Poway, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
48,713
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$148,359/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,936
-0.2% year-over-year change

Poway population

How many people live in Poway

Poway is home to 48,713 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.6% of Poway locals are male, and 48.4% are female.

Total population
48,713
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
25,111
Female
48.4%
23,602
Value Percent YoY change
Male 25,111 51.6% 0.4%
Female 23,602 48.4% 0.4%
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 Poway is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,586 19.7% 0.9%
15 to 24 4,874 10% 4.2%
25 to 44 12,381 25.4% 3.0%
45 to 64 12,620 25.9% -3.7%
Over 65 9,252 19% 0.5%
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 Poway, 80.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.8% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 12.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.2%
Non-citizens
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 39,039 80.1% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,419 13.2% 1.8%
Non-citizens 3,255 6.7% 4.7%
Racial breakdown
White
60.8%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
12.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
15.8%
Other
6.6%
Value Percent
White 29,615 60.8%
Black or African American 1,473 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 422 0.9%
Asian 6,045 12.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 250 0.5%
Two or more races 7,684 15.8%
Other 3,224 6.6%

Households in Poway

A peek inside Poway households

Poway has 16,423 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 78.9% are families, while the remaining 21.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,423
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,461
Family households
12,962
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,461 21.1% 2.5%
Family households 12,962 78.9% -0.5%
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 Poway

The housing landscape of Poway

Poway's housing consists of 16,936 units, with 75.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% 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 3.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,936
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,795 75.6%
1 unit, attached 886 5.2%
2 units 87 0.5%
3 or 4 units 355 2.1%
5 to 9 units 540 3.2%
10 to 19 units 519 3.1%
20 to 49 units 490 2.9%
50 or more units 707 4.2%
Mobile home 549 3.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0%
Homes built since 2020
212
101.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Poway

In Poway, the median construction year is 1978. About 0.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 141 0.8% -0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 106 0.6% -41.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 928 5.5% 15.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,053 12.1% -7.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,192 36.6% -1.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,678 21.7% 5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,833 10.8% -6.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,434 8.5% -5.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 359 2.1% 15.4%
Built in 2020 or later 212 1.2% 101.9%
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.

Poway occupancy rates

Out of the 16,423 occupied housing units in Poway, 75.2% are owner-occupied, while 24.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,423
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,076
Owner occupied
12,347
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,076 24.8% 2.1%
Owner occupied 12,347 75.2% -0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
3.0%
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.

Poway housing costs

Housing costs in Poway come to a median of $2,748 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,301.

Median housing costs per month
$2,748/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 Poway
$2,301/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 Poway

Poway education at a glance

About 19.2% of the population in Poway went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 29.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,120 3% -0.3%
High school diploma 7,162 19.2% 2.5%
College diploma 6,990 18.8% -2.8%
Associate degree 3,001 8% -7.1%
Bachelor's degree 11,001 29.5% -2.1%
Graduate degree 7,997 21.5% 4.7%
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 Poway

How much people earn in Poway

The average annual household income in Poway was $185,297 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $148,359, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Poway
$185,297/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Poway
$148,359/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Poway income by age

In Poway, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $168,056. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $175,729 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,306, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $108,669 in earnings. Overall, 94.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,306 74.5%
25 - 44 $168,056 -1.4%
45 - 64 $175,729 4.9%
Over 65 $108,669 5.2%
Above poverty level
45,020
Below poverty level
2,692
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 45,020 94.4% -0.1%
Below poverty level 2,692 5.6% 8.7%

Average renter income in Poway

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Poway, their median household income was $75,894 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$75,894
Rent-to-income ratio
36.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Poway

Workforce and job types in Poway

The job market in Poway is powered by 23,044 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.1% run their own businesses, 65% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
23,044
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
20,682
Blue collar
2,362
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 20,682 89.8% 0.4%
Blue collar 2,362 10.2% 4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
12.1%
Private companies
65%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,791 12.1% -3.6%
Private companies 14,983 65% 3.5%
Governmental workers 3,629 15.8% -1.0%
Not for profit companies 1,641 7.1% -9.1%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
-1.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Poway stands at 5.2%, 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 Poway

How people get around in Poway

Commuting methods vary: 71.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,439 71.5% -2.8%
Taxicab 45 0.2% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 87 0.4% -56.9%
Ferryboat 24 0.1% -27.3%
Motorcycle 87 0.4% -41.2%
Bicycle 105 0.5% 5.0%
Walk 535 2.3% 21.9%
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 Poway by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92064 48,683 16,426 $148,673 $185,434

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FAQs about Poway demographics 

What is the total population of Poway?

Poway has a total population of 48,713 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Poway?

The gender ratio in Poway is as follows:
  • 51.6% males (25,111 residents)
  • 48.4% females (23,602 residents)

What is the median age in Poway?

The median age in Poway is 41.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Poway?

The age distribution in Poway is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (9,586 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (4,874 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (12,381 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (12,620 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (9,252 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Poway?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Poway is as follows:
  • White: 60.8% (29,615 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (1,473 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (422 residents)
  • Asian: 12.4% (6,045 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (250 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.8% (7,684 residents)
  • Other: 6.6% (3,224 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.1% of the population in Poway.

How many housing units are there in Poway?

There are 16,936 housing units in Poway, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Poway has a total of 16,423 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Poway?

Poway has a median household income of $148,359, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Poway?

The employment rate is 94.8% in Poway, with a workforce of 23,044 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.8% (20,682 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.2% (2,362 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.1% (2,791 residents)
  • Private companies: 65% (14,983 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (3,629 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (1,641 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