Brea, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
47,469
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$131,129/yr
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,373
1.0% year-over-year change

Brea population

How many people live in Brea

Brea is home to 47,469 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Brea locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
47,469
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
22,530
Female
52.5%
24,939
Value Percent YoY change
Male 22,530 47.5% 1.6%
Female 24,939 52.5% -0.8%
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 Brea is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.3% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
28.3%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,902 18.8% 2.7%
15 to 24 5,421 11.4% -5.7%
25 to 44 13,450 28.3% 4.0%
45 to 64 11,519 24.3% -5.0%
Over 65 8,177 17.2% 4.1%
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 Brea, 74.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 28.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.4%
Non-citizens
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 35,170 74.1% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,310 15.4% 1.3%
Non-citizens 4,989 10.5% 3.4%
Racial breakdown
White
41%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
28.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.7%
Other
11.4%
Value Percent
White 19,446 41%
Black or African American 861 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 404 0.8%
Asian 13,403 28.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 15 0%
Two or more races 7,907 16.7%
Other 5,433 11.4%

Households in Brea

A peek inside Brea households

Brea has 16,787 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.5% are families, while the remaining 27.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,787
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,620
Family households
12,167
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,620 27.5% 6.3%
Family households 12,167 72.5% -0.4%
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 Brea

The housing landscape of Brea

Brea's housing consists of 17,373 units, with 54.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.4% 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 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,373
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,415 54.2%
1 unit, attached 1,986 11.4%
2 units 39 0.2%
3 or 4 units 640 3.7%
5 to 9 units 585 3.4%
10 to 19 units 487 2.8%
20 to 49 units 887 5.1%
50 or more units 2,651 15.3%
Mobile home 683 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
162
15.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brea

In Brea, the median construction year is 1978. About 1.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 290 1.7% 7.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 100 0.6% -50.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,514 8.7% -12.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,825 16.3% -2.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,740 27.3% 2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,650 15.2% 5.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 935 5.4% 4.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,622 9.3% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,535 14.6% 7.3%
Built in 2020 or later 162 0.9% 15.7%
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.

Brea occupancy rates

Out of the 16,787 occupied housing units in Brea, 59.7% are owner-occupied, while 40.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,787
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,759
Owner occupied
10,028
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,759 40.3% 2.8%
Owner occupied 10,028 59.7% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
3.4%
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.

Brea housing costs

Housing costs in Brea come to a median of $2,470 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,397.

Median housing costs per month
$2,470/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 Brea
$2,397/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 Brea

Brea education at a glance

About 19.7% of the population in Brea went to high school, while 20.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 30.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,177 3.2% 0.2%
High school diploma 7,217 19.7% 0.5%
College diploma 7,407 20.2% -9.6%
Associate degree 2,989 8.1% 3.0%
Bachelor's degree 11,047 30.1% 0.9%
Graduate degree 6,863 18.7% 9.3%
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 Brea

How much people earn in Brea

The average annual household income in Brea was $159,788 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $131,129, reflecting a +5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brea
$159,788/year
6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brea
$131,129/year
5.0% year-over-year change

Brea income by age

In Brea, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $138,615. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $156,413 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,232, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $94,115 in earnings. Overall, 93.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,232 5.3%
25 - 44 $138,615 6.7%
45 - 64 $156,413 1.5%
Over 65 $94,115 13.5%
Above poverty level
43,511
Below poverty level
3,069
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 43,511 93.4% 0.0%
Below poverty level 3,069 6.6% 4.5%

Average renter income in Brea

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brea, their median household income was $80,990 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$80,990
Rent-to-income ratio
35.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brea

Workforce and job types in Brea

The job market in Brea is powered by 23,420 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.1% run their own businesses, 63.5% are employed by private companies, and 16.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
23,420
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
20,470
Blue collar
2,950
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 20,470 87.4% 1.6%
Blue collar 2,950 12.6% -9.7%
Employer type
Self employees
11.1%
Private companies
63.5%
Governmental workers
16.1%
Not for profit companies
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,604 11.1% 3.6%
Private companies 14,866 63.5% -1.6%
Governmental workers 3,771 16.1% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 2,179 9.3% 0.7%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
-2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brea stands at 5.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Brea

How people get around in Brea

Commuting methods vary: 80.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% 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 18,453 80.6% -3.6%
Taxicab 33 0.1% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0% 22.2%
Subway or elevated 38 0.2% N/A
Railroad 97 0.4% -3.0%
Bicycle 224 1% 387.0%
Walk 199 0.9% -22.9%
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 Brea by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92821 41,623 14,705 $123,629 $156,203
92823 5,846 2,082 $169,900 $185,116

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Brea demographics 

What is the total population of Brea?

Brea has a total population of 47,469 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brea?

The gender ratio in Brea is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (22,530 residents)
  • 52.5% females (24,939 residents)

What is the median age in Brea?

The median age in Brea is 39.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brea?

The age distribution in Brea is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (8,902 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (5,421 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.3% (13,450 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (11,519 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (8,177 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brea?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brea is as follows:
  • White: 41% (19,446 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (861 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (404 residents)
  • Asian: 28.2% (13,403 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (15 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.7% (7,907 residents)
  • Other: 11.4% (5,433 residents)

What percentage of the population in Brea are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.1% of the population in Brea.

How many housing units are there in Brea?

There are 17,373 housing units in Brea, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Brea and what is the average household size?

Brea has a total of 16,787 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brea?

Brea has a median household income of $131,129, representing a +5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brea?

The employment rate is 94.9% in Brea, with a workforce of 23,420 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.4% (20,470 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.6% (2,950 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.1% (2,604 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.5% (14,866 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.1% (3,771 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.3% (2,179 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