Santa Catalina Island, Avalon, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
779
-9.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$105,139/yr
14.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
478
6.5% year-over-year change

Santa Catalina Island population

How many people live in Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island is home to 779 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Santa Catalina Island locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
779
-9.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
389
Female
50.1%
390
Value Percent YoY change
Male 389 49.9% -11.4%
Female 390 50.1% -6.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Santa Catalina Island is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.9% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.7% of the population, while another 19.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.9%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
29.7%
45 to 64
19.3%
Over 65
23.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 124 15.9% -22.5%
15 to 24 91 11.7% -14.9%
25 to 44 231 29.7% -3.8%
45 to 64 150 19.3% -33.6%
Over 65 182 23.4% 46.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Santa Catalina Island, 72.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 27.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18.6%
Non-citizens
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 568 72.9% -10.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 145 18.6% 59.3%
Non-citizens 66 8.5% -50.4%
Racial breakdown
White
57.5%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
27.5%
Other
14.5%
Value Percent
White 447 57.5%
Black or African American 1 0.1%
Asian 2 0.3%
Two or more races 214 27.5%
Other 113 14.5%

Households in Santa Catalina Island

A peek inside Santa Catalina Island households

Santa Catalina Island has 313 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.3% are families, while the remaining 29.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
313
11.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
93
Family households
220
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 93 29.7% 63.2%
Family households 220 70.3% -1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Santa Catalina Island

The housing landscape of Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island's housing consists of 478 units, with 32.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
478
6.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 156 32.6%
1 unit, attached 43 9%
2 units 60 12.6%
3 or 4 units 74 15.5%
5 to 9 units 68 14.2%
10 to 19 units 43 9%
20 to 49 units 23 4.8%
50 or more units 8 1.7%
Mobile home 3 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Catalina Island

In Santa Catalina Island, the median construction year is 1947. About 46% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 220 46% 19.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 25 5.2% -16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 24 5% -7.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 12 2.5% 20.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 128 26.8% 11.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 49 10.2% 2.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4 0.8% -69.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16 3.4% -23.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Santa Catalina Island occupancy rates

Out of the 313 occupied housing units in Santa Catalina Island, 51.4% are owner-occupied, while 48.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 34.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
313
11.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
152
Owner occupied
161
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 152 48.6% -18.7%
Owner occupied 161 51.4% 73.1%
Unoccupied housing units
34.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Santa Catalina Island housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Catalina Island come to a median of $2,153 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,006.

Median housing costs per month
$2,153/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Santa Catalina Island
$2,006/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island education at a glance

About 26.6% of the population in Santa Catalina Island went to high school, while 30.7% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 12.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 70 11.2% -16.7%
High school diploma 167 26.6% -26.4%
College diploma 193 30.7% 27.0%
Associate degree 43 6.8% -44.2%
Bachelor's degree 78 12.4% -25.7%
Graduate degree 77 12.3% 381.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Santa Catalina Island

How much people earn in Santa Catalina Island

The average annual household income in Santa Catalina Island was $102,260 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -10.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $105,139, reflecting a +14.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Catalina Island
$102,260/year
-10.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Catalina Island
$105,139/year
14.7% year-over-year change

Santa Catalina Island income by age

In Santa Catalina Island, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,534. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,375 overall. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $76,534 0.9%
45 - 64 $105,375 1.2%
Over 65 $138,478 3.8%
Above poverty level
677
Below poverty level
90
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 677 88.3% -11.5%
Below poverty level 90 11.7% 8.4%

Employment in Santa Catalina Island

Workforce and job types in Santa Catalina Island

79.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.9% run their own businesses, 65.2% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
350
Blue collar
91
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 350 79.4% -5.2%
Blue collar 91 20.6% -31.1%
Employer type
Self employees
12.9%
Private companies
65.2%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 57 12.9% -12.3%
Private companies 288 65.2% -20.0%
Governmental workers 56 12.7% 80.7%
Not for profit companies 41 9.3% -10.9%

Transportation in Santa Catalina Island

How people get around in Santa Catalina Island

Commuting methods vary: 51.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 48% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 195 51.2% -4.9%
Bus or trolleybus 3 0.8% 0.0%
Walk 183 48% -12.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Santa Catalina Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90704 3,421 1,374 $105,139 $102,260

Explore more communities

FAQs about Santa Catalina Island demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Catalina Island?

Santa Catalina Island has a total population of 779 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -9.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Catalina Island?

The gender ratio in Santa Catalina Island is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (389 residents)
  • 50.1% females (390 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Catalina Island?

The median age in Santa Catalina Island is 40.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Catalina Island?

The age distribution in Santa Catalina Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.9% (124 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (91 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.7% (231 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.3% (150 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.4% (182 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Catalina Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Catalina Island is as follows:
  • White: 57.5% (447 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 27.5% (214 residents)
  • Other: 14.5% (113 residents)

What percentage of the population in Santa Catalina Island are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.9% of the population in Santa Catalina Island.

How many housing units are there in Santa Catalina Island?

There are 478 housing units in Santa Catalina Island, reflecting a +6.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Santa Catalina Island and what is the average household size?

Santa Catalina Island has a total of 313 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Catalina Island?

Santa Catalina Island has a median household income of $105,139, representing a +14.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Santa Catalina Island?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.4% (350 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.6% (91 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.9% (57 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.2% (288 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (56 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.3% (41 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025