Sylmar, San Fernando Valley, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
36,408
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,118/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,354
0.5% year-over-year change

Sylmar population

How many people live in Sylmar

Sylmar is home to 36,408 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Sylmar locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
36,408
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
18,169
Female
50.1%
18,239
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,169 49.9% 0.4%
Female 18,239 50.1% -0.8%
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 Sylmar is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.9% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
27.9%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,686 18.4% 2.6%
15 to 24 5,158 14.2% -4.5%
25 to 44 10,166 27.9% 0.9%
45 to 64 9,578 26.3% 0.2%
Over 65 4,821 13.2% -2.5%
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 Sylmar, 63.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 22.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 20% of locals are Caucasian, 4.2% are African American and 7.9% have Asian roots. Another 1.9% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 37% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 28.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
63.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
22.2%
Non-citizens
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,088 63.4% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,085 22.2% -1.1%
Non-citizens 5,236 14.4% -6.6%
Racial breakdown
White
20%
Black or African American
4.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.9%
Asian
7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
28.6%
Other
37%
Value Percent
White 7,295 20%
Black or African American 1,534 4.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 686 1.9%
Asian 2,871 7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 126 0.4%
Two or more races 10,409 28.6%
Other 13,488 37%

Households in Sylmar

A peek inside Sylmar households

Sylmar has 9,965 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 82.8% are families, while the remaining 17.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,965
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
1,713
Family households
8,252
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,713 17.2% -4.1%
Family households 8,252 82.8% 2.5%
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 Sylmar

The housing landscape of Sylmar

Sylmar's housing consists of 10,354 units, with 62.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.6% 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 7.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,354
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,500 62.8%
1 unit, attached 994 9.6%
2 units 40 0.4%
3 or 4 units 192 1.8%
5 to 9 units 244 2.4%
10 to 19 units 335 3.2%
20 to 49 units 540 5.2%
50 or more units 756 7.3%
Mobile home 749 7.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0%
Homes built since 2020
106
19.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sylmar

In Sylmar, the median construction year is 1977. About 3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 315 3% 18.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 673 6.5% -2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,762 17% 4.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,566 15.1% -5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,219 11.8% -0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,359 22.8% -0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 622 6% 2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,046 10.1% 1.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 687 6.6% -0.9%
Built in 2020 or later 106 1% 19.1%
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.

Sylmar occupancy rates

Out of the 9,965 occupied housing units in Sylmar, 67.8% are owner-occupied, while 32.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,965
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,209
Owner occupied
6,756
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,209 32.2% 1.1%
Owner occupied 6,756 67.8% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Sylmar housing costs

Housing costs in Sylmar come to a median of $2,251 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,963.

Median housing costs per month
$2,251/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 Sylmar
$1,963/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 Sylmar

Sylmar education at a glance

About 37.9% of the population in Sylmar went to high school, while 21.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 14.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,923 14% -5.6%
High school diploma 10,623 37.9% 0.2%
College diploma 5,933 21.2% -3.4%
Associate degree 2,131 7.6% 4.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,979 14.2% 4.8%
Graduate degree 1,423 5.1% 2.1%
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 Sylmar

How much people earn in Sylmar

The average annual household income in Sylmar was $112,934 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 $98,118, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sylmar
$112,934/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sylmar
$98,118/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Sylmar income by age

In Sylmar, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,595. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $101,900 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $77,973 in earnings. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,000 -25.8%
25 - 44 $107,595 5.3%
45 - 64 $101,900 -1.0%
Over 65 $77,973 6.0%
Above poverty level
31,470
Below poverty level
4,244
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 31,470 88.1% 0.8%
Below poverty level 4,244 11.9% -5.3%

Employment in Sylmar

Workforce and job types in Sylmar

72.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.4% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 14% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
12,660
Blue collar
4,897
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,660 72.1% 1.4%
Blue collar 4,897 27.9% -2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
11.4%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
14%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,008 11.4% 5.5%
Private companies 11,366 64.7% -3.1%
Governmental workers 2,462 14% 11.2%
Not for profit companies 1,721 9.8% 3.4%

Transportation in Sylmar

How people get around in Sylmar

In Sylmar, the average commute time is 12 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.7% 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
12 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,412 96.7% -1.6%
Taxicab 20 0.1% -13.0%
Bus or trolleybus 179 1.2% -13.1%
Railroad 20 0.1% -33.3%
Motorcycle 41 0.3% 105.0%
Bicycle 5 0% -16.7%
Walk 233 1.6% 8.9%
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 Sylmar by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
91342 93,301 25,537 $98,118 $115,644

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FAQs about Sylmar demographics 

What is the total population of Sylmar?

Sylmar has a total population of 36,408 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 Sylmar?

The gender ratio in Sylmar is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (18,169 residents)
  • 50.1% females (18,239 residents)

What is the median age in Sylmar?

The median age in Sylmar is 37.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sylmar?

The age distribution in Sylmar is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (6,686 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (5,158 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.9% (10,166 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (9,578 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (4,821 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sylmar?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sylmar is as follows:
  • White: 20% (7,295 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.2% (1,534 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.9% (686 residents)
  • Asian: 7.9% (2,871 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (126 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 28.6% (10,409 residents)
  • Other: 37% (13,488 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 63.4% of the population in Sylmar.

How many housing units are there in Sylmar?

There are 10,354 housing units in Sylmar, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sylmar has a total of 9,965 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sylmar?

Sylmar has a median household income of $98,118, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Sylmar?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.1% (12,660 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.9% (4,897 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.4% (2,008 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (11,366 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14% (2,462 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (1,721 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