Costa Mesa, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
110,330
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$111,505/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
44,427
1.7% year-over-year change

Costa Mesa population

How many people live in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is home to 110,330 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of Costa Mesa locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
110,330
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
56,676
Female
48.6%
53,654
Value Percent YoY change
Male 56,676 51.4% 0.5%
Female 53,654 48.6% -0.9%
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 Costa Mesa is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.5% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
34.5%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,618 15.1% -0.8%
15 to 24 13,801 12.5% -0.9%
25 to 44 38,083 34.5% 0.4%
45 to 64 27,251 24.7% -1.2%
Over 65 14,577 13.2% 1.8%
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 Costa Mesa, 76.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 51.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 8.2% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 15.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 21% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.9%
Non-citizens
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 84,647 76.7% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12,069 10.9% -1.8%
Non-citizens 13,614 12.3% -1.1%
Racial breakdown
White
51.8%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
8.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
21%
Other
15.2%
Value Percent
White 57,177 51.8%
Black or African American 2,060 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,234 1.1%
Asian 9,103 8.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 718 0.6%
Two or more races 23,215 21%
Other 16,823 15.2%

Households in Costa Mesa

A peek inside Costa Mesa households

Costa Mesa has 42,292 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 58.5% are families, while the remaining 41.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
42,292
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
17,535
Family households
24,757
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 17,535 41.5% 1.1%
Family households 24,757 58.5% 1.9%
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 Costa Mesa

The housing landscape of Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa's housing consists of 44,427 units, with 39.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.4% 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 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
44,427
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,464 39.3%
1 unit, attached 4,643 10.4%
2 units 1,512 3.4%
3 or 4 units 4,837 10.9%
5 to 9 units 3,675 8.3%
10 to 19 units 3,440 7.7%
20 to 49 units 1,961 4.4%
50 or more units 5,683 12.8%
Mobile home 1,175 2.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 37 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
467
171.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Costa Mesa

In Costa Mesa, the median construction year is 1972. About 1.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 661 1.5% 12.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,152 2.6% -9.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,272 16.4% -3.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,559 26% -0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,703 21.8% 5.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,252 14.1% 14.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,919 6.6% -0.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,966 4.4% -3.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,476 5.6% -12.5%
Built in 2020 or later 467 1% 171.5%
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.

Costa Mesa occupancy rates

Out of the 42,292 occupied housing units in Costa Mesa, 39.6% are owner-occupied, while 60.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
42,292
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
25,564
Owner occupied
16,728
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 25,564 60.4% 1.3%
Owner occupied 16,728 39.6% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
4.8%
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.

Costa Mesa housing costs

Housing costs in Costa Mesa come to a median of $2,517 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,446.

Median housing costs per month
$2,517/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 Costa Mesa
$2,446/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 Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa education at a glance

About 24.4% of the population in Costa Mesa went to high school, while 21.2% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 29.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,361 6% 2.9%
High school diploma 21,906 24.4% 0.1%
College diploma 19,028 21.2% -5.1%
Associate degree 6,179 6.9% -1.7%
Bachelor's degree 26,549 29.5% 2.2%
Graduate degree 10,863 12.1% 5.7%
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 Costa Mesa

How much people earn in Costa Mesa

The average annual household income in Costa Mesa was $153,254 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $111,505, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Costa Mesa
$153,254/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Costa Mesa
$111,505/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Costa Mesa income by age

In Costa Mesa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $128,953. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $124,003 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,232, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $78,700 in earnings. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,232 20.4%
25 - 44 $128,953 1.0%
45 - 64 $124,003 4.5%
Over 65 $78,700 1.6%
Above poverty level
98,583
Below poverty level
9,948
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 98,583 90.8% -0.2%
Below poverty level 9,948 9.2% 1.6%

Average renter income in Costa Mesa

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Costa Mesa, their median household income was $88,400 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$88,400
Rent-to-income ratio
33.2%
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 Costa Mesa

Workforce and job types in Costa Mesa

The job market in Costa Mesa is powered by 64,932 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17% run their own businesses, 69.2% are employed by private companies, and 8.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
64,932
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
55,317
Blue collar
9,615
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 55,317 85.2% 0.5%
Blue collar 9,615 14.8% 0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
17%
Private companies
69.2%
Governmental workers
8.1%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 11,024 17% 6.5%
Private companies 44,908 69.2% -0.8%
Governmental workers 5,265 8.1% -1.9%
Not for profit companies 3,735 5.8% 4.7%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
-2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Costa Mesa stands at 4.7%, 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 Costa Mesa

How people get around in Costa Mesa

Commuting methods vary: 70.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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 44,859 70.6% -3.1%
Taxicab 44 0.1% -17.0%
Bus or trolleybus 990 1.6% 3.6%
Subway or elevated 13 0% N/A
Railroad 16 0% -23.8%
Motorcycle 362 0.6% -9.1%
Bicycle 755 1.2% 16.5%
Walk 1,313 2.1% -8.5%
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 Costa Mesa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92626 50,708 20,024 $114,249 $148,512
92627 60,393 22,511 $108,994 $158,452

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FAQs about Costa Mesa demographics 

What is the total population of Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa has a total population of 110,330 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Costa Mesa?

The gender ratio in Costa Mesa is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (56,676 residents)
  • 48.6% females (53,654 residents)

What is the median age in Costa Mesa?

The median age in Costa Mesa is 36.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Costa Mesa?

The age distribution in Costa Mesa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (16,618 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (13,801 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.5% (38,083 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (27,251 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (14,577 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Costa Mesa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Costa Mesa is as follows:
  • White: 51.8% (57,177 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (2,060 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (1,234 residents)
  • Asian: 8.2% (9,103 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (718 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21% (23,215 residents)
  • Other: 15.2% (16,823 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.7% of the population in Costa Mesa.

How many housing units are there in Costa Mesa?

There are 44,427 housing units in Costa Mesa, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Costa Mesa has a total of 42,292 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Costa Mesa?

Costa Mesa has a median household income of $111,505, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Costa Mesa?

The employment rate is 95.3% in Costa Mesa, with a workforce of 64,932 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.2% (55,317 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.8% (9,615 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17% (11,024 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.2% (44,908 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.1% (5,265 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (3,735 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