Diego County has grown 6.3% since 2010 (3,103,260 → 3,298,799), a +0.44% annualized rate.
3,282,782
Population
+0.44%
Annual growth
780
People / sq mi
$102,285
Median Income
$791,600
Median Home Value
San Diego County covers 4,210 sq mi of land at 779.7 people per square mile.
About San Diego County, CA
In San Diego County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $791,600. With 3,282,782 residents, San Diego County is a county in California. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in California in the country, at #2 by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $102,285, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.9%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $791,600, with typical rent around $2,154.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 42.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Working from home is common here: 16.9% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in San Diego County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
San Diego County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of San Diego County had a population of 3,103,260 in 2010 and 3,298,799 in 2024, a 6.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,332,483 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: 0.44%.
3,298,799
Population (2024)
3,103,260
Population (2010)
3,332,483
Peak (2018)
0.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,103,260 |
| 2011 | 3,137,236 |
| 2012 | 3,175,148 |
| 2013 | 3,210,788 |
| 2014 | 3,249,307 |
| 2015 | 3,280,825 |
| 2016 | 3,305,462 |
| 2017 | 3,319,019 |
| 2018 | 3,332,483 |
| 2019 | 3,330,459 |
| 2020 | 3,301,182 |
| 2021 | 3,274,244 |
| 2022 | 3,283,755 |
| 2023 | 3,285,890 |
| 2024 | 3,298,799 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 53.0% |
| Black or African American | 4.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
37.1
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
15.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 15.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $102,285+$5,951 vs state |
| Mean household income | $136,236 |
| Per-capita income | $49,891 |
| Poverty rate | 6.9%-1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in San Diego County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.9% of workers.
How residents commute
2.2%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
67.6%
Public transit
16.9%
Work from home
25.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$791,600+$96,200 vs state
Median home value
$2,154
Median rent
54.5%
Homeownership rate
1,240,607
Total housing units
93.5%
Occupied
6.5%
Vacant
45.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
97.2%
With broadband internet
24.3%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
10.7%
With a disability
63.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.0%
High School+
42.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about San Diego County, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
San Diego County, California has a population of 3,282,782 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in California. Population density is 780 people per square mile.
The population of San Diego County has grown 6.3% since 2010 (3,103,260 → 3,298,799), a +0.44% annualized rate.
The median household income in San Diego County, California is $102,285, with mean (average) household income of $136,236 and per-capita income of $49,891. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In San Diego County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (53.0%), Black or African American (4.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in San Diego County, California is 37.1 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in San Diego County is $791,600 and median monthly rent is $2,154. 54.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,240,607 total housing units, 6.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in San Diego County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with San Diego County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.