Los Cabos is Booming: What the Population Growth Means for the Region

By Brady Thomas Rice
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Los Cabos has always been known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. But today, it’s also known for something else — rapid growth. The area is changing fast, and many people are calling it one of the most exciting places to live and work in Mexico.

A Population Surge

Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Los Cabos grew by 47%. It went from about 238,000 people to over 351,000. That’s four times faster than the national growth rate during the same period.

The bigger picture is even more impressive. Back in 1990, only 40,000 people lived in Los Cabos. Today, that number is over 350,000. Nearly half of the entire state of Baja California Sur now calls Los Cabos home.

Growth Brings Opportunity

This growth has created many new jobs — especially in tourism and construction. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and golf courses are being built across the region. Apartment buildings and family homes are also going up to meet demand.

As a result, many people are moving here from other parts of Mexico. States like Guerrero, Sinaloa, and Estado de México are sending young workers who bring energy and talent to the area.

More people also mean better services. New schools, hospitals, roads, and parks are being built. These improvements benefit everyone, including long-time locals and new residents.

A Young and Active Community

The population of Los Cabos is young. Most people are between 25 and 34 years old. This means the area is full of energy and ideas. It also means there’s a strong workforce to support local businesses.

Only a small part of the population is from outside Mexico. In fact, just 3% of people in Los Cabos are U.S. citizens, and foreign residents make up only about 5% overall. So while the area is popular with expats, it remains proudly Mexican.

Cabo San Lucas Takes the Lead

There are two main cities in Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Both are growing, but Cabo San Lucas has grown the fastest. From 2010 to 2020, its population nearly tripled — from 68,000 to over 202,000. It’s now larger than San José del Cabo, which doubled in size during the same period.

Smaller nearby towns like Miraflores, Santiago, and Buenavista have grown more slowly. These places offer a quieter lifestyle and remain close to their farming and cultural roots.

Planning for the Future

Rapid growth comes with challenges. Water is one of them. Los Cabos doesn’t have enough water to meet future demand. But local leaders are taking action. A new desalination plant is expected to open soon, which will help support future needs.

City planners are also thinking about smart ways to grow. They are working on better roads, stronger infrastructure, and ways to protect the environment as more people move in.

Looking Ahead

Experts predict the population of Los Cabos could reach 700,000 to 800,000 by the year 2040. That means it could double again — just like it has in the past.

For many, that’s exciting news. Los Cabos is full of potential. It’s a place where people come to build a better life, start a business, or enjoy a higher quality of living. It’s not just a tourist destination anymore — it’s a thriving, growing community.

A Bright Future for Los Cabos

Los Cabos is changing fast — but in many ways, it’s changing for the better. With good planning, strong leadership, and a focus on sustainability, the region is ready for the future.

Whether you’re a local, a new resident, or just someone keeping an eye on the market, one thing is clear: Los Cabos is on the rise — and there’s never been a better time to be part of it.

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Brady Thomas Rice
President, The BTR Group