Pismo Beach, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,014
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$118,072/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,147
1.4% year-over-year change

Pismo Beach population

How many people live in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is home to 8,014 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52% of Pismo Beach locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
8,014
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52%
4,168
Female
48%
3,846
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,168 52% 1.6%
Female 3,846 48% -1.9%
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 Pismo Beach is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.9% are children under 15, then 6.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
55.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.9%
15 to 24
6.5%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
32.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 630 7.9% 15.0%
15 to 24 523 6.5% -11.7%
25 to 44 2,039 25.4% 1.7%
45 to 64 2,201 27.5% -4.8%
Over 65 2,621 32.7% 2.1%
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 Pismo Beach, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 2.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.8%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,451 93% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 465 5.8% 4.7%
Non-citizens 98 1.2% -55.7%
Racial breakdown
White
81.5%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2.1%
Two or more races
9.6%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 6,528 81.5%
Black or African American 37 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.2%
Asian 241 3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 166 2.1%
Two or more races 768 9.6%
Other 257 3.2%

Households in Pismo Beach

A peek inside Pismo Beach households

Pismo Beach has 4,129 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.2% are families, while the remaining 45.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,129
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,889
Family households
2,240
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,889 45.8% -4.0%
Family households 2,240 54.2% 4.4%
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 Pismo Beach

The housing landscape of Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach's housing consists of 6,147 units, with 54.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.8% 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 12.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,147
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,372 54.9%
1 unit, attached 539 8.8%
2 units 619 10.1%
3 or 4 units 259 4.2%
5 to 9 units 332 5.4%
10 to 19 units 141 2.3%
20 to 49 units 107 1.7%
50 or more units 9 0.2%
Mobile home 760 12.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
80
19.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pismo Beach

In Pismo Beach, the median construction year is 1986. About 4.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.2% 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 262 4.3% -6.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 310 5% 21.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 393 6.4% -13.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 374 6.1% 11.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 803 13.1% -10.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,557 25.3% 7.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 717 11.7% -8.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,145 18.6% -4.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 506 8.2% 52.9%
Built in 2020 or later 80 1.3% 19.4%
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.

Pismo Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 4,129 occupied housing units in Pismo Beach, 64.6% are owner-occupied, while 35.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 32.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,129
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,460
Owner occupied
2,669
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,460 35.4% 7.8%
Owner occupied 2,669 64.6% -3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
32.8%
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.

Pismo Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Pismo Beach come to a median of $2,109 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,232.

Median housing costs per month
$2,109/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 Pismo Beach
$2,232/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 Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach education at a glance

About 15.9% of the population in Pismo Beach went to high school, while 25.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 29.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 35 0.5% 191.7%
High school diploma 1,128 15.9% -5.1%
College diploma 1,774 25.1% -8.0%
Associate degree 554 7.8% 5.9%
Bachelor's degree 2,076 29.3% 0.8%
Graduate degree 1,508 21.3% 5.2%
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 Pismo Beach

How much people earn in Pismo Beach

The average annual household income in Pismo Beach was $152,880 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $118,072, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pismo Beach
$152,880/year
6.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pismo Beach
$118,072/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Pismo Beach income by age

In Pismo Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $118,085. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $142,813 overall. Overall, 93.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $118,085 3.9%
45 - 64 $142,813 3.3%
Over 65 $102,217 22.4%
Above poverty level
7,374
Below poverty level
491
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,374 93.8% 0.9%
Below poverty level 491 6.2% -16.9%

Average renter income in Pismo Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pismo Beach, their median household income was $86,667 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$86,667
Rent-to-income ratio
30.9%
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 Pismo Beach

Workforce and job types in Pismo Beach

The job market in Pismo Beach is powered by 3,878 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.2% run their own businesses, 58.4% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,878
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
3,287
Blue collar
591
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,287 84.8% 1.2%
Blue collar 591 15.2% 3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
18.2%
Private companies
58.4%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 707 18.2% -9.8%
Private companies 2,266 58.4% 3.1%
Governmental workers 661 17% 11.7%
Not for profit companies 244 6.3% -1.6%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
4.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pismo Beach stands at 4.4%, 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 Pismo Beach

How people get around in Pismo Beach

In Pismo Beach, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,995 79.3% 2.2%
Motorcycle 41 1.1% 241.7%
Bicycle 17 0.4% -48.5%
Walk 78 2.1% -22.8%
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 Pismo Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93449 8,014 4,129 $118,072 $152,880

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FAQs about Pismo Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Pismo Beach?

Pismo Beach has a total population of 8,014 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 Pismo Beach?

The gender ratio in Pismo Beach is as follows:
  • 52% males (4,168 residents)
  • 48% females (3,846 residents)

What is the median age in Pismo Beach?

The median age in Pismo Beach is 55.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pismo Beach?

The age distribution in Pismo Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.9% (630 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.5% (523 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (2,039 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (2,201 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.7% (2,621 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pismo Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pismo Beach is as follows:
  • White: 81.5% (6,528 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (37 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (241 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2.1% (166 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.6% (768 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (257 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Pismo Beach.

How many housing units are there in Pismo Beach?

There are 6,147 housing units in Pismo Beach, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pismo Beach has a total of 4,129 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pismo Beach?

Pismo Beach has a median household income of $118,072, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Pismo Beach?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Pismo Beach, with a workforce of 3,878 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.8% (3,287 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.2% (591 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.2% (707 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.4% (2,266 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (661 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (244 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