Inmate Population: Los Angeles County Jail Population 2026

Inmate Population in Los Angeles County reached an average daily count of 13,079 during the first quarter of 2026, marking a modest rise from the 13,054 recorded in 2025. This Los Angeles County jail population reflects incremental growth driven by higher arrest activity and a steady flow of new bookings, while release practices have remained consistent at a 10 percent early‑release threshold for short‑sentence inmates. The Los Angeles County inmate population count includes both sentenced and non‑adjudicated individuals, with roughly 54 percent awaiting trial or sentencing and 46 percent classified as sentenced. Facility‑specific data show Men’s Central Jail housing 4,122 inmates, Twin Towers Correctional Facility 2,484, and the remaining census spread across the Century Regional Detention Facility, Pitchess Detention Centers, and North County Correctional Facility. The Los Angeles County custody population thus exceeds its Board of State and Community Corrections rated capacity by about four percent, prompting continued monitoring of jail occupancy and bed availability across the system.

Inmate Population demographics in Los Angeles County reveal a pronounced concentration of Hispanic and Black offenders, accounting for roughly 55 percent and 29 percent of the total respectively, while White inmates comprise about 13 percent of the current jail population. Age analysis shows the 26‑34 cohort representing 33 percent of the census, followed by the 45‑and‑older group at 23 percent. Gender distribution remains heavily male at 89 percent, with females representing only 11 percent of the current jail population. The Los Angeles County inmate statistics also break down custody status: pretrial inmates constitute 54 percent of the Los Angeles County detention population, sentenced inmates 7 percent, and a small segment of about 3 percent are in transfer or awaiting court proceedings. Facility‑level inmate population data indicate that Men’s Central Jail operates at 108 percent of its rated capacity, while Pitchess Detention Center – North exceeds capacity by 49 percent. These Los Angeles County jail statistics guide the Sheriff’s Department in allocating resources, adjusting jail bed capacity, and planning rehabilitation programs to address the diverse needs captured in the Los Angeles County inmate population report.

How to Search Inmate Population

You can look up inmate population data for Los Angeles County through the Sheriff’s Department public website. The site gives you daily counts for every jail run by the county. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official jail roster resources. You do not need to sign up or log in to see the data. All the numbers are open to any person who visits the portal at any time of day.

Official Search Portal: https://lasd.org/

Steps to Search

  1. Open your web browser and go to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website at the address shown above.
  2. Look at the top menu bar and click on the “Jail Information” or “Custody” link.
  3. Pick the “Inmate Population” or “Jail Population” tab to see the full report list.
  4. Read the table that shows the current count, rated capacity, and open beds for each jail.
  5. Open the report archive to find past daily, monthly, and yearly population numbers.

Los Angeles County Inmate Population Data

The Los Angeles County inmate population data shows the total number of people held in county jails on any given day. The Sheriff’s Department collects these numbers every day and posts them for public review. The data covers all custody statuses, such as pretrial, sentenced, and transfer inmates. These daily reports give a clear picture of how the local jail system is sized.

Current Inmate Population

The current inmate population in Los Angeles County averages 13,079 people per day during the first quarter of 2026. This number is a small rise from the 13,054 average reported for the year 2025. The current jail population covers both men and women held at seven major jail sites. You can use this daily figure to track how the county jail system changes over time.

Daily Population Count

The daily population count is the number of inmates physically in custody at a set time on a given day. The Sheriff’s Department uses midnight as the standard count time for this data. The daily inmate count changes by a small amount each day based on new bookings and releases. The total jail population on a single day can be higher or lower than the quarterly average.

Population Reporting Date

Each population report shows the exact date when the data was collected. The population reporting date helps you match the count to a specific day. Reports may lag by one to two days based on the time it takes to process new entries. You should always check the date stamp before using the data for any official purpose.

Total Custody Population

The total custody population in Los Angeles County covers all people held in any facility run by the Sheriff’s Department. This number counts sentenced inmates, pretrial inmates, and federal or state holds. The total detention population sits above the state-rated capacity of the system by about four percent. The Sheriff’s Department tracks this total to plan for housing and staffing needs.

Population Data Source

The population data source is the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Custody Division. This office collects the counts from every jail and submits them to the public portal. The Board of State and Community Corrections also uses this data for state-level reports. The data source stays the same for daily, monthly, and yearly reports.

Inmate Population by Facility

The Los Angeles County jail system has seven main facilities that hold inmates. Each facility reports its own population count every day. The jail population by facility shows how the total detention population spreads across the system. You can use this facility-level data to see which jails are at or over capacity.

  • Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles
  • Twin Towers Correctional Facility near the medical center
  • Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood
  • Pitchess Detention Center North, South, and East sites in Castaic
  • North County Correctional Facility in Castaic

Los Angeles County Jail Population

The Los Angeles County jail population as a whole totals close to 13,100 inmates on a typical day. Men’s Central Jail holds the largest share with 4,122 inmates. Twin Towers Correctional Facility ranks second with 2,484 inmates. The other facilities share the rest of the population across men and women.

Detention Facility Counts

The detention facility counts break down the total inmate population by jail location. You can see the number of inmates at each site in the table below. These numbers are updated by the Sheriff’s Department on a daily basis. Facility counts help the public track how full each jail is at any point in time.

FacilityInmate CountRated CapacityOccupancy Rate
Men’s Central Jail4,1223,817108%
Twin Towers Correctional Facility2,4842,400103%
Century Regional Detention Facility1,8901,800105%
Pitchess Detention Center – North1,205810149%
Pitchess Detention Center – South9801,04094%
Pitchess Detention Center – East1,1501,20096%
North County Correctional Facility1,2481,200104%

Facility Capacity

Facility capacity is the maximum number of inmates a jail can hold based on its design and state rating. The Board of State and Community Corrections sets the rated capacity for each Los Angeles County jail. The system-wide capacity sits at around 12,267 beds. Several facilities already operate above this rated level each day.

Occupied Beds

Occupied beds are the number of jail beds in use at a given time. The total number of occupied jail beds across the system stays near 13,079 on a typical day. Some facilities show occupancy above 100 percent, which means inmates sleep in temporary or overflow spaces. The occupied bed count helps the Sheriff’s Department decide on transfers.

Available Capacity

Available capacity is the number of empty beds left in a facility. Los Angeles County jail capacity is tight across the system, with most facilities showing zero or negative available beds. Negative numbers mean the jail is over its rated capacity. The Sheriff’s Department uses this data to decide where to house new arrestees.

Inmate Population by Custody Category

The Los Angeles County detention population splits into different custody categories. Each category shows the legal status of the inmate at the time of the count. The custody breakdown helps the public see how many people are held before trial versus after a sentence. You can use this data to track the flow of inmates through the system over time.

Pretrial Population

The pretrial inmate population makes up the largest share of the Los Angeles County jail population. About 54 percent of all inmates are held in pretrial status. These people have been arrested and booked but have not yet gone to trial or sentencing. The pretrial count changes each day as courts process cases and make release decisions.

Sentenced Population

The sentenced inmate population makes up about 7 percent of the total Los Angeles County custody population. These inmates have been convicted and are serving a sentence of one year or less in county jail. Sentenced inmates who get longer terms are usually moved to state prison after their county sentence ends. The sentenced count stays steady on most days.

Federal or State Holds

Some inmates in the Los Angeles County jail system are held on behalf of federal or state agencies. These inmates are waiting to be picked up by the U.S. Marshals or the California Department of Corrections. The number of federal or state holds sits at a small share of the daily count. The Sheriff’s Department reports these inmates as a separate custody category.

Transfer Population

The transfer inmate population covers inmates who are moving from one facility to another. About 3 percent of the daily count falls into this group. Transfers happen for many reasons, such as court appearances or housing changes. The transfer count can spike on days when the department moves many inmates at once.

Other Custody Categories

The Los Angeles County jail system tracks a few other custody categories beyond the main groups. These groups cover parole violators, immigration holds, and inmates with mental health needs. Each group is small but still tracked in the daily data. The full list of custody types appears in the official population reports.

Inmate Population Demographics

The Los Angeles County inmate population data shows a clear demographic pattern across age, race, and gender. The Sheriff’s Department collects these facts for every inmate booked into a county jail. The demographic data helps the public see who is held in custody. You can use this data to study trends in the local jail system over time.

Age Groups

The age data for the Los Angeles County jail population shows the largest group is between 26 and 34 years old. This age cohort makes up about 33 percent of all inmates. The second largest group is 45 years and older at 23 percent of the count. Younger inmates between 18 and 25 make up a smaller share of the daily jail census.

Gender Categories

The gender breakdown of the Los Angeles County jail population is heavily male. About 89 percent of inmates are men. Women make up only 11 percent of the total jail count. The female share has stayed steady over the past few years based on the published inmate statistics.

Other Published Demographics

The inmate statistics report also tracks race and ethnicity for the jail population. The data below shows the racial and ethnic breakdown of the current inmate count. These numbers come from the Sheriff’s Department annual report for 2025.

Race or EthnicityShare of Population
Hispanic55%
Black29%
White13%
Asian or Pacific Islander2%
Other or Unknown1%

Reporting Periods for Demographic Data

The demographic data is published on a yearly basis as part of the annual jail statistics report. The Sheriff’s Department also posts quarterly updates for key demographic groups. The reporting periods follow the calendar year from January to December. Older demographic data is kept in the report archive for public review.

Historical Inmate Population

The Los Angeles County jail population has changed over the past several years. The Sheriff’s Department keeps daily, monthly, and yearly records of the inmate count. You can use the historical data to track long-term trends in the local jail system. The data is open to the public through the Sheriff’s Department archive.

Daily Historical Counts

The daily historical counts show the inmate population for each day of the year. You can look up a single date to see how many people were in custody at that time. The daily data covers the past ten years in most cases. The counts help researchers and reporters study the jail system over time.

Monthly Population Data

The monthly population data shows the average inmate count for each month. This data smooths out the daily swings in bookings and releases. The monthly data is useful for spotting seasonal changes in the jail population. You can find monthly data for the past several years in the public report archive.

Annual Population Data

The annual population data gives the total and average count for each year. The yearly inmate count for Los Angeles County was 13,054 on average in 2025. The yearly count is the main number used in state and federal reports. You can compare yearly data to see how the jail population grows or shrinks over time.

Historical Facility Capacity

The historical facility capacity shows how the rated capacity of each jail has changed. Some facilities have added beds over the past ten years. Others have stayed at the same rated level. The historical capacity data helps you compare past inmate counts to past bed limits at each facility.

Long-Term Population Trends

The long-term inmate population trends in Los Angeles County show a slow rise over the past five years. The jail population climbed from a yearly average of 12,800 in 2020 to 13,079 in early 2026. The growth has been small but steady. The Sheriff’s Department watches these trends to plan for future capacity needs.

Inmate Population Reports

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department posts a range of inmate population reports for the public. The reports cover daily, monthly, and yearly time periods. You can use these reports to check the jail population count at any time. The full list of reports is open to any person who visits the public portal.

  • Daily population report with current inmate counts at each jail
  • Monthly population report with average counts and change data
  • Annual population report with full year totals and demographics
  • Population statistics summary page with key daily numbers
  • Archived reports for past years going back more than a decade

Daily Population Reports

The daily population report shows the inmate count for a single day at every county jail. The report lists the facility name, the inmate count, and the bed capacity. The daily report is updated every day by the Custody Division. You can download the report as a PDF from the public archive.

Monthly Reports

The monthly inmate population report shows the average count for each month. The report also lists the number of new bookings and releases during the month. The monthly data is posted at the end of each month. You can use the monthly report to track how the jail population changes over a 30-day window.

Annual Reports

The annual inmate population report covers the full year of data. The report shows yearly averages, demographic breakdowns, and capacity use. The annual report is the main source for state and federal reviews. The Sheriff’s Department posts the annual report on its public website every spring.

Population Statistics

The population statistics section on the public portal gives a quick view of key numbers. The page shows the current count, the daily change, and the yearly average. Additional county documentation and official archives are indexed under warrantrecords. The statistics page is updated each day with fresh numbers. You can use this page to check the latest inmate population without downloading a full report.

Archived Reports

The archived reports section holds past daily, monthly, and yearly inmate population reports. The archive goes back several years. You can search the archive by date or by facility. The archived reports are open to the public and free to download.

Inmate Population Changes

The Los Angeles County jail population changes every day. New arrestees come into the system, and other inmates leave. The Sheriff’s Department tracks every entry and exit at each facility. The data on these changes is open to the public through the daily and monthly reports.

New Admissions

New admissions are inmates who enter the Los Angeles County jail system for the first time on a given day. The daily admissions count covers new arrestees booked at any county jail. The number of new admissions can spike on weekends and after major events. The Sheriff’s Department tracks the daily admissions figure in each report.

Releases

Releases are inmates who leave the Los Angeles County jail system on a given day. The daily release count covers people who post bail, finish their sentence, or are released by court order. The release rate stays steady at about 90 percent of the admission rate over the long term. Short-sentence inmates get a 10 percent early-release credit based on county rules.

Transfers

Transfers are inmates who move from one Los Angeles County jail to another. The daily transfer count covers moves for court dates, medical needs, or housing changes. Transfers help balance the inmate population across facilities. The transfer count is reported as a separate line in the daily jail report.

Population Increases

Population increases happen when the number of new admissions is higher than the number of releases. The Los Angeles County jail population has seen small increases over the past year. The increase from 2025 to 2026 was about 25 inmates per day on average. Population increases put pressure on jail bed capacity.

Population Decreases

Population decreases happen when the number of releases is higher than the number of new admissions. The Los Angeles County jail population sometimes drops after major court sessions. The Sheriff’s Department watches these drops to plan for staffing and food services. Daily decrease data is open to the public.

Inmate Population Data Access

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department gives the public many ways to access inmate population data. You can view data online, download reports, or visit a facility in person. The goal is to keep the public aware of how many people are held in the county jail system. The data is open to anyone who asks for it.

  • Online population portal on the public Sheriff’s Department website
  • Public statistics page with key daily numbers and changes
  • Downloadable PDF reports for daily, monthly, and yearly data
  • Historical data archive for past years of population numbers
  • Email alerts for new report postings from the Sheriff’s Department

Online Population Information

The online population data is posted on the Sheriff’s Department public website. You can view the current count, the daily change, and the historical numbers. The online portal is open 24 hours a day. You do not need an account to use the public website.

Public Population Statistics

The public population statistics give a quick view of the most important numbers. The page shows the current count, the capacity, and the occupancy rate. The statistics page updates every day. The public statistics page is the easiest way to check the latest inmate population number.

Downloadable Reports

You can download full inmate population reports from the Sheriff’s Department website. The reports come as PDF files that are easy to save on your computer. The downloadable reports cover daily, monthly, and yearly data. The reports are free for any person to use.

Historical Data Access

The historical data archive holds past reports that go back several years. You can search the archive by date or by facility. The archive gives you access to past inmate counts and capacity data. The historical data is open to the public for research and review.

Restricted Information

Some inmate population data is not open to the public. Personal details about each inmate are kept private by law. The full booking record and medical data are not posted on the public site. The restricted data is only shared with court officials, lawyers, and law enforcement partners.

Inmate Population Data Accuracy

The Los Angeles County inmate population data is collected with care each day. The Sheriff’s Department works to keep the numbers correct. The data goes through checks before it is posted on the public site. You can trust the daily count to match the actual number of inmates in custody at the time of the count.

Population Count Updates

Population count updates happen as the Sheriff’s Department processes new bookings and releases. The daily count is updated by 6:00 a.m. each day. Later updates may be posted if there is a delay in the data. The count reflects the inmate population at midnight of the report date.

Reporting Delays

Reporting delays can happen on weekends and holidays. The daily count may post one to two days late in rare cases. The Sheriff’s Department posts a note on the website when a delay happens. The delay does not change the count, only the date the report is posted.

Differences Between Reports

Different inmate population reports can show slightly different numbers for the same day. The daily report shows the count at midnight. The monthly report shows the average count for the month. The yearly report shows the average for the year. The differences come from the time period each report covers.

Corrected Population Data

The Sheriff’s Department sometimes updates past reports when a count was wrong. The corrected data replaces the older number on the public site. A note is posted when a correction has been made. You should check the date of the report to see if you are looking at the corrected number.

Limitations of Published Counts

The published inmate population counts have some limits. The counts do not show how long each inmate will stay in custody. The counts do not show the reason for each booking. The counts are also a snapshot, not a live count. You should use the data with these limits in mind.

Inmate Population Questions

The Los Angeles County jail population raises many common questions. The answers below come from the public data posted by the Sheriff’s Department. You can use these facts to better understand how the local jail system works. Each answer points to the type of data the public can see on the website.

Why Does the Population Count Change?

The inmate population count changes each day based on bookings and releases. New arrestees come in, and other inmates leave. The net change can be small or large based on the day of the week. The Sheriff’s Department posts the daily net change in the population report.

Why Do Facility Counts Differ?

Facility counts differ based on the size of each jail and the type of inmates held there. Men’s Central Jail holds the most inmates based on its size. Some facilities are designed for specific groups, like women or people with medical needs. The facility counts are open to the public in the daily report.

Why Is Recent Population Data Missing?

Recent population data may be missing from the public site for a few reasons. The Sheriff’s Department may be checking the data before posting. Holidays can delay the posting of daily reports. The website may be down for maintenance during a posting window. The data is usually posted within a day or two of the count date.

How Often Is Population Data Updated?

Population data is updated on the public site every day. The daily count is posted by 6:00 a.m. most days. Monthly and yearly reports are posted at the end of each month and year. You can sign up for email alerts to get a notice when new data is posted.

Where Can Historical Population Data Be Found?

Historical population data is open to the public in the report archive on the Sheriff’s Department website. The archive holds daily, monthly, and yearly reports from past years. You can search the archive by date or by facility. The historical data is free to download and use for research.

Inmate Population and Related Records

The Los Angeles County inmate population data relates to many other public records. You can use the population count to find the current inmate list, the daily booking report, and the jail roster. Each record serves a different purpose for the public. The Sheriff’s Department keeps these records separate so people can find what they need.

Inmate Population vs. Current Inmates

The inmate population is a count of all people in custody at a set time. The current inmates list shows each person in custody by name and booking number. The population count is a number, and the current inmates list is a set of names. The two records work together to give a full picture of the jail system.

Inmate Population vs. Current Bookings

The inmate population is a count of all inmates in custody. The current bookings list shows the new arrestees booked in the past 24 hours. The population count covers everyone in the jail, and the bookings list covers only new entries. The two records give different views of the jail system.

Inmate Population vs. Jail Roster

The inmate population is a daily count, and the jail roster is a list of every inmate by name. The roster shows the name, booking number, and housing location of each person. The population count is a number, and the roster is a list. The roster updates more often than the population count.

Inmate Population vs. Booking Reports

The inmate population covers everyone in custody. The booking report shows each new booking with the date, time, and charge. The population count and the booking report work together to track the flow of inmates. The Sheriff’s Department posts both records on the public site.

Inmate Population vs. Jail Records

The inmate population is a number from the Custody Division. The jail records cover court dates, charges, and release dates for each inmate. The population count and the jail records serve different needs. The population count gives the size of the system, and the records give the details of each case.

Contact Information

You can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for questions about inmate population data. The main office is open for jail data questions 24 hours a day. You can call the phone number below or visit the public website. Business hours for other services vary by facility.

Office Location

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
211 W. Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Frequently Asked Questions

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department tracks the inmate population for each jail, detention center, and specialty unit. Daily counts help families, attorneys, and policymakers understand crowding, release rates, and program needs. All data are posted on the public portal, so anyone can view the numbers without registering. Knowing the current inmate population count, demographic breakdowns, and facility‑level figures supports informed decisions about bail, court scheduling, and community resources.

What is the current inmate population count jails?

The latest quarterly report shows an average daily inmate population of 13,079 across all LASD custody facilities. This figure includes men’s central jail, twin towers, century regional detention, and the three Pitchess detention centers. The count rises and falls each day as bookings, releases, and transfers occur, so the posted number reflects a snapshot taken each morning. For the most recent day, the portal lists the exact total under “Current Inmate Population.”

How can I view daily inmate population statistics online?

Visit the LASD public website at https://lasd.org/. Choose the “Jail Information” tab, then click “Inmate Population Data.” The page displays a table with daily totals, facility‑by‑facility counts, and a graph of weekly trends. No login or fee is required; the data refresh every 24 hours. For a quick check, use the search box to type “daily inmate count” and the site will jump to the latest report.

Which Facilities House the Most LA County Inmates?

Men’s Central Jail carries the highest load, housing roughly 4,100 inmates on an average day, which is about 31 % of the total county count. Twin Towers Correctional Facility follows with about 2,480 inmates, representing 19 % of the overall population. The remaining inmates spread across Century Regional Detention Facility, the three Pitchess centers, and North County Correctional Facility, each holding between 700 and 1,200 individuals.

What Categories Classify LA County Inmates by Custody Status?

LASD groups inmates into four main custody status buckets: (1) No cases adjudicated, which includes most new bookings; (2) Partially sentenced, such as those serving short‑term or AB109 terms; (3) Fully sentenced, covering traditional county sentences and serious felonies; and (4) Transfer or release pending, which tracks inmates awaiting state prison placement or parole revocation. Each bucket appears in the daily report with separate counts for males and females, helping courts prioritize case processing.

Where can I find demographic breakdowns of the inmate population?

The LASD portal includes a “Demographics” tab within the inmate population section. Clicking it reveals tables for race, gender, age groups, and special‑population categories such as mental‑health or homeless status. Each table lists both raw numbers and percentages, allowing users to compare trends over time. The data are updated monthly, so the most recent quarter will display the latest demographic snapshot.