Explore Poway local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for San Diego County.
At a glance: Poway is an incorporated city in San Diego County. Population: 50,263 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 33,904 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
Poway is an inland valley city in northeastern San Diego County, east of Interstate 15 and west of Highway 67. Its community profile emphasizes a “City in the Country” identity built around preserving natural open space. The city’s history records incorporation in December 1980 as a historical fact, and it operates as a general-law city with council-manager government. Lake Poway is central to the city’s story: the city’s history states that a dam was constructed in 1971 to give residents a more permanent water source, and the reservoir is now also a recreational amenity. The community profile also lists the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve and Old Poway Park among local natural and civic spaces. The City Clerk’s Office serves as the city’s Election Official, Legislative Administrator and Records Manager, maintaining and protecting official, permanent and historic records and overseeing compliance with public-meeting, disclosure and public-records laws. County voting services are administered by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.
The city’s history states that a dam was constructed in 1971 to provide residents with a more permanent water source.
The community profile emphasizes the preservation of natural open space.
The City Clerk’s Office is custodian of official records and manages the citywide records-management program.
33,904 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
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