East County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
492,946
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$99,657/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
176,798
-0.2% year-over-year change

East County population

How many people live in East County

East County is home to 492,946 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of East County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
492,946
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
244,203
Female
50.5%
248,743
Value Percent YoY change
Male 244,203 49.5% -0.1%
Female 248,743 50.5% -1.0%
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 East County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.2% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
28.2%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 94,470 19.2% -1.2%
15 to 24 57,814 11.7% -1.2%
25 to 44 138,840 28.2% -0.1%
45 to 64 120,256 24.4% -1.9%
Over 65 81,567 16.6% 2.0%
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 East County, 80.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 58.6% of locals are Caucasian, 5.8% are African American and 5.3% have Asian roots. Another 1.3% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 10.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 17.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.3%
Non-citizens
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 396,768 80.5% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 65,466 13.3% 1.5%
Non-citizens 30,712 6.2% 1.2%
Racial breakdown
White
58.6%
Black or African American
5.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
17.8%
Other
10.8%
Value Percent
White 288,944 58.6%
Black or African American 28,564 5.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6,194 1.3%
Asian 26,225 5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2,274 0.5%
Two or more races 87,581 17.8%
Other 53,165 10.8%

Households in East County

A peek inside East County households

East County has 169,821 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.1% are families, while the remaining 28.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
169,821
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
49,108
Family households
120,713
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 49,108 28.9% 0.8%
Family households 120,713 71.1% -0.3%
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 East County

The housing landscape of East County

East County's housing consists of 176,798 units, with 56.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.9% 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 6.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
176,798
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 99,341 56.2%
1 unit, attached 12,182 6.9%
2 units 3,416 1.9%
3 or 4 units 7,240 4.1%
5 to 9 units 7,509 4.2%
10 to 19 units 9,433 5.3%
20 to 49 units 11,384 6.4%
50 or more units 13,953 7.9%
Mobile home 11,622 6.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 719 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
1,132
61.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East County

In East County, the median construction year is 1978. About 2.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,214 2.4% 4.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6,376 3.6% -3.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 25,405 14.4% -1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 23,734 13.4% -2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 46,881 26.5% -0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 33,071 18.7% -1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 15,604 8.8% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13,199 7.5% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7,182 4.1% 7.7%
Built in 2020 or later 1,132 0.6% 61.7%
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.

East County occupancy rates

Out of the 169,821 occupied housing units in East County, 60.9% are owner-occupied, while 39.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
169,821
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
66,346
Owner occupied
103,474
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 66,346 39.1% -1.8%
Owner occupied 103,474 60.9% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
3.9%
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.

East County housing costs

Housing costs in East County come to a median of $2,099 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,032.

Median housing costs per month
$2,099/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 East County
$2,032/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 East County

East County education at a glance

About 30.6% of the population in East County went to high school, while 27.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 18.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 16,764 4.4% -1.6%
High school diploma 116,254 30.6% -1.2%
College diploma 103,655 27.3% -1.4%
Associate degree 35,092 9.2% -5.1%
Bachelor's degree 71,912 18.9% 3.2%
Graduate degree 36,092 9.5% 4.5%
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 East County

How much people earn in East County

The average annual household income in East County was $82,761 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $99,657, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East County
$82,761/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in East County
$99,657/year
4.0% year-over-year change

East County income by age

In East County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $109,058. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $110,111 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,836, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $71,322 in earnings. Overall, 88% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,836 0.6%
25 - 44 $109,058 7.2%
45 - 64 $110,111 -3.0%
Over 65 $71,322 1.1%
Above poverty level
422,956
Below poverty level
57,573
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 422,956 88% -0.6%
Below poverty level 57,573 12% 0.5%

Employment in East County

Workforce and job types in East County

79.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 16.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
179,258
Blue collar
46,156
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 179,258 79.5% 0.2%
Blue collar 46,156 20.5% -2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
16.8%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 24,243 10.8% 4.6%
Private companies 143,661 63.7% -0.3%
Governmental workers 37,934 16.8% -2.3%
Not for profit companies 19,575 8.7% -3.5%

Transportation in East County

How people get around in East County

In East County, the average commute time is 197 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
197 min
58.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 182,636 96.4% -2.2%
Taxicab 258 0.1% -16.8%
Bus or trolleybus 1,641 0.9% -19.0%
Railroad 82 0% -1.2%
Ferryboat 16 0% -42.9%
Motorcycle 974 0.5% 2.0%
Bicycle 517 0.3% -15.9%
Walk 3,436 1.8% 8.2%
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 East County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
91901 18,197 6,344 $114,167 $141,988
91905 1,683 561 $77,886 $85,719
91906 3,325 1,176 $62,500 $96,779
91916 1,710 605 $103,438 $134,229
91917 749 206 $0 $92,701
91931 494 242 $63,750 $69,768
91934 1,200 374 $50,469 $45,182
91935 9,114 2,950 $151,538 $166,560
91941 33,218 12,647 $115,381 $149,108
91942 41,424 17,684 $92,896 $113,419

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about East County demographics 

What is the total population of East County?

East County has a total population of 492,946 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 East County?

The gender ratio in East County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (244,203 residents)
  • 50.5% females (248,743 residents)

What is the median age in East County?

The median age in East County is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in East County?

The age distribution in East County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (94,470 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (57,814 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.2% (138,840 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (120,256 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (81,567 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East County is as follows:
  • White: 58.6% (288,944 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.8% (28,564 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (6,194 residents)
  • Asian: 5.3% (26,225 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (2,274 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.8% (87,581 residents)
  • Other: 10.8% (53,165 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.5% of the population in East County.

How many housing units are there in East County?

There are 176,798 housing units in East County, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East County has a total of 169,821 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East County?

East County has a median household income of $99,657, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East County?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.5% (179,258 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.5% (46,156 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (24,243 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (143,661 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.8% (37,934 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (19,575 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