San Luis Obispo County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in California
The population of San Luis Obispo County, California is 281,486 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in California. The median household income is $93,398, the median home value is $777,200, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of San Luis Obispo County has grown 4.5% since 2010 (269,800 → 281,843), a +0.31% annualized rate.
281,486
Population
+0.31%
Annual growth
85
People / sq mi
$93,398
Median Income
$777,200
Median Home Value
San Luis Obispo County covers 3,301 sq mi of land at 85.3 people per square mile.
About San Luis Obispo County, CA
In San Luis Obispo County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $777,200. With 281,486 residents, San Luis Obispo County is a county in California. It ranks #24 among counties in California by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $93,398, putting San Luis Obispo County near the top of US counties. Only 6.3% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $777,200, with typical rent around $1,899.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 39.2% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 14.0% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in San Luis Obispo County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
San Luis Obispo County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of San Luis Obispo County had a population of 269,800 in 2010 and 281,843 in 2024, a 4.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 283,250 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: 0.31%.
281,843
Population (2024)
269,800
Population (2010)
283,250
Peak (2018)
0.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 269,800 |
| 2011 | 271,056 |
| 2012 | 274,174 |
| 2013 | 275,713 |
| 2014 | 278,271 |
| 2015 | 280,138 |
| 2016 | 281,884 |
| 2017 | 282,473 |
| 2018 | 283,250 |
| 2019 | 282,728 |
| 2020 | 281,924 |
| 2021 | 279,468 |
| 2022 | 282,535 |
| 2023 | 282,007 |
| 2024 | 281,843 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
21.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.4% · Seniors (65+): 21.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $93,398$-2,936 vs state |
| Mean household income | $126,122 |
| Per-capita income | $49,581 |
| Poverty rate | 6.3%-2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in San Luis Obispo County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
70.2%
Public transit
14.0%
Work from home
21.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$777,200+$81,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,899
Median rent
61.9%
Homeownership rate
124,871
Total housing units
87.2%
Occupied
12.8%
Vacant
38.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
96.6%
With broadband internet
20.2%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.0%
With a disability
82.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
39.2%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in California
Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
San Luis Obispo County, California has a population of 281,486 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in California. Population density is 85 people per square mile.
The population of San Luis Obispo County has grown 4.5% since 2010 (269,800 → 281,843), a +0.31% annualized rate.
The median household income in San Luis Obispo County, California is $93,398, with mean (average) household income of $126,122 and per-capita income of $49,581. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In San Luis Obispo County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%), Black or African American (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in San Luis Obispo County, California is 40.2 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in San Luis Obispo County is $777,200 and median monthly rent is $1,899. 61.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 124,871 total housing units, 12.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in San Luis Obispo County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with San Luis Obispo 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.