Explore Escondido local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for San Diego County.
At a glance: Escondido is an incorporated city in San Diego County. Population: 152,196 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 81,234 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
Escondido occupies an inland valley in northern San Diego County associated with avocado and citrus groves. Its history page records incorporation on October 8, 1888 as a historical fact, and the city operates as a general-law city with council-manager government. The city’s Lakes Division administers two notable open-space facilities: Dixon Lake in the northern hills, offering fishing, camping, boating, hiking and picnicking, and Daley Ranch, an open-space preserve with hiking, mountain-biking and equestrian recreation among native habitats including sagebrush and Engelmann oak woodlands. The City Clerk provides access to public records, connects the public with the council and city organization, and explains how to submit public comment and participate in meetings. For registration and vote-by-mail, the San Diego County Registrar of Voters is the county administrator.
Dixon Lake, administered by the city’s Lakes Division.
The City of Escondido’s Lakes Division administers the Daley Ranch open-space preserve.
Engelmann oak woodland, among other native habitats.
81,234 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
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