Escondido, California Population 2024

Escondido is located in the North County region of San Diego County just 30 miles northeast of San Diego. Escondido is part of the Greater San Diego metropolitan area which has an estimated population of 3.1 million.

Diversity

Escondido has a foreign-born population of 29%. Hispanics officially became the largest group in the city in 2010. Still, the racial and ethnic diversity in Escondido doesn't compare to other cities in San Diego.

The North County area of San Diego County, including Escondido, is the least diverse in the entire county. If two residents of southeastern San Diego are chosen at random, there's a 71% chance they will be of different ethnic and racial backgrounds. There's just a 25% chance in the North County area. Overall, San Diego is the 12th most diverse county in California.

Population Growth

It's projected that San Diego County will grow by 1 million people (42%) between 2000 and 2030. Some of this growth will be focused on Escondido, especially as home prices rise in San Diego which has already lured thousands to the more affordable Escondido area. Escondido is expected to continue its modest population growth through 2030.

Escondido is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. The region was controlled by Spain from the end of the 18th century to the start of the 19th century. During this time, many missions were created throughout California. The area was converted into large ranchos when Mexico took control of the region. Most of modern-day Escondido is located on the former Rancho Rincon del Diablo or Devil's Corner land grant.

When California became part of the U.S., the first census in 1850 showed a mostly Spanish-speaking population in Escondido. It wasn't long before non-Hispanic settlers arrived in the area during the Southern California Land Boom. Rancho Rincon del Diablo was eventually sold to investors from Los Angeles in 1883 who incorporated the Escondido Land and Town Company. By 1888, Escondido was incorporated.

During its early history, Escondido was a small agricultural community focusing on grapes and later walnut, olive, orange, and lemon. Avocados became the city's largest crop in the 1960s but the region largely turned to housing developments just a decade later. It was during the 1960s and 1970s when Escondido experienced rapid growth, growing from a population of 16,300 in 1960 to 64,000 in 1980. By 1990, the population was 108,500.