National City, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
58,893
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,841/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
19,414
3.4% year-over-year change

National City population

How many people live in National City

National City is home to 58,893 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of National City locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
58,893
5.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
29,649
Female
49.7%
29,244
Value Percent YoY change
Male 29,649 50.3% 9.2%
Female 29,244 49.7% 1.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in National City is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 13.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.7% of the population, while another 21.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
13.9%
25 to 44
31.7%
45 to 64
21.7%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,315 17.5% -3.8%
15 to 24 8,209 13.9% 17.2%
25 to 44 18,678 31.7% 12.9%
45 to 64 12,786 21.7% -2.7%
Over 65 8,905 15.1% 4.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In National City, 61.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 22.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 22.4% of locals are Caucasian, 5.5% are African American and 17.1% have Asian roots. Another 1.7% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 27.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 25.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
22.6%
Non-citizens
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,116 61.3% 6.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13,302 22.6% 4.5%
Non-citizens 9,475 16.1% 1.3%
Racial breakdown
White
22.4%
Black or African American
5.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.7%
Asian
17.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
25.7%
Other
27.3%
Value Percent
White 13,164 22.4%
Black or African American 3,223 5.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 986 1.7%
Asian 10,047 17.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 261 0.4%
Two or more races 15,139 25.7%
Other 16,073 27.3%

Households in National City

A peek inside National City households

National City has 18,217 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72% are families, while the remaining 28% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
18,217
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,102
Family households
13,115
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,102 28% 5.1%
Family households 13,115 72% 2.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in National City

The housing landscape of National City

National City's housing consists of 19,414 units, with 40.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
19,414
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,852 40.4%
1 unit, attached 1,745 9%
2 units 602 3.1%
3 or 4 units 1,426 7.4%
5 to 9 units 1,803 9.3%
10 to 19 units 1,578 8.1%
20 to 49 units 1,130 5.8%
50 or more units 2,792 14.4%
Mobile home 472 2.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
354
170.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in National City

In National City, the median construction year is 1969. About 8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,545 8% 5.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,975 10.2% 4.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,238 16.7% -3.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,288 16.9% 5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,561 18.3% 8.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,250 11.6% 5.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,161 6% -0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 915 4.7% -19.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,127 5.8% 1.0%
Built in 2020 or later 354 1.8% 170.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

National City occupancy rates

Out of the 18,217 occupied housing units in National City, 34.8% are owner-occupied, while 65.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
18,217
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,887
Owner occupied
6,330
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,887 65.2% 2.1%
Owner occupied 6,330 34.8% 4.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

National City housing costs

Housing costs in National City come to a median of $1,688 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,692.

Median housing costs per month
$1,688/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in National City
$1,692/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in National City

National City education at a glance

About 38.4% of the population in National City went to high school, while 25.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 13.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,056 10.9% -1.0%
High school diploma 17,734 38.4% 5.3%
College diploma 11,585 25.1% 6.3%
Associate degree 3,998 8.6% 20.4%
Bachelor's degree 6,144 13.3% 14.8%
Graduate degree 1,692 3.7% 11.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in National City

How much people earn in National City

The average annual household income in National City was $84,152 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,841, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in National City
$84,152/year
6.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in National City
$66,841/year
4.0% year-over-year change

National City income by age

In National City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,016. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,298 overall. Overall, 85.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,016 6.5%
45 - 64 $79,298 3.2%
Over 65 $43,701 -5.7%
Above poverty level
46,529
Below poverty level
7,847
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 46,529 85.6% -1.0%
Below poverty level 7,847 14.4% 4.3%

Employment in National City

Workforce and job types in National City

The job market in National City is powered by 26,035 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 68.7% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
26,035
2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
17,949
Blue collar
8,086
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,949 68.9% 0.1%
Blue collar 8,086 31.1% 7.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
68.7%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,473 9.5% 4.5%
Private companies 17,897 68.7% 1.5%
Governmental workers 3,893 15% 4.8%
Not for profit companies 1,772 6.8% 0.8%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
-11.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in National City stands at 6.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in National City

How people get around in National City

In National City, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 24,510 83.1% 10.8%
Taxicab 106 0.4% 27.7%
Bus or trolleybus 849 2.9% -1.7%
Railroad 51 0.2% 64.5%
Ferryboat 10 0% N/A
Motorcycle 157 0.5% 313.2%
Bicycle 124 0.4% 27.8%
Walk 1,278 4.3% 71.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in National City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
91950 59,891 18,358 $66,426 $83,815

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FAQs about National City demographics 

What is the total population of National City?

National City has a total population of 58,893 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +5.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in National City?

The gender ratio in National City is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (29,649 residents)
  • 49.7% females (29,244 residents)

What is the median age in National City?

The median age in National City is 36.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in National City?

The age distribution in National City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (10,315 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.9% (8,209 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.7% (18,678 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.7% (12,786 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (8,905 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of National City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of National City is as follows:
  • White: 22.4% (13,164 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.5% (3,223 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7% (986 residents)
  • Asian: 17.1% (10,047 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (261 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 25.7% (15,139 residents)
  • Other: 27.3% (16,073 residents)

What percentage of the population in National City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 61.3% of the population in National City.

How many housing units are there in National City?

There are 19,414 housing units in National City, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in National City and what is the average household size?

National City has a total of 18,217 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in National City?

National City has a median household income of $66,841, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for National City?

The employment rate is 93.4% in National City, with a workforce of 26,035 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.9% (17,949 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.1% (8,086 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (2,473 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.7% (17,897 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (3,893 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (1,772 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025