Gaviota, Central Coast, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
30,913
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,037/yr
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,836
1.9% year-over-year change

Gaviota population

How many people live in Gaviota

Gaviota is home to 30,913 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Gaviota locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
30,913
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
15,339
Female
50.4%
15,574
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,339 49.6% 0.6%
Female 15,574 50.4% 2.2%
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 Gaviota is 24, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.5% are children under 15, then 42.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.3% of the population, while another 16.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
23.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.5%
15 to 24
42.3%
25 to 44
20.3%
45 to 64
16.5%
Over 65
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,247 10.5% -7.2%
15 to 24 13,080 42.3% 1.4%
25 to 44 6,277 20.3% 1.6%
45 to 64 5,105 16.5% 2.5%
Over 65 3,204 10.4% 8.8%
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 Gaviota, 79.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 52.4% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 14.5% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 12% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 17.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
79.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.3%
Non-citizens
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,495 79.2% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,888 9.3% -1.7%
Non-citizens 3,530 11.4% 1.9%
Racial breakdown
White
52.4%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
14.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
17.4%
Other
12%
Value Percent
White 16,197 52.4%
Black or African American 787 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 301 1%
Asian 4,474 14.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 41 0.1%
Two or more races 5,394 17.4%
Other 3,718 12%

Households in Gaviota

A peek inside Gaviota households

Gaviota has 10,087 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 49.3% are families, while the remaining 50.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,087
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,113
Family households
4,973
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,113 50.7% 0.4%
Family households 4,973 49.3% 3.3%
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 Gaviota

The housing landscape of Gaviota

Gaviota's housing consists of 10,836 units, with 34.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.3% 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 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,836
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,753 34.6%
1 unit, attached 1,006 9.3%
2 units 332 3.1%
3 or 4 units 827 7.6%
5 to 9 units 1,404 13%
10 to 19 units 1,176 10.8%
20 to 49 units 892 8.2%
50 or more units 979 9%
Mobile home 463 4.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
90
16.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gaviota

In Gaviota, the median construction year is 1974. About 1.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 150 1.4% 26.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 171 1.6% -31.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 875 8.1% 16.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,375 31.2% 9.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,286 21.1% -11.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,175 10.8% -2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 995 9.2% -4.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 880 8.1% 15.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 839 7.7% 8.8%
Built in 2020 or later 90 0.8% 16.9%
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.

Gaviota occupancy rates

Out of the 10,087 occupied housing units in Gaviota, 38.2% are owner-occupied, while 61.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,087
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,239
Owner occupied
3,848
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,239 61.8% 2.1%
Owner occupied 3,848 38.2% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.9%
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.

Gaviota housing costs

Housing costs in Gaviota come to a median of $2,233 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,054.

Median housing costs per month
$2,233/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 Gaviota
$2,054/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 Gaviota

Gaviota education at a glance

About 17.9% of the population in Gaviota went to high school, while 39.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 19.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 830 3.1% -1.8%
High school diploma 4,814 17.9% 5.6%
College diploma 10,567 39.3% -0.4%
Associate degree 2,049 7.6% 6.4%
Bachelor's degree 5,242 19.5% 2.4%
Graduate degree 3,416 12.7% 9.4%
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 Gaviota

How much people earn in Gaviota

The average annual household income in Gaviota was $124,019 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,037, reflecting a +5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gaviota
$124,019/year
6.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gaviota
$90,037/year
5.0% year-over-year change

Gaviota income by age

In Gaviota, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $116,990. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,544 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,860, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $90,729 in earnings. Overall, 74.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,860 5.0%
25 - 44 $116,990 2.6%
45 - 64 $149,544 -1.2%
Over 65 $90,729 10.1%
Above poverty level
19,837
Below poverty level
6,758
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,837 74.6% 0.7%
Below poverty level 6,758 25.4% -2.5%

Employment in Gaviota

Workforce and job types in Gaviota

87.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 58.1% are employed by private companies, and 22.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
14,038
Blue collar
2,048
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 14,038 87.3% 2.8%
Blue collar 2,048 12.7% 4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
58.1%
Governmental workers
22.3%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,506 9.4% 2.1%
Private companies 9,346 58.1% 1.5%
Governmental workers 3,594 22.3% 4.8%
Not for profit companies 1,640 10.2% 7.8%

Transportation in Gaviota

How people get around in Gaviota

Commuting methods vary: 77.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.8% 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 9,915 77.5% 2.2%
Taxicab 13 0.1% 18.2%
Bus or trolleybus 479 3.7% 7.6%
Railroad 16 0.1% 100.0%
Motorcycle 46 0.4% -54.0%
Bicycle 1,071 8.4% -10.8%
Walk 1,258 9.8% 15.6%
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 Gaviota by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93117 52,934 17,272 $90,037 $124,132

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FAQs about Gaviota demographics 

What is the total population of Gaviota?

Gaviota has a total population of 30,913 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gaviota?

The gender ratio in Gaviota is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (15,339 residents)
  • 50.4% females (15,574 residents)

What is the median age in Gaviota?

The median age in Gaviota is 23.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gaviota?

The age distribution in Gaviota is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.5% (3,247 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 42.3% (13,080 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.3% (6,277 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.5% (5,105 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.4% (3,204 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gaviota?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gaviota is as follows:
  • White: 52.4% (16,197 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (787 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (301 residents)
  • Asian: 14.5% (4,474 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (41 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.4% (5,394 residents)
  • Other: 12% (3,718 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 79.2% of the population in Gaviota.

How many housing units are there in Gaviota?

There are 10,836 housing units in Gaviota, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gaviota has a total of 10,087 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gaviota?

Gaviota has a median household income of $90,037, representing a +5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Gaviota?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.3% (14,038 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.7% (2,048 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (1,506 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.1% (9,346 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.3% (3,594 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (1,640 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