2023 San Luis Obispo County, California Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for San Luis Obispo County, California, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
San Luis Obispo County, California Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
San Luis Obispo County, California Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following statistics highlight San Luis Obispo County, California population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 281,486
- Median Age (Total)
- 40.2 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 38.7 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 42.0 years
San Luis Obispo County, California Age Distribution Comparison with California 2023
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California age demographics with California to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 40.2 yrs | 38.4 yrs | +1.8 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.40% | 5.28% | -0.9pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 13.21% | 16.05% | -2.8pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 14.81% | 9.24% | +5.6pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 22.01% | 26.54% | -4.5pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 21.57% | 16.55% | +5.0pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 64.41 | 60.98 | +3.4 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 64.41
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 28.95 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 35.46 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
San Luis Obispo County, California Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of San Luis Obispo County, California
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of San Luis Obispo County, California are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 50.83
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California racial and ethnic demographics with California to understand regional diversity patterns.
San Luis Obispo County, California Diversity
50.83
moderateCalifornia Diversity
69.81
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 65.43% | 32.57% | +32.9pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 24.51% | 40.75% | -16.2pp |
| Two or More Races | 4.61% | 4.52% | +0.1pp |
| Asian Alone | 3.39% | 15.83% | -12.4pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 1.10% | 5.09% | -4.0pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.62% | 0.62% | 0.0pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.18% | 0.27% | -0.1pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.16% | 0.34% | -0.2pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 50.83 | 69.81 | -18.98 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
San Luis Obispo County, California Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of San Luis Obispo County, California, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $93,398 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 108,897
Income Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California household income with California to understand regional economic patterns.
San Luis Obispo County, California
$93,398
California
$100,149
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 9.92% | 9.77% | +0.2pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 8.11% | 7.66% | +0.4pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 9.23% | 7.94% | +1.3pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 13.78% | 13.14% | +0.6pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 31.38% | 29.31% | +2.1pp |
| $150,000 or more | 27.58% | 32.19% | -4.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to California.
San Luis Obispo County, California Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in San Luis Obispo County, California, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $777,200
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 67,403 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California property values with California to understand regional real estate market patterns.
San Luis Obispo County, California
$777,200
California
$759,500
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.04% | 1.73% | -0.7pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 0.73% | 0.83% | -0.1pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 1.57% | 1.77% | -0.2pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 2.07% | 2.36% | -0.3pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 14.10% | 18.89% | -4.8pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 71.61% | 58.11% | +13.5pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 8.88% | 16.30% | -7.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to California.
San Luis Obispo County, California Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in San Luis Obispo County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 91.77%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 39.20%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 190,233
Education Level Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California educational attainment with California to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in San Luis Obispo County, California
39.20%
Bachelor's+ in California
38.12%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 8.23% | 15.15% | -6.9pp |
| HS Graduate | 18.18% | 20.47% | -2.3pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 34.39% | 26.26% | +8.1pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 24.27% | 23.22% | +1.1pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 14.93% | 14.91% | +0.0pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 91.77% | 84.85% | +6.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to California.
San Luis Obispo County, California Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of San Luis Obispo County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 5.8%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 16,050
- Total Civilian Population
- 276,628
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California health insurance coverage with California to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in San Luis Obispo County, California
5.8%
Uninsured in California
5.9%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 2.8% | 3.8% | 3.1% | 3.1% |
| 18-34 years | 10.4% | 8.3% | 11.7% | 8.0% |
| 35-64 years | 9.7% | 6.5% | 8.8% | 6.1% |
| 65+ years | 0.6% | 0.6% | 1.1% | 0.9% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
San Luis Obispo County, California Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in San Luis Obispo County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 95.4% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 14,073 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 13,041
Citizenship Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California citizenship and nativity with California to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in San Luis Obispo County, California
95.4%
Citizenship in California
87.3%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 89.0% | 70.8% | +18.2pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.2% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.2% | 1.4% | -0.2pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 5.0% | 15.0% | -10.0pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 4.6% | 12.7% | -8.1pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 95.4% | 87.3% | +8.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to California.
San Luis Obispo County, California Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in San Luis Obispo County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 78.4%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.8%
- Work From Home Rate
- 14.0%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 128,498
Transportation Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California commuting patterns with California to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in San Luis Obispo County, California
78.4%
Drove in California
77.4%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 78.4% | 77.4% | +1.0pp |
| Public transportation | 0.8% | 3.3% | -2.5pp |
| Bicycle | 1.4% | 0.8% | +0.6pp |
| Walked | 4.4% | 2.5% | +1.9pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.0% | 1.9% | -0.9pp |
| Worked from home | 14.0% | 14.1% | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to California.
San Luis Obispo County, California Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in San Luis Obispo County, California by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 131,629
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California employment patterns with California to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in San Luis Obispo County, California
8.3% (M) / 10.2% (F)
Government Employment in California
6.4% (M) / 8.7% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 38.7% F: 28.3% | M: 39.7% F: 29.6% | M: -1.0pp F: -1.3pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 1.9% F: 3.6% | M: 3.0% F: 5.1% | M: -1.1pp F: -1.5pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 8.3% F: 10.2% | M: 6.4% F: 8.7% | M: +1.9pp F: +1.5pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 4.6% F: 4.2% | M: 4.3% F: 3.1% | M: +0.3pp F: +1.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to California.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
San Luis Obispo County, California Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in San Luis Obispo County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 15,210
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
5,977 veterans (39.3%)
Veteran Population Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California veteran demographics with California to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in San Luis Obispo County, California
15,210
Total Veterans in California
1,355,918
- San Luis Obispo County, California: Vietnam Era Only (39.3%)
- California: Vietnam Era Only (32.1%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 39.3% (5,977) | 32.1% (435,690) | +7.2pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 15.0% (2,277) | 14.4% (194,775) | +0.6pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 11.5% (1,744) | 18.0% (244,230) | -6.5pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 8.4% (1,284) | 7.0% (95,452) | +1.4pp |
| Gulf War Only | 8.0% (1,223) | 12.4% (168,616) | -4.4pp |
| Korean War Only | 8.0% (1,211) | 5.3% (72,235) | +2.7pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 6.2% (939) | 6.7% (90,489) | -0.5pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.1% (167) | 1.1% (15,525) | 0.0pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.7% (104) | 0.6% (7,731) | +0.1pp |
| WWII Only | 0.7% (104) | 1.5% (20,264) | -0.8pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.5% (70) | 0.1% (1,954) | +0.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.4% (65) | 0.3% (3,408) | +0.1pp |
| Vietnam + Korean + WWII | 0.2% (27) | 0.1% (1,163) | +0.1pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.1% (18) | 0.3% (4,221) | -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
San Luis Obispo County, California Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following data categorizes families in San Luis Obispo County, California by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 6.3% (4,319 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 20.4% (13,876 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 73.3% (49,855 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California poverty levels with California to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in San Luis Obispo County, California
6.3%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in California
8.5%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 6.3% (4,319) | 8.5% (786,636) | -2.2pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 20.4% (13,876) | 26.2% (2,437,162) | -5.8pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 73.3% (49,855) | 65.3% (6,073,975) | +8.0pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.7% | 3.7% | -1.0pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.8% | 2.1% | -0.3pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.8% | 2.7% | -0.9pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 1.7% | 3.0% | -1.3pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 1.9% | 3.4% | -1.5pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.9% | 3.3% | -0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to California.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
San Luis Obispo County, California SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for San Luis Obispo County, California
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in San Luis Obispo County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 7,469 (6.86% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 3,242 (43.41% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 108,897
SNAP Participation Comparison with California
Compare San Luis Obispo County, California SNAP participation with California to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in San Luis Obispo County, California
6.86%
7,469 householdsSNAP Participation in California
13.49%
1,860,876 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | San Luis Obispo County, California | California | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 21.98% (1,642) | 8.45% (631) | 18.43% (342,908) | 12.15% (226,051) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 5.23% (391) | 0.58% (43) | 5.49% (102,252) | 4.41% (82,149) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 15.80% (1,180) | 9.13% (682) | 18.82% (350,240) | 10.60% (197,237) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.39% (29) | 38.44% (2,871) | 0.47% (8,824) | 29.62% (551,215) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 7,469 (6.86% of households) | 1,860,876 (13.49% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.