South Coast Metro, Costa Mesa, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,162
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$114,249/yr
-2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,736
2.4% year-over-year change

South Coast Metro population

How many people live in South Coast Metro

South Coast Metro is home to 16,162 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of South Coast Metro locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
16,162
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
8,305
Female
48.6%
7,858
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,305 51.4% 0.6%
Female 7,858 48.6% -0.0%
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 South Coast Metro is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.5% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.9% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.5%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
33.9%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,349 14.5% -3.0%
15 to 24 1,961 12.1% 5.8%
25 to 44 5,478 33.9% -1.6%
45 to 64 4,036 25% -1.2%
Over 65 2,338 14.5% 6.7%
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 South Coast Metro, 76.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53.6% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 12.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.9% are Pacific Islanders, while 9.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 19.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.2%
Non-citizens
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,367 76.5% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,131 13.2% 0.5%
Non-citizens 1,665 10.3% -3.2%
Racial breakdown
White
53.6%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
12.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.9%
Two or more races
19.9%
Other
9.7%
Value Percent
White 8,657 53.6%
Black or African American 413 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 100 0.6%
Asian 2,058 12.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 147 0.9%
Two or more races 3,216 19.9%
Other 1,571 9.7%

Households in South Coast Metro

A peek inside South Coast Metro households

South Coast Metro has 6,382 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.3% are families, while the remaining 41.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,382
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,660
Family households
3,722
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,660 41.7% 5.1%
Family households 3,722 58.3% 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 South Coast Metro

The housing landscape of South Coast Metro

South Coast Metro's housing consists of 6,736 units, with 42.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,736
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,890 42.9%
1 unit, attached 429 6.4%
2 units 81 1.2%
3 or 4 units 733 10.9%
5 to 9 units 612 9.1%
10 to 19 units 530 7.9%
20 to 49 units 297 4.4%
50 or more units 1,150 17.1%
Mobile home 10 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
61
662.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Coast Metro

In South Coast Metro, the median construction year is 1973. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.9% 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 65 1% 22.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 62 0.9% -10.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 796 11.8% -4.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,961 29.1% -0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,716 25.5% 2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 973 14.4% 29.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 389 5.8% -5.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 383 5.7% -3.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 330 4.9% -16.7%
Built in 2020 or later 61 0.9% 662.5%
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.

South Coast Metro occupancy rates

Out of the 6,382 occupied housing units in South Coast Metro, 40.8% are owner-occupied, while 59.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,382
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,781
Owner occupied
2,602
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,781 59.2% 5.0%
Owner occupied 2,602 40.8% -0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
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.

South Coast Metro housing costs

Housing costs in South Coast Metro come to a median of $2,596 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,570.

Median housing costs per month
$2,596/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 South Coast Metro
$2,570/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 South Coast Metro

South Coast Metro education at a glance

About 21.1% of the population in South Coast Metro went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 31.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 532 4% -2.2%
High school diploma 2,806 21.1% 2.0%
College diploma 2,988 22.5% -0.9%
Associate degree 1,120 8.4% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 4,169 31.4% 1.0%
Graduate degree 1,671 12.6% 2.9%
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 South Coast Metro

How much people earn in South Coast Metro

The average annual household income in South Coast Metro was $147,047 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $114,249, reflecting a -2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Coast Metro
$147,047/year
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Coast Metro
$114,249/year
-2.9% year-over-year change

South Coast Metro income by age

In South Coast Metro, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $121,703. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $137,486 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $79,423, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $85,305 in earnings. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $79,423 12.4%
25 - 44 $121,703 -3.4%
45 - 64 $137,486 3.5%
Over 65 $85,305 -0.1%
Above poverty level
14,445
Below poverty level
1,494
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,445 90.6% -0.4%
Below poverty level 1,494 9.4% 9.6%

Employment in South Coast Metro

Workforce and job types in South Coast Metro

87.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.5% run their own businesses, 70.5% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
8,300
Blue collar
1,230
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,300 87.1% -1.0%
Blue collar 1,230 12.9% 4.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14.5%
Private companies
70.5%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,383 14.5% 4.9%
Private companies 6,719 70.5% -1.8%
Governmental workers 915 9.6% 5.0%
Not for profit companies 513 5.4% -4.3%

Transportation in South Coast Metro

How people get around in South Coast Metro

Commuting methods vary: 93.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% 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 6,541 93.2% -4.3%
Taxicab 1 0% -94.1%
Bus or trolleybus 124 1.8% -23.0%
Railroad 5 0.1% -28.6%
Motorcycle 65 0.9% 1.6%
Bicycle 69 1% 16.9%
Walk 214 3% -13.0%
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 South Coast Metro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92626 50,708 20,024 $114,249 $148,512

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FAQs about South Coast Metro demographics 

What is the total population of South Coast Metro?

South Coast Metro has a total population of 16,162 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 South Coast Metro?

The gender ratio in South Coast Metro is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (8,305 residents)
  • 48.6% females (7,858 residents)

What is the median age in South Coast Metro?

The median age in South Coast Metro is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Coast Metro?

The age distribution in South Coast Metro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.5% (2,349 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (1,961 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.9% (5,478 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (4,036 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.5% (2,338 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Coast Metro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Coast Metro is as follows:
  • White: 53.6% (8,657 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (413 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (100 residents)
  • Asian: 12.7% (2,058 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.9% (147 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.9% (3,216 residents)
  • Other: 9.7% (1,571 residents)

What percentage of the population in South Coast Metro are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.5% of the population in South Coast Metro.

How many housing units are there in South Coast Metro?

There are 6,736 housing units in South Coast Metro, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in South Coast Metro and what is the average household size?

South Coast Metro has a total of 6,382 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Coast Metro?

South Coast Metro has a median household income of $114,249, representing a -2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Coast Metro?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.1% (8,300 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.9% (1,230 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.5% (1,383 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.5% (6,719 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (915 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (513 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