Encinitas, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
61,480
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$162,229/yr
7.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
26,230
0.1% year-over-year change

Encinitas population

How many people live in Encinitas

Encinitas is home to 61,480 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Encinitas locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
61,480
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
31,200
Female
49.2%
30,280
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,200 50.8% 0.6%
Female 30,280 49.2% -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 Encinitas is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,196 16.6% -0.2%
15 to 24 5,778 9.4% 4.1%
25 to 44 16,246 26.4% -1.8%
45 to 64 16,996 27.6% 1.6%
Over 65 12,264 20% -2.2%
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 Encinitas, 85.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.6%
Non-citizens
5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 52,486 85.4% -1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,930 9.6% 2.2%
Non-citizens 3,064 5% 14.8%
Racial breakdown
White
77.1%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
14%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 47,402 77.1%
Black or African American 275 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 180 0.3%
Asian 2,612 4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 70 0.1%
Two or more races 8,608 14%
Other 2,333 3.8%

Households in Encinitas

A peek inside Encinitas households

Encinitas has 23,927 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.7% are families, while the remaining 34.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
23,927
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
8,213
Family households
15,714
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,213 34.3% 1.5%
Family households 15,714 65.7% -1.7%
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 Encinitas

The housing landscape of Encinitas

Encinitas's housing consists of 26,230 units, with 58.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 16.9% 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 3.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
26,230
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,343 58.5%
1 unit, attached 4,437 16.9%
2 units 746 2.8%
3 or 4 units 1,103 4.2%
5 to 9 units 700 2.7%
10 to 19 units 1,086 4.1%
20 to 49 units 868 3.3%
50 or more units 1,000 3.8%
Mobile home 925 3.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 22 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
331
18.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Encinitas

In Encinitas, the median construction year is 1980. About 1.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 415 1.6% -26.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 530 2% -2.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,997 7.6% -1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,032 7.8% 0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,160 31.1% -1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,688 25.5% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,319 8.8% -0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,618 10% -1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,140 4.4% 10.9%
Built in 2020 or later 331 1.3% 18.6%
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.

Encinitas occupancy rates

Out of the 23,927 occupied housing units in Encinitas, 66.4% are owner-occupied, while 33.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
23,927
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,027
Owner occupied
15,900
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,027 33.6% -0.9%
Owner occupied 15,900 66.4% -0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Encinitas housing costs

Housing costs in Encinitas come to a median of $2,914 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,886.

Median housing costs per month
$2,914/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 Encinitas
$2,886/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 Encinitas

Encinitas education at a glance

About 12.4% of the population in Encinitas went to high school, while 14.2% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 37.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 26.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,371 2.8% -3.6%
High school diploma 6,072 12.4% 6.5%
College diploma 6,932 14.2% -4.6%
Associate degree 3,125 6.4% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 18,230 37.4% -1.5%
Graduate degree 13,054 26.8% 1.0%
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 Encinitas

How much people earn in Encinitas

The average annual household income in Encinitas was $214,276 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $162,229, reflecting a +7.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Encinitas
$214,276/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Encinitas
$162,229/year
7.8% year-over-year change

Encinitas income by age

In Encinitas, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $191,864. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $184,347 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $68,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $107,451 in earnings. Overall, 92.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $68,000 4.5%
25 - 44 $191,864 10.1%
45 - 64 $184,347 2.6%
Over 65 $107,451 4.2%
Above poverty level
56,020
Below poverty level
4,493
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 56,020 92.6% -0.5%
Below poverty level 4,493 7.4% 1.5%

Average renter income in Encinitas

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Encinitas, their median household income was $100,101 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$100,101
Rent-to-income ratio
34.6%
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 Encinitas

Workforce and job types in Encinitas

The job market in Encinitas is powered by 31,871 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.1% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 10% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
31,871
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
29,050
Blue collar
2,821
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 29,050 91.2% -0.2%
Blue collar 2,821 8.8% -7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
20.1%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
10%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,407 20.1% -6.4%
Private companies 20,300 63.7% 1.7%
Governmental workers 3,192 10% -3.0%
Not for profit companies 1,972 6.2% -4.4%
Unemployment rate
4.5%
-5.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Encinitas stands at 4.5%, 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 Encinitas

How people get around in Encinitas

In Encinitas, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 62.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
3.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,715 62.6% -7.6%
Taxicab 18 0.1% 125.0%
Bus or trolleybus 109 0.4% 32.9%
Railroad 98 0.3% -9.3%
Motorcycle 54 0.2% 5.9%
Bicycle 289 0.9% 4.0%
Walk 496 1.6% 10.7%
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 Encinitas by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92024 50,617 19,716 $158,507 $212,572

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FAQs about Encinitas demographics 

What is the total population of Encinitas?

Encinitas has a total population of 61,480 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 Encinitas?

The gender ratio in Encinitas is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (31,200 residents)
  • 49.2% females (30,280 residents)

What is the median age in Encinitas?

The median age in Encinitas is 43.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Encinitas?

The age distribution in Encinitas is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (10,196 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (5,778 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (16,246 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (16,996 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (12,264 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Encinitas?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Encinitas is as follows:
  • White: 77.1% (47,402 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (275 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (180 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (2,612 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (70 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14% (8,608 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (2,333 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.4% of the population in Encinitas.

How many housing units are there in Encinitas?

There are 26,230 housing units in Encinitas, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Encinitas has a total of 23,927 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Encinitas?

Encinitas has a median household income of $162,229, representing a +7.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.5% in Encinitas, with a workforce of 31,871 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.2% (29,050 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.8% (2,821 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.1% (6,407 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (20,300 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10% (3,192 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (1,972 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