Descanso, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,590
-4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$110,132/yr
-12.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
587
-13.4% year-over-year change

Descanso population

How many people live in Descanso

Descanso is home to 1,590 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Descanso locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
1,590
-4.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
739
Female
53.5%
851
Value Percent YoY change
Male 739 46.5% -13.3%
Female 851 53.5% 4.0%
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 Descanso is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 8.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.4% of the population, while another 28% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
53.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
8.3%
25 to 44
21.4%
45 to 64
28%
Over 65
25.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 273 17.2% 1.5%
15 to 24 132 8.3% -13.7%
25 to 44 340 21.4% 21.0%
45 to 64 446 28% -25.5%
Over 65 399 25.1% 8.4%
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 Descanso, 88.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,413 88.9% -5.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 177 11.1% -1.7%
Racial breakdown
White
81%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
13.5%
Value Percent
White 1,288 81%
Asian 4 0.2%
Two or more races 84 5.3%
Other 214 13.5%

Households in Descanso

A peek inside Descanso households

Descanso has 570 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.3% are families, while the remaining 34.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
570
-6.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
198
Family households
372
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 198 34.7% -11.6%
Family households 372 65.3% -4.1%
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 Descanso

The housing landscape of Descanso

Descanso's housing consists of 587 units, with 92.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
587
-13.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 543 92.5%
1 unit, attached 26 4.4%
10 to 19 units 5 0.8%
Mobile home 13 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Descanso

In Descanso, the median construction year is 1974. About 11.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 70 11.9% -42.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 17 2.9% 88.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 105 17.9% -12.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 61 10.4% 8.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 98 16.7% -9.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 110 18.7% -17.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 74 12.6% -3.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 52 8.9% -1.9%
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.

Descanso occupancy rates

Out of the 570 occupied housing units in Descanso, 70.2% are owner-occupied, while 29.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
570
-6.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
170
Owner occupied
400
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 170 29.8% -22.0%
Owner occupied 400 70.2% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
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.

Descanso housing costs

Housing costs in Descanso come to a median of $2,600 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,250.

Median housing costs per month
$2,600/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 Descanso
$3,250/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 Descanso

Descanso education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Descanso went to high school, while 32.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.3% earned an associate degree and 7.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 71 5.4% -5.3%
High school diploma 536 41% 8.7%
College diploma 424 32.4% -5.6%
Associate degree 82 6.3% -10.9%
Bachelor's degree 103 7.9% 13.2%
Graduate degree 93 7.1% -51.6%
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 Descanso

How much people earn in Descanso

The average annual household income in Descanso was $137,410 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 $110,132, reflecting a -12.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Descanso
$137,410/year
-4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Descanso
$110,132/year
-12.4% year-over-year change

Descanso income by age

In Descanso, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,625. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,625 overall. Overall, 96.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $90,625 -2.2%
45 - 64 $130,625 -3.0%
Over 65 $114,079 1.6%
Above poverty level
1,517
Below poverty level
59
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,517 96.3% -5.6%
Below poverty level 59 3.7% 78.8%

Average renter income in Descanso

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Descanso, their median household income was $152,259 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$152,259
Rent-to-income ratio
25.6%
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 Descanso

Workforce and job types in Descanso

The job market in Descanso is powered by 805 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 76.4% are employed by private companies, and 7.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
805
-12.6% year-over-year change
White collar
542
Blue collar
263
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 542 67.3% -14.1%
Blue collar 263 32.7% -9.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
76.4%
Governmental workers
7.3%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 70 8.7% -19.5%
Private companies 615 76.4% -6.2%
Governmental workers 59 7.3% -46.4%
Not for profit companies 61 7.6% -10.3%
Unemployment rate
0.9%
-12.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Descanso stands at 0.9%, 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 Descanso

How people get around in Descanso

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 670 87.2% -9.9%
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 Descanso by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
91916 1,710 605 $103,438 $134,229

Explore more communities

FAQs about Descanso demographics 

What is the total population of Descanso?

Descanso has a total population of 1,590 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 -4.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Descanso?

The gender ratio in Descanso is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (739 residents)
  • 53.5% females (851 residents)

What is the median age in Descanso?

The median age in Descanso is 53.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Descanso?

The age distribution in Descanso is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (273 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.3% (132 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.4% (340 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28% (446 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.1% (399 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Descanso?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Descanso is as follows:
  • White: 81% (1,288 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (84 residents)
  • Other: 13.5% (214 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.9% of the population in Descanso.

How many housing units are there in Descanso?

There are 587 housing units in Descanso, reflecting a -13.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Descanso has a total of 570 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Descanso?

Descanso has a median household income of $110,132, representing a -12.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Descanso?

The employment rate is 99.1% in Descanso, with a workforce of 805 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.3% (542 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.7% (263 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (70 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.4% (615 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.3% (59 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (61 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