La Mesa, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
60,797
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$95,028/yr
12.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
26,212
-0.8% year-over-year change

LA Mesa population

How many people live in LA Mesa

LA Mesa is home to 60,797 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of LA Mesa locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
60,797
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
29,292
Female
51.8%
31,505
Value Percent YoY change
Male 29,292 48.2% 0.4%
Female 31,505 51.8% -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 LA Mesa is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.1% of the population, while another 21.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
34.1%
45 to 64
21.7%
Over 65
15.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,536 19% 5.0%
15 to 24 5,872 9.7% -4.2%
25 to 44 20,745 34.1% -0.4%
45 to 64 13,207 21.7% -1.4%
Over 65 9,437 15.5% -0.6%
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 LA Mesa, 85.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56% of locals are Caucasian, 8.2% are African American and 6.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 21.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.5%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 51,730 85.1% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,371 10.5% -10.6%
Non-citizens 2,696 4.4% -3.8%
Racial breakdown
White
56%
Black or African American
8.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
21.7%
Other
7.2%
Value Percent
White 34,066 56%
Black or African American 4,996 8.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 258 0.4%
Asian 3,802 6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 111 0.2%
Two or more races 13,179 21.7%
Other 4,385 7.2%

Households in LA Mesa

A peek inside LA Mesa households

LA Mesa has 25,038 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.8% are families, while the remaining 43.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,038
-0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
10,807
Family households
14,231
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,807 43.2% -2.5%
Family households 14,231 56.8% 1.0%
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 LA Mesa

The housing landscape of LA Mesa

LA Mesa's housing consists of 26,212 units, with 45.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.1% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
26,212
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,974 45.7%
1 unit, attached 1,868 7.1%
2 units 936 3.6%
3 or 4 units 1,638 6.2%
5 to 9 units 1,375 5.2%
10 to 19 units 1,903 7.3%
20 to 49 units 2,152 8.2%
50 or more units 4,011 15.3%
Mobile home 269 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 86 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
209
49.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in LA Mesa

In LA Mesa, the median construction year is 1971. About 4.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% 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 1,079 4.1% 6.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,095 8% -8.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,533 21.1% 0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,909 14.9% -5.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,489 24.8% -0.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,385 12.9% 2.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,408 5.4% 6.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,299 5% 3.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 806 3.1% -15.2%
Built in 2020 or later 209 0.8% 49.3%
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.

LA Mesa occupancy rates

Out of the 25,038 occupied housing units in LA Mesa, 47.7% are owner-occupied, while 52.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,038
-0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,105
Owner occupied
11,933
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,105 52.3% -3.6%
Owner occupied 11,933 47.7% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
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.

LA Mesa housing costs

Housing costs in LA Mesa come to a median of $2,132 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,049.

Median housing costs per month
$2,132/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 LA Mesa
$2,049/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 LA Mesa

LA Mesa education at a glance

About 21.5% of the population in LA Mesa went to high school, while 27.1% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 24.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 999 2.1% -8.5%
High school diploma 10,241 21.5% -3.9%
College diploma 12,900 27.1% -5.8%
Associate degree 5,316 11.2% 1.0%
Bachelor's degree 11,600 24.4% 4.6%
Graduate degree 6,524 13.7% 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 LA Mesa

How much people earn in LA Mesa

The average annual household income in LA Mesa was $117,163 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $95,028, reflecting a +12.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in LA Mesa
$117,163/year
6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in LA Mesa
$95,028/year
12.7% year-over-year change

LA Mesa income by age

In LA Mesa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,917. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $111,346 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,753, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,482 in earnings. Overall, 88.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,753 5.3%
25 - 44 $107,917 9.4%
45 - 64 $111,346 15.7%
Over 65 $68,482 16.0%
Above poverty level
52,194
Below poverty level
6,817
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 52,194 88.4% 0.1%
Below poverty level 6,817 11.6% -2.4%

Average renter income in LA Mesa

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in LA Mesa, their median household income was $58,467 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$58,467
Rent-to-income ratio
42.1%
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 LA Mesa

Workforce and job types in LA Mesa

The job market in LA Mesa is powered by 30,406 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.9% run their own businesses, 62% are employed by private companies, and 18% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
30,406
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
25,565
Blue collar
4,841
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,565 84.1% -0.3%
Blue collar 4,841 15.9% -2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
11.9%
Private companies
62%
Governmental workers
18%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,620 11.9% 7.4%
Private companies 18,844 62% 1.8%
Governmental workers 5,488 18% -10.2%
Not for profit companies 2,454 8.1% -6.3%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
-3.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in LA Mesa stands at 6.2%, 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 LA Mesa

How people get around in LA Mesa

Commuting methods vary: 76.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% 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 23,693 76.7% -3.8%
Bus or trolleybus 208 0.7% -30.2%
Subway or elevated 75 0.2% N/A
Railroad 14 0% 7.7%
Motorcycle 118 0.4% 25.5%
Walk 804 2.6% 19.6%
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 LA Mesa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
91941 33,218 12,647 $115,381 $149,108
91942 41,424 17,684 $92,896 $113,419

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FAQs about LA Mesa demographics 

What is the total population of LA Mesa?

LA Mesa has a total population of 60,797 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in LA Mesa?

The gender ratio in LA Mesa is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (29,292 residents)
  • 51.8% females (31,505 residents)

What is the median age in LA Mesa?

The median age in LA Mesa is 37.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in LA Mesa?

The age distribution in LA Mesa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (11,536 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (5,872 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.1% (20,745 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.7% (13,207 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.5% (9,437 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of LA Mesa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of LA Mesa is as follows:
  • White: 56% (34,066 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.2% (4,996 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (258 residents)
  • Asian: 6.2% (3,802 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (111 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.7% (13,179 residents)
  • Other: 7.2% (4,385 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.1% of the population in LA Mesa.

How many housing units are there in LA Mesa?

There are 26,212 housing units in LA Mesa, reflecting a -0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

LA Mesa has a total of 25,038 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in LA Mesa?

LA Mesa has a median household income of $95,028, representing a +12.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for LA Mesa?

The employment rate is 93.8% in LA Mesa, with a workforce of 30,406 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.1% (25,565 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.9% (4,841 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.9% (3,620 residents)
  • Private companies: 62% (18,844 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18% (5,488 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (2,454 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