Chula Vista, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
276,375
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,032/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
90,273
-0.3% year-over-year change

Chula Vista population

How many people live in Chula Vista

Chula Vista is home to 276,375 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Chula Vista locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
276,375
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
135,911
Female
50.8%
140,464
Value Percent YoY change
Male 135,911 49.2% -0.1%
Female 140,464 50.8% 1.1%
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 Chula Vista is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.6% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
28.6%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
13.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 54,623 19.8% 0.3%
15 to 24 37,123 13.4% 2.7%
25 to 44 78,996 28.6% -0.8%
45 to 64 68,642 24.8% -0.9%
Over 65 36,991 13.4% 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 Chula Vista, 67.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 21.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.7% of locals are Caucasian, 5.2% are African American and 14.6% have Asian roots. Another 1.2% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 18.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 34.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
67.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
21.7%
Non-citizens
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 186,726 67.6% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 59,968 21.7% 2.7%
Non-citizens 29,681 10.7% -4.1%
Racial breakdown
White
25.7%
Black or African American
5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
14.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
34.8%
Other
18.2%
Value Percent
White 71,110 25.7%
Black or African American 14,426 5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,179 1.2%
Asian 40,363 14.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,019 0.4%
Two or more races 96,033 34.8%
Other 50,245 18.2%

Households in Chula Vista

A peek inside Chula Vista households

Chula Vista has 85,710 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 79.1% are families, while the remaining 20.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
85,710
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
17,944
Family households
67,766
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 17,944 20.9% -1.8%
Family households 67,766 79.1% 1.2%
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 Chula Vista

The housing landscape of Chula Vista

Chula Vista's housing consists of 90,273 units, with 52% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13% 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% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
90,273
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 46,944 52%
1 unit, attached 11,768 13%
2 units 1,394 1.5%
3 or 4 units 4,756 5.3%
5 to 9 units 4,587 5.1%
10 to 19 units 4,926 5.5%
20 to 49 units 4,264 4.7%
50 or more units 8,013 8.9%
Mobile home 3,591 4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 30 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,910
125.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chula Vista

In Chula Vista, the median construction year is 1987. About 1.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,165 1.3% 9.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,297 2.5% -6.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10,686 11.8% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,437 12.7% -7.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 12,693 14.1% -0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10,373 11.5% 4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10,883 12.1% -8.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 20,230 22.4% -1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,599 9.5% 9.0%
Built in 2020 or later 1,910 2.1% 125.8%
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.

Chula Vista occupancy rates

Out of the 85,710 occupied housing units in Chula Vista, 59.8% are owner-occupied, while 40.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
85,710
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
34,429
Owner occupied
51,281
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 34,429 40.2% 1.5%
Owner occupied 51,281 59.8% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
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.

Chula Vista housing costs

Housing costs in Chula Vista come to a median of $2,399 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,229.

Median housing costs per month
$2,399/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 Chula Vista
$2,229/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 Chula Vista

Chula Vista education at a glance

About 30.1% of the population in Chula Vista went to high school, while 24.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 20.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 12,509 6% 0.9%
High school diploma 62,854 30.1% 2.2%
College diploma 51,302 24.6% -2.3%
Associate degree 18,590 8.9% -4.8%
Bachelor's degree 42,763 20.5% 0.1%
Graduate degree 20,707 9.9% 8.0%
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 Chula Vista

How much people earn in Chula Vista

The average annual household income in Chula Vista was $130,301 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $108,032, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chula Vista
$130,301/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chula Vista
$108,032/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Chula Vista income by age

In Chula Vista, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,736. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $128,592 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,125, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $70,948 in earnings. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,125 -22.7%
25 - 44 $107,736 2.8%
45 - 64 $128,592 4.4%
Over 65 $70,948 3.0%
Above poverty level
247,564
Below poverty level
23,563
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 247,564 91.3% 0.2%
Below poverty level 23,563 8.7% 4.5%

Average renter income in Chula Vista

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chula Vista, their median household income was $69,323 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$69,323
Rent-to-income ratio
38.6%
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 Chula Vista

Workforce and job types in Chula Vista

The job market in Chula Vista is powered by 127,605 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 61.8% are employed by private companies, and 20.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
127,605
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
104,915
Blue collar
22,690
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 104,915 82.2% 1.7%
Blue collar 22,690 17.8% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
61.8%
Governmental workers
20.3%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 11,836 9.3% -0.4%
Private companies 78,891 61.8% -2.6%
Governmental workers 25,897 20.3% 6.3%
Not for profit companies 10,981 8.6% 13.9%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
-9.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chula Vista stands at 8%, 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 Chula Vista

How people get around in Chula Vista

Commuting methods vary: 82% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% 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 106,385 82% -1.0%
Taxicab 150 0.1% 54.6%
Bus or trolleybus 1,956 1.5% 0.5%
Subway or elevated 145 0.1% N/A
Railroad 16 0% -54.3%
Motorcycle 356 0.3% 12.7%
Bicycle 61 0% -38.4%
Walk 2,150 1.7% 15.1%
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 Chula Vista by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
91910 77,123 26,230 $90,222 $112,189
91911 85,542 25,440 $82,350 $107,209
91913 57,721 17,428 $129,337 $154,122
91914 16,877 4,820 $190,786 $197,734
91915 35,322 10,677 $139,503 $151,804

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FAQs about Chula Vista demographics 

What is the total population of Chula Vista?

Chula Vista has a total population of 276,375 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chula Vista?

The gender ratio in Chula Vista is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (135,911 residents)
  • 50.8% females (140,464 residents)

What is the median age in Chula Vista?

The median age in Chula Vista is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chula Vista?

The age distribution in Chula Vista is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (54,623 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (37,123 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.6% (78,996 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (68,642 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.4% (36,991 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chula Vista?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chula Vista is as follows:
  • White: 25.7% (71,110 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.2% (14,426 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (3,179 residents)
  • Asian: 14.6% (40,363 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (1,019 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 34.8% (96,033 residents)
  • Other: 18.2% (50,245 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 67.6% of the population in Chula Vista.

How many housing units are there in Chula Vista?

There are 90,273 housing units in Chula Vista, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chula Vista has a total of 85,710 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chula Vista?

Chula Vista has a median household income of $108,032, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chula Vista?

The employment rate is 92% in Chula Vista, with a workforce of 127,605 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.2% (104,915 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.8% (22,690 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (11,836 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.8% (78,891 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.3% (25,897 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (10,981 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