Dana Point, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
32,790
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$141,520/yr
11.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,484
-1.9% year-over-year change

Dana Point population

How many people live in Dana Point

Dana Point is home to 32,790 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Dana Point locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
32,790
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
15,858
Female
51.6%
16,932
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,858 48.4% -1.1%
Female 16,932 51.6% 0.5%
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 Dana Point is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.5% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 31.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.5%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
31.4%
Over 65
22.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,436 13.5% -0.7%
15 to 24 3,284 10% -3.1%
25 to 44 7,462 22.8% 8.3%
45 to 64 10,308 31.4% -3.6%
Over 65 7,300 22.3% -1.9%
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 Dana Point, 86.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.8%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,489 86.9% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,199 9.8% -7.1%
Non-citizens 1,102 3.4% -16.2%
Racial breakdown
White
78%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
5.5%
Value Percent
White 25,559 78%
Black or African American 585 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 46 0.1%
Asian 977 3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 3,826 11.7%
Other 1,792 5.5%

Households in Dana Point

A peek inside Dana Point households

Dana Point has 13,860 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.6% are families, while the remaining 32.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,860
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,495
Family households
9,365
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,495 32.4% -8.2%
Family households 9,365 67.6% 3.4%
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 Dana Point

The housing landscape of Dana Point

Dana Point's housing consists of 16,484 units, with 51.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.5% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,484
-1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,562 51.9%
1 unit, attached 2,231 13.5%
2 units 1,129 6.8%
3 or 4 units 1,775 10.8%
5 to 9 units 1,338 8.1%
10 to 19 units 381 2.3%
20 to 49 units 305 1.8%
50 or more units 677 4.1%
Mobile home 86 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
109
186.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dana Point

In Dana Point, the median construction year is 1979. About 2.6% 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, 3.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 425 2.6% 1.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 147 0.9% 13.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 872 5.3% 3.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,103 12.8% 2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,214 31.6% 2.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,139 31.2% -4.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,333 8.1% -14.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 608 3.7% -14.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 534 3.2% -13.0%
Built in 2020 or later 109 0.7% 186.8%
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.

Dana Point occupancy rates

Out of the 13,860 occupied housing units in Dana Point, 62.4% are owner-occupied, while 37.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,860
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,212
Owner occupied
8,648
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,212 37.6% 0.0%
Owner occupied 8,648 62.4% -1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
15.9%
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.

Dana Point housing costs

Housing costs in Dana Point come to a median of $3,204 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,106.

Median housing costs per month
$3,204/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 Dana Point
$3,106/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 Dana Point

Dana Point education at a glance

About 16.9% of the population in Dana Point went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 32.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 436 1.6% 6.1%
High school diploma 4,635 16.9% -2.7%
College diploma 5,354 19.6% 1.6%
Associate degree 2,341 8.6% 1.2%
Bachelor's degree 8,826 32.2% 3.7%
Graduate degree 5,772 21.1% -4.6%
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 Dana Point

How much people earn in Dana Point

The average annual household income in Dana Point was $199,410 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $141,520, reflecting a +11.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dana Point
$199,410/year
9.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dana Point
$141,520/year
11.2% year-over-year change

Dana Point income by age

In Dana Point, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $160,873. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $151,281 overall. Overall, 92.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $160,873 16.8%
45 - 64 $151,281 3.8%
Over 65 $111,164 7.3%
Above poverty level
29,955
Below poverty level
2,345
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 29,955 92.7% -0.1%
Below poverty level 2,345 7.3% -5.7%

Average renter income in Dana Point

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dana Point, their median household income was $100,439 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$100,439
Rent-to-income ratio
37.1%
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 Dana Point

Workforce and job types in Dana Point

The job market in Dana Point is powered by 17,593 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.5% run their own businesses, 60.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,593
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
15,959
Blue collar
1,634
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,959 90.7% 3.2%
Blue collar 1,634 9.3% -3.7%
Employer type
Self employees
20.5%
Private companies
60.8%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,601 20.5% -3.7%
Private companies 10,691 60.8% 6.3%
Governmental workers 2,481 14.1% -1.1%
Not for profit companies 820 4.7% -4.9%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
5.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dana Point stands at 4%, 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 Dana Point

How people get around in Dana Point

Commuting methods vary: 63.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 11,052 63.1% -0.2%
Bus or trolleybus 85 0.5% 112.5%
Railroad 51 0.3% N/A
Motorcycle 11 0.1% -42.1%
Bicycle 47 0.3% -53.5%
Walk 251 1.4% -0.8%
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 Dana Point by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92624 7,211 2,829 $140,666 $190,359
92629 25,579 11,031 $142,807 $201,732

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FAQs about Dana Point demographics 

What is the total population of Dana Point?

Dana Point has a total population of 32,790 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 Dana Point?

The gender ratio in Dana Point is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (15,858 residents)
  • 51.6% females (16,932 residents)

What is the median age in Dana Point?

The median age in Dana Point is 47.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dana Point?

The age distribution in Dana Point is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.5% (4,436 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (3,284 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (7,462 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.4% (10,308 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.3% (7,300 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dana Point?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dana Point is as follows:
  • White: 78% (25,559 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (585 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (46 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (977 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (3,826 residents)
  • Other: 5.5% (1,792 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.9% of the population in Dana Point.

How many housing units are there in Dana Point?

There are 16,484 housing units in Dana Point, 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 Dana Point and what is the average household size?

Dana Point has a total of 13,860 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dana Point?

Dana Point has a median household income of $141,520, representing a +11.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dana Point?

The employment rate is 96% in Dana Point, with a workforce of 17,593 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.7% (15,959 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.3% (1,634 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.5% (3,601 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.8% (10,691 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (2,481 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.7% (820 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