Garden Grove, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
170,964
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,174/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
50,960
1.1% year-over-year change

Garden Grove population

How many people live in Garden Grove

Garden Grove is home to 170,964 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Garden Grove locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
170,964
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
85,486
Female
50%
85,478
Value Percent YoY change
Male 85,486 50% 0.2%
Female 85,478 50% 0.3%
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 Garden Grove is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 28.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
28.7%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 27,876 16.3% -3.3%
15 to 24 23,441 13.7% 3.2%
25 to 44 43,858 25.6% -1.2%
45 to 64 49,081 28.7% -0.9%
Over 65 26,708 15.6% 6.2%
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 Garden Grove, 52.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 31.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 23.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 43.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 14.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
52.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
31.1%
Non-citizens
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 89,772 52.5% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 53,177 31.1% 1.3%
Non-citizens 28,015 16.4% 3.7%
Racial breakdown
White
23.5%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
43.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
16.3%
Other
14.6%
Value Percent
White 40,218 23.5%
Black or African American 2,025 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,589 0.9%
Asian 73,661 43.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 554 0.3%
Two or more races 27,943 16.3%
Other 24,974 14.6%

Households in Garden Grove

A peek inside Garden Grove households

Garden Grove has 49,122 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 77.6% are families, while the remaining 22.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
49,122
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
11,025
Family households
38,097
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,025 22.4% 3.1%
Family households 38,097 77.6% 0.4%
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 Garden Grove

The housing landscape of Garden Grove

Garden Grove's housing consists of 50,960 units, with 54% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.7% 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 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
50,960
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 27,509 54%
1 unit, attached 4,421 8.7%
2 units 904 1.8%
3 or 4 units 3,615 7.1%
5 to 9 units 3,444 6.8%
10 to 19 units 2,388 4.7%
20 to 49 units 2,802 5.5%
50 or more units 4,107 8.1%
Mobile home 1,747 3.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 23 0%
Homes built since 2020
427
26.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Garden Grove

In Garden Grove, the median construction year is 1965. About 1.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 591 1.2% -18.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,358 2.7% 5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 18,283 35.9% -1.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,034 21.6% 4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,196 16.1% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,320 10.4% -1.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,501 4.9% 0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,955 3.8% 7.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,295 2.5% 13.1%
Built in 2020 or later 427 0.8% 26.3%
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.

Garden Grove occupancy rates

Out of the 49,122 occupied housing units in Garden Grove, 53.1% are owner-occupied, while 46.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
49,122
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23,049
Owner occupied
26,073
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23,049 46.9% 2.0%
Owner occupied 26,073 53.1% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
3.6%
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.

Garden Grove housing costs

Housing costs in Garden Grove come to a median of $2,039 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,012.

Median housing costs per month
$2,039/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 Garden Grove
$2,012/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 Garden Grove

Garden Grove education at a glance

About 34.7% of the population in Garden Grove went to high school, while 20.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 17.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18,015 13.3% 6.6%
High school diploma 46,976 34.7% -0.4%
College diploma 28,277 20.9% -2.3%
Associate degree 9,924 7.3% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 23,991 17.7% -0.6%
Graduate degree 8,085 6% 11.4%
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 Garden Grove

How much people earn in Garden Grove

The average annual household income in Garden Grove was $113,329 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 $92,174, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Garden Grove
$113,329/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Garden Grove
$92,174/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Garden Grove income by age

In Garden Grove, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $100,536. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $106,907 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $67,639, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,052 in earnings. Overall, 87.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $67,639 1.4%
25 - 44 $100,536 4.4%
45 - 64 $106,907 -0.6%
Over 65 $61,052 5.1%
Above poverty level
147,604
Below poverty level
20,708
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 147,604 87.7% 0.1%
Below poverty level 20,708 12.3% 1.4%

Average renter income in Garden Grove

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Garden Grove, their median household income was $62,954 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$62,954
Rent-to-income ratio
38.4%
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 Garden Grove

Workforce and job types in Garden Grove

The job market in Garden Grove is powered by 83,617 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.2% run their own businesses, 72.9% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
83,617
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
61,436
Blue collar
22,181
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 61,436 73.5% 0.5%
Blue collar 22,181 26.5% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.2%
Private companies
72.9%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,561 10.2% 0.8%
Private companies 60,925 72.9% -1.0%
Governmental workers 9,678 11.6% 5.9%
Not for profit companies 4,453 5.3% 1.4%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
4.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Garden Grove stands at 6%, 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 Garden Grove

How people get around in Garden Grove

In Garden Grove, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-1.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 69,198 84.6% -1.3%
Taxicab 38 0% 137.5%
Bus or trolleybus 764 0.9% -15.2%
Subway or elevated 40 0% N/A
Railroad 75 0.1% -5.1%
Motorcycle 224 0.3% -13.8%
Bicycle 264 0.3% 21.1%
Walk 805 1% -3.4%
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 Garden Grove by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92840 54,534 15,789 $98,881 $117,324
92841 33,219 9,809 $84,451 $101,106
92843 46,414 11,747 $81,446 $102,675
92844 23,188 6,862 $79,701 $98,856
92845 16,143 5,802 $136,485 $157,437

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FAQs about Garden Grove demographics 

What is the total population of Garden Grove?

Garden Grove has a total population of 170,964 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 Garden Grove?

The gender ratio in Garden Grove is as follows:
  • 50% males (85,486 residents)
  • 50% females (85,478 residents)

What is the median age in Garden Grove?

The median age in Garden Grove is 40.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Garden Grove?

The age distribution in Garden Grove is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (27,876 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (23,441 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (43,858 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.7% (49,081 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (26,708 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Garden Grove?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Garden Grove is as follows:
  • White: 23.5% (40,218 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (2,025 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (1,589 residents)
  • Asian: 43.1% (73,661 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (554 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.3% (27,943 residents)
  • Other: 14.6% (24,974 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 52.5% of the population in Garden Grove.

How many housing units are there in Garden Grove?

There are 50,960 housing units in Garden Grove, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Garden Grove has a total of 49,122 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Garden Grove?

Garden Grove has a median household income of $92,174, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Garden Grove?

The employment rate is 94% in Garden Grove, with a workforce of 83,617 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.5% (61,436 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.5% (22,181 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.2% (8,561 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.9% (60,925 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (9,678 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.3% (4,453 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