The City of Poway incorporated in December 1980 as a full-service, general law city and operates under the Council/Manager form of government. Poway, with a population of just under 50,000 residents, is a unique community in San Diego County.
Located in northeast San Diego County, Poway is known as "The City in the Country" and prides itself on the fact that over half of the city’s 39.4 square-mile area is preserved as dedicated open space. The community offers a diverse range of housing options, an outstanding school district, a thriving business park with over 19,000 jobs, a broad range of dining and shopping opportunities, beautiful parks, 78 miles of trails, numerous community events throughout the year and more. Poway is a great place to live, work, and play!
- Poway is strategically located in the center of San Diego County.
- Convenient freeway access to Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties, as well as Mexico.
- Lowest overall crime rates of incorporated cities in San Diego County since 1981, and one of the overall lowest in the state.
- Map of Poway
Transportation/Access
Poway is located 3 miles east of Interstate 15, and just west of Highway 67. The San Diego International Airport is located 24 miles south of the city. Public transportation service is provided by the Metropolitan Transit System. Learn more on the transit webpage.
Education
Poway is served by the Poway Unified School District (PUSD). Eleven schools are located in the City of Poway: 2 high schools, 2 middle schools, 7 elementary schools and 1 adult school.
PUSD serves over 35,000 students and is the 3rd largest school district in the county. The district encompasses 100 square miles (inclusive of City of San Diego and incorporated County of San Diego communities) and overall operates 25 elementary schools (K-5), 6 middle schools (6-8), 2 combined K-8 schools, 1 continuation high school, 5 comprehensive high schools (9-12), 1 middle college and 1 adult school.
North Inland San Diego County area is served by Palomar Community College, as well as numerous universities and colleges throughout the region.
Income
Poway has a high standard of living and is characterized as an upper middle class community with a median family income of more than $135,605 (US Census - 2022 estimate).
Housing Units
Within the city limits are 16,364 housing units. The city’s vacancy rate is approximately 5 percent. There is a broad continuum of housing options available, ranging from multi-family apartments to single-family homes on large rural parcels. 80% of the city’s housing units are single-family dwellings. The median value of a home in Poway was just over $911,000 in 2022 (U.S. Census Quick Facts). There are 12 beautifully maintained senior, special needs and family oriented affordable housing complexes in Poway. See the affordable housing webpage.
Climate
- August is traditionally the warmest month, with an average high of 82º
- December is traditionally the coolest month, with an average low of 43º
- Average annual rainfall is approximately 14 inches
Getting Away
Poway offers residents proximity to the major metropolitan amenities offered by its neighbors, including museums, theater, and attractions such as San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND. Additionally, San Diego County is one of the most geographically diverse counties in the country, with beaches, deserts, mountains, and more.
Businesses
Poway maintains its business excellence with a state-of-the-art Poway Business Park, a 700-acre complex, which encompasses the city’s main commercial area. As part of the South Poway Planned Community, the Business Park offers tenants high-quality infrastructure, numerous amenities, and plenty of open space in keeping with the city’s rural surroundings.
The project was specifically designed to meet the needs of light industrial and manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, and research and development businesses. Currently, more than 500 businesses with 18,000 employees are located in the Business Park. There is over 9,500,000 square feet of office and industrial buildings, with a vacancy rate of under 3 percent. Additional office space is currently under construction, including the 530,000 square foot Vantage Point Development, which is an ideal logistics and distribution location. The Poway Business Park is a mix of commercial and retail space and is headquarters to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Geico Direct Insurance, Delta Design, Inc., and Sysco Foods.
The City of Poway’s Economic Development Department also works with the Poway Chamber of Commerce to attract and assist local businesses.
Demographics
In-depth census and demographic information on Poway can be found by visiting the U.S. Census Bureau’s American FactFinder website. Information provided includes census definitions and thematic maps.
Demographic estimates and projections can also be found on the San Diego Association of Government’s (SANDAG) website.
The California Department of Finance also produces estimates and projections on population.
Latitude / Longitude / Altitude
Poway City Hall: 32° North / 117° West / 486 feet above sea level
Elevation
450 feet to 2,700 feet
Quality of Life
The City of Poway is committed to the preservation of natural open spaces, which is reflected in our "City in the Country" motto. Throughout the year, the City also offers numerous family-oriented events such as Winter Festival, Youth Fishing Derby, Old Fashioned 4th of July, Summer Concerts in the Park, and Christmas in the Park. (View calendar for upcoming events.) Well-known recreational amenities include:
- Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
- Community Park
- Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center
- Lake Poway
- Old Poway Park
- Poway Center for the Performing Arts
- Poway Community Library
