Malibu, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,421
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$194,421/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,434
0.1% year-over-year change

Malibu population

How many people live in Malibu

Malibu is home to 10,421 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Malibu locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
10,421
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
5,285
Female
49.3%
5,136
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,285 50.7% -2.6%
Female 5,136 49.3% 0.9%
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 Malibu is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.5% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.5% of the population, while another 27.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
53.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.5%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
17.5%
45 to 64
27.2%
Over 65
31.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,202 11.5% -14.5%
15 to 24 1,246 12% -9.3%
25 to 44 1,828 17.5% -1.3%
45 to 64 2,834 27.2% -1.7%
Over 65 3,311 31.8% 10.3%
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 Malibu, 83.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 2.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.8%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,700 83.5% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,332 12.8% 3.9%
Non-citizens 389 3.7% -5.6%
Racial breakdown
White
79%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.3%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 8,233 79%
Black or African American 81 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.1%
Asian 302 2.9%
Two or more races 1,383 13.3%
Other 410 3.9%

Households in Malibu

A peek inside Malibu households

Malibu has 4,399 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63% are families, while the remaining 37% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,399
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,627
Family households
2,772
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,627 37% -0.8%
Family households 2,772 63% 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 Malibu

The housing landscape of Malibu

Malibu's housing consists of 6,434 units, with 61.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.1% 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 14% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,434
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,977 61.8%
1 unit, attached 394 6.1%
2 units 21 0.3%
3 or 4 units 161 2.5%
5 to 9 units 197 3.1%
10 to 19 units 170 2.6%
20 to 49 units 320 5%
50 or more units 290 4.5%
Mobile home 904 14%
Homes built since 2020
129
98.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Malibu

In Malibu, the median construction year is 1976. About 3.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 215 3.3% -19.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 140 2.2% -44.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 916 14.2% -9.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 905 14.1% 5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,678 26.1% -0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 818 12.7% 8.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 834 13% 4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 493 7.7% 23.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 306 4.8% -7.5%
Built in 2020 or later 129 2% 98.5%
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.

Malibu occupancy rates

Out of the 4,399 occupied housing units in Malibu, 75.4% are owner-occupied, while 24.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 31.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,399
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,082
Owner occupied
3,317
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,082 24.6% -4.9%
Owner occupied 3,317 75.4% 3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
31.6%
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.

Malibu housing costs

Housing costs in Malibu come to a median of $4,001 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,501.

Median housing costs per month
$4,001/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 Malibu
$3,501/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 Malibu

Malibu education at a glance

About 11% of the population in Malibu went to high school, while 20.9% pursued college studies. Another 3.5% earned an associate degree and 35.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 49 0.6% 4.3%
High school diploma 960 11% 24.2%
College diploma 1,831 20.9% 5.3%
Associate degree 304 3.5% 3.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,110 35.5% -0.5%
Graduate degree 2,496 28.5% -2.5%
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 Malibu

How much people earn in Malibu

The average annual household income in Malibu was $332,256 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $194,421, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Malibu
$332,256/year
10.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Malibu
$194,421/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Malibu income by age

In Malibu, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $249,875. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $2,499, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $136,985 in earnings. Overall, 87.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $2,499 N/A
25 - 44 $249,875 8.6%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.1%
Over 65 $136,985 -1.1%
Above poverty level
9,072
Below poverty level
1,306
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,072 87.4% -0.9%
Below poverty level 1,306 12.6% -0.8%

Average renter income in Malibu

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Malibu, their median household income was $125,929 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$125,929
Rent-to-income ratio
33.4%
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 Malibu

Workforce and job types in Malibu

The job market in Malibu is powered by 4,355 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 35% run their own businesses, 47.7% are employed by private companies, and 8.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,355
-1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
4,124
Blue collar
231
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,124 94.7% -1.3%
Blue collar 231 5.3% -11.2%
Employer type
Self employees
35%
Private companies
47.7%
Governmental workers
8.8%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,522 35% -7.7%
Private companies 2,078 47.7% 0.3%
Governmental workers 381 8.8% 9.2%
Not for profit companies 374 8.6% 1.1%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
-12.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Malibu stands at 6.7%, 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 Malibu

How people get around in Malibu

Commuting methods vary: 55.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% 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 2,360 55.4% -3.4%
Bicycle 7 0.2% -46.1%
Walk 106 2.5% 47.2%
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 Malibu by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90263 1,856 0 $0 $0
90265 15,918 6,262 $196,742 $319,350

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FAQs about Malibu demographics 

What is the total population of Malibu?

Malibu has a total population of 10,421 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Malibu?

The gender ratio in Malibu is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (5,285 residents)
  • 49.3% females (5,136 residents)

What is the median age in Malibu?

The median age in Malibu is 53.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Malibu?

The age distribution in Malibu is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.5% (1,202 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (1,246 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.5% (1,828 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.2% (2,834 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.8% (3,311 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Malibu?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Malibu is as follows:
  • White: 79% (8,233 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (81 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 2.9% (302 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.3% (1,383 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (410 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.5% of the population in Malibu.

How many housing units are there in Malibu?

There are 6,434 housing units in Malibu, 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 Malibu and what is the average household size?

Malibu has a total of 4,399 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Malibu?

Malibu has a median household income of $194,421, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.3% in Malibu, with a workforce of 4,355 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.7% (4,124 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.3% (231 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 35% (1,522 residents)
  • Private companies: 47.7% (2,078 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.8% (381 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (374 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