Placentia, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
52,826
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$115,929/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,890
2.0% year-over-year change

Placentia population

How many people live in Placentia

Placentia is home to 52,826 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Placentia locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
52,826
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
25,586
Female
51.6%
27,240
Value Percent YoY change
Male 25,586 48.4% -0.9%
Female 27,240 51.6% 2.6%
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 Placentia is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
15.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,810 18.6% -1.8%
15 to 24 6,957 13.2% -1.6%
25 to 44 14,099 26.7% 0.7%
45 to 64 13,683 25.9% -0.3%
Over 65 8,277 15.7% 9.0%
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 Placentia, 74.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 42.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 18.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 12.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 23.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.4%
Non-citizens
9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 39,405 74.6% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,644 16.4% -0.6%
Non-citizens 4,777 9% 0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
42.7%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
18.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
23.1%
Other
12.6%
Value Percent
White 22,566 42.7%
Black or African American 1,150 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 286 0.5%
Asian 9,904 18.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 44 0.1%
Two or more races 12,208 23.1%
Other 6,668 12.6%

Households in Placentia

A peek inside Placentia households

Placentia has 17,182 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.9% are families, while the remaining 23.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
17,182
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,968
Family households
13,214
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,968 23.1% -0.1%
Family households 13,214 76.9% 1.6%
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 Placentia

The housing landscape of Placentia

Placentia's housing consists of 17,890 units, with 60.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.4% 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 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,890
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,761 60.2%
1 unit, attached 2,030 11.4%
2 units 273 1.5%
3 or 4 units 959 5.4%
5 to 9 units 756 4.2%
10 to 19 units 474 2.6%
20 to 49 units 400 2.2%
50 or more units 1,544 8.6%
Mobile home 693 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
242
48.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Placentia

In Placentia, the median construction year is 1976. About 2.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 515 2.9% 17.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 266 1.5% 6.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 910 5.1% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,528 25.3% 3.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,433 24.8% -6.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,319 13% 10.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,353 13.2% -0.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,535 8.6% -0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 789 4.4% 19.4%
Built in 2020 or later 242 1.4% 48.5%
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.

Placentia occupancy rates

Out of the 17,182 occupied housing units in Placentia, 63.6% are owner-occupied, while 36.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
17,182
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,251
Owner occupied
10,931
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,251 36.4% 0.4%
Owner occupied 10,931 63.6% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
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.

Placentia housing costs

Housing costs in Placentia come to a median of $2,484 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,388.

Median housing costs per month
$2,484/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 Placentia
$2,388/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 Placentia

Placentia education at a glance

About 25.2% of the population in Placentia went to high school, while 21.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 25.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,929 4.8% 13.7%
High school diploma 10,212 25.2% 3.1%
College diploma 8,580 21.2% -4.6%
Associate degree 3,163 7.8% 0.5%
Bachelor's degree 10,336 25.5% 2.5%
Graduate degree 6,322 15.6% 4.9%
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 Placentia

How much people earn in Placentia

The average annual household income in Placentia was $144,377 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 $115,929, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Placentia
$144,377/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Placentia
$115,929/year
4.8% year-over-year change

Placentia income by age

In Placentia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $129,566. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $138,268 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $69,770, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $83,327 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $69,770 -7.5%
25 - 44 $129,566 9.8%
45 - 64 $138,268 3.4%
Over 65 $83,327 4.7%
Above poverty level
47,871
Below poverty level
4,161
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 47,871 92% 1.3%
Below poverty level 4,161 8% -6.1%

Average renter income in Placentia

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Placentia, their median household income was $77,147 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$77,147
Rent-to-income ratio
37.1%
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 Placentia

Workforce and job types in Placentia

The job market in Placentia is powered by 26,232 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.9% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
26,232
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
21,830
Blue collar
4,402
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,830 83.2% 2.3%
Blue collar 4,402 16.8% -0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
12.9%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,388 12.9% 4.5%
Private companies 17,337 66.1% 0.6%
Governmental workers 3,847 14.7% 0.4%
Not for profit companies 1,660 6.3% 13.2%
Unemployment rate
5.5%
3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Placentia stands at 5.5%, 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 Placentia

How people get around in Placentia

In Placentia, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-8.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 20,712 80.2% 1.1%
Bus or trolleybus 132 0.5% -54.8%
Railroad 73 0.3% -32.4%
Motorcycle 17 0.1% 21.4%
Bicycle 89 0.3% 102.3%
Walk 322 1.2% -16.1%
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 Placentia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92870 52,826 17,182 $115,929 $144,377

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FAQs about Placentia demographics 

What is the total population of Placentia?

Placentia has a total population of 52,826 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Placentia?

The gender ratio in Placentia is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (25,586 residents)
  • 51.6% females (27,240 residents)

What is the median age in Placentia?

The median age in Placentia is 39.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Placentia?

The age distribution in Placentia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (9,810 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (6,957 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (14,099 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (13,683 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.7% (8,277 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Placentia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Placentia is as follows:
  • White: 42.7% (22,566 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (1,150 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (286 residents)
  • Asian: 18.8% (9,904 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (44 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 23.1% (12,208 residents)
  • Other: 12.6% (6,668 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.6% of the population in Placentia.

How many housing units are there in Placentia?

There are 17,890 housing units in Placentia, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Placentia has a total of 17,182 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Placentia?

Placentia has a median household income of $115,929, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.5% in Placentia, with a workforce of 26,232 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (21,830 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (4,402 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.9% (3,388 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (17,337 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (3,847 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (1,660 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