Identifiers: city · CDP
| Rank | Community | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego (city), CA | 1,386,932 |
| 2 | Oceanside (city), CA | 174,068 |
| 3 | Escondido (city), CA | 151,038 |
| 4 | Carlsbad (city), CA | 114,746 |
| 5 | Vista (city), CA | 98,381 |
| 6 | San Marcos (city), CA | 94,833 |
| 7 | San Clemente (city), CA | 64,293 |
| 8 | Encinitas (city), CA | 62,007 |
| 9 | Fallbrook (CDP), CA | 32,267 |
| 10 | Solana Beach (city), CA | 12,941 |
| 11 | Camp Pendleton South (CDP), CA | 12,468 |
| 12 | Camp Pendleton Mainside (CDP), CA | 9,683 |
| 13 | Lake San Marcos (CDP), CA | 5,328 |
| 14 | Bonsall (CDP), CA | 4,546 |
| 15 | Hidden Meadows (CDP), CA | 4,484 |
| 16 | Del Mar (city), CA | 3,954 |
| 17 | Rancho Santa Fe (CDP), CA | 3,156 |
| 18 | Fairbanks Ranch (CDP), CA | 3,002 |
| 19 | Harmony Grove (CDP), CA | 2,079 |
| 20 | Elfin Forest (CDP), CA | 600 |