Rancho San Diego, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,272
-4.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$118,682/yr
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,267
-1.1% year-over-year change

Rancho San Diego population

How many people live in Rancho San Diego

Rancho San Diego is home to 21,272 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Rancho San Diego locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
21,272
-4.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
10,694
Female
49.7%
10,578
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,694 50.3% -2.2%
Female 10,578 49.7% -6.7%
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 Rancho San Diego is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
22.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,464 16.3% -5.9%
15 to 24 2,692 12.7% -9.1%
25 to 44 4,682 22% -2.4%
45 to 64 5,620 26.4% -10.4%
Over 65 4,814 22.6% 5.8%
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 Rancho San Diego, 77.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 4.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.5%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,404 77.1% -8.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,152 19.5% 9.2%
Non-citizens 716 3.4% 11.9%
Racial breakdown
White
74%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1%
Two or more races
14.4%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 15,732 74%
Black or African American 261 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 170 0.8%
Asian 1,005 4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 219 1%
Two or more races 3,053 14.4%
Other 832 3.9%

Households in Rancho San Diego

A peek inside Rancho San Diego households

Rancho San Diego has 7,813 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 78.8% are families, while the remaining 21.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,813
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,654
Family households
6,159
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,654 21.2% 10.3%
Family households 6,159 78.8% -2.1%
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 Rancho San Diego

The housing landscape of Rancho San Diego

Rancho San Diego's housing consists of 8,267 units, with 68% 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 1.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,267
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,621 68%
1 unit, attached 507 6.1%
2 units 73 0.9%
3 or 4 units 245 3%
5 to 9 units 407 4.9%
10 to 19 units 427 5.2%
20 to 49 units 224 2.7%
50 or more units 629 7.6%
Mobile home 134 1.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rancho San Diego

In Rancho San Diego, the median construction year is 1985. About 0.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 37 0.4% -43.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 19 0.2% -13.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 438 5.3% 8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 396 4.8% -6.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,215 14.7% 6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,155 50.3% -2.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,168 14.1% -3.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 709 8.6% 5.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 130 1.6% -4.4%
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.

Rancho San Diego occupancy rates

Out of the 7,813 occupied housing units in Rancho San Diego, 75.1% are owner-occupied, while 24.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,813
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,942
Owner occupied
5,871
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,942 24.9% 3.3%
Owner occupied 5,871 75.1% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
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.

Rancho San Diego housing costs

Housing costs in Rancho San Diego come to a median of $2,780 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,618.

Median housing costs per month
$2,780/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 Rancho San Diego
$2,618/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 Rancho San Diego

Rancho San Diego education at a glance

About 21.2% of the population in Rancho San Diego went to high school, while 24.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.5% earned an associate degree and 25.9% 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 543 3.2% -18.7%
High school diploma 3,594 21.2% -4.8%
College diploma 4,153 24.5% 3.5%
Associate degree 1,605 9.5% -23.5%
Bachelor's degree 4,383 25.9% 2.8%
Graduate degree 2,643 15.6% -9.7%
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 Rancho San Diego

How much people earn in Rancho San Diego

The average annual household income in Rancho San Diego was $151,905 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $118,682, reflecting a +0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rancho San Diego
$151,905/year
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rancho San Diego
$118,682/year
0.2% year-over-year change

Rancho San Diego income by age

In Rancho San Diego, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $129,776. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $144,260 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,450, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $87,567 in earnings. Overall, 90% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,450 -7.7%
25 - 44 $129,776 3.0%
45 - 64 $144,260 3.3%
Over 65 $87,567 -1.9%
Above poverty level
18,954
Below poverty level
2,109
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,954 90% -7.6%
Below poverty level 2,109 10% 38.1%

Average renter income in Rancho San Diego

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rancho San Diego, their median household income was $73,311 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$73,311
Rent-to-income ratio
42.9%
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 Rancho San Diego

Workforce and job types in Rancho San Diego

The job market in Rancho San Diego is powered by 9,669 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.3% run their own businesses, 61.2% are employed by private companies, and 18% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,669
-5.3% year-over-year change
White collar
8,218
Blue collar
1,451
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,218 85% -5.7%
Blue collar 1,451 15% -2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
11.3%
Private companies
61.2%
Governmental workers
18%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,089 11.3% -2.8%
Private companies 5,916 61.2% -5.7%
Governmental workers 1,744 18% -6.4%
Not for profit companies 920 9.5% -3.4%
Unemployment rate
7.1%
-17.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rancho San Diego stands at 7.1%, 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 Rancho San Diego

How people get around in Rancho San Diego

In Rancho San Diego, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,028 83.7% -8.2%
Motorcycle 14 0.2% 27.3%
Walk 172 1.8% -7.5%
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.

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FAQs about Rancho San Diego demographics 

What is the total population of Rancho San Diego?

Rancho San Diego has a total population of 21,272 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 -4.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rancho San Diego?

The gender ratio in Rancho San Diego is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (10,694 residents)
  • 49.7% females (10,578 residents)

What is the median age in Rancho San Diego?

The median age in Rancho San Diego is 44.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rancho San Diego?

The age distribution in Rancho San Diego is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (3,464 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (2,692 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (4,682 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (5,620 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.6% (4,814 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rancho San Diego?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rancho San Diego is as follows:
  • White: 74% (15,732 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (261 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (170 residents)
  • Asian: 4.7% (1,005 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1% (219 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.4% (3,053 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (832 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rancho San Diego are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.1% of the population in Rancho San Diego.

How many housing units are there in Rancho San Diego?

There are 8,267 housing units in Rancho San Diego, reflecting a -1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rancho San Diego and what is the average household size?

Rancho San Diego has a total of 7,813 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rancho San Diego?

Rancho San Diego has a median household income of $118,682, representing a +0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rancho San Diego?

The employment rate is 92.9% in Rancho San Diego, with a workforce of 9,669 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85% (8,218 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15% (1,451 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.3% (1,089 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.2% (5,916 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18% (1,744 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (920 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