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
San Diego County is a county in California with a population of 3,282,782. It ranks #2 among counties in California by population. The median age is 37.1, younger than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in San Diego County is $102,285, above the US median of $74,580. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $791,600, with monthly rent averaging $2,154. The homeownership rate of 54.5% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in San Diego County reflects 42.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 16.9% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.9 minutes each way.
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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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.