COUNTY · 1990 CENSUS

San Diego County

California · 2,498,016 residents · 4,210.46 sq mi

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The short version

San Diego County is wealthier than most US places, with a median household income of $35,022. Population has declined 11% since 2000. Median home value is $186,200.

At a glance

Wealthier

above the US median

US median: $30,130

Younger

median age 31.0

US median: 33.0

More educated

25% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 20%

Stable housing

home values roughly flat, inflation adjusted

US median home: $93,722

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

2,498,016

−11%vs 2000

vs 2,813,833 in 2000

1990 – 2025

Population density

593 / sq mi

−11%vs 2000

vs 668 / sq mi in 2000

US average: 221

Median age

31.0

−7%vs 2000

vs 33.2 in 2000

US average: 33.0

Population, 1990 – 2024

20243.3M

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$35,022

−2%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $47,067 in 2000

US average: $30,130

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$16,220

−29%vs 2000

vs $22,926 in 2000

US average: $14,340

Poverty rate

11.3%

−1.1 ptsvs 2000

vs 12.4% in 2000

US average: 13.2%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$186,200

+16%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $212,000 in 2000

US average: $93,722

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$611

+6%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $761 in 2000

US average: $450

Owner-occupied

53.8%

−1.6 ptsvs 2000

vs 55.4% in 2000

46.2% rent

Afford Score

5.3

+18%vs 2000

vs 4.5 in 2000

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in San Diego County on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000

White, non-Hispanic55%(1,548,833)

Black5.5%(154,487)

Hispanic / Latino26.7%(750,965)

Asian8.7%(245,297)

Other0%

Diversity Score72.7%(2,046,778)

1990

White, non-Hispanic75.1%(1,875,517)

Black6.3%(157,495)

Hispanic / Latino20%(498,578)

Asian8%(198,675)

Other10.7%(266,329)

Diversity Score70.7%(1,765,880)

Diversity Score

−3%vs 2000

vs 73 in 2000

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

25.3%

−4.2 ptsvs 2000

vs 29.5% in 2000

US average: 20.3%

High school or higher

81.9%

−0.7 ptsvs 2000

vs 82.6% in 2000

US average: 75.2%

Graduate degree

8.8%

−2.0 ptsvs 2000

vs 10.9% in 2000

US average: 7.1%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

23.5 min

+40%vs 2000

vs 16.7 min in 2000

US average: 21.9

Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to San Diego County

Head to head

Compare San Diego County to nearby counties

SAN DIEGO COUNTY VS

Riverside County

Income$93,074+166%

Home value$557,300+199%

Population2,544,916−22%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

SAN DIEGO COUNTY VS

Orange County

Income$116,289+232%

Home value$962,600+417%

Population3,149,507−4%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

SAN DIEGO COUNTY VS

Imperial County

Income$57,681+65%

Home value$309,600+66%

Population181,411−94%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

SAN DIEGO COUNTY VS

Los Angeles County

Income$90,112+157%

Home value$834,200+348%

Population9,694,934+195%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

Frequently asked

How many people live in San Diego County, California?

San Diego County, California has about 2,498,016 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in San Diego County, California?

The typical household in San Diego County, California earns about $35,022 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is San Diego County, California expensive?

In San Diego County, California, the median home is worth about $186,200, and the typical rent is about $611 a month.

How educated are people in San Diego County, California?

About 25.3% of adults age 25 and over in San Diego County, California hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in San Diego County, California?

About 11.3% of people in San Diego County, California live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →