Rancho Santa Margarita, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
46,990
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$152,560/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,498
0.4% year-over-year change

Rancho Santa Margarita population

How many people live in Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita is home to 46,990 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Rancho Santa Margarita locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
46,990
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
23,314
Female
50.4%
23,676
Value Percent YoY change
Male 23,314 49.6% -0.8%
Female 23,676 50.4% -0.3%
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 Santa Margarita is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.5% of the population, while another 31.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
27.5%
45 to 64
31.7%
Over 65
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,259 17.6% -2.0%
15 to 24 5,257 11.2% -6.1%
25 to 44 12,906 27.5% 0.1%
45 to 64 14,916 31.7% 0.0%
Over 65 5,652 12% 4.2%
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 Santa Margarita, 75.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 12.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.2%
Non-citizens
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 35,667 75.9% -2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,613 16.2% 6.6%
Non-citizens 3,710 7.9% 0.4%
Racial breakdown
White
61.7%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
12.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
16.7%
Other
7%
Value Percent
White 29,006 61.7%
Black or African American 753 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 87 0.2%
Asian 5,923 12.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 54 0.1%
Two or more races 7,867 16.7%
Other 3,300 7%

Households in Rancho Santa Margarita

A peek inside Rancho Santa Margarita households

Rancho Santa Margarita has 17,123 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.7% are families, while the remaining 23.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
17,123
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,982
Family households
13,141
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,982 23.3% -1.1%
Family households 13,141 76.7% 0.9%
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 Santa Margarita

The housing landscape of Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita's housing consists of 17,498 units, with 54.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 19.6% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,498
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,466 54.1%
1 unit, attached 3,431 19.6%
2 units 245 1.4%
3 or 4 units 794 4.5%
5 to 9 units 1,030 5.9%
10 to 19 units 1,041 6%
20 to 49 units 336 1.9%
50 or more units 1,112 6.4%
Mobile home 26 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 17 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
108
151.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rancho Santa Margarita

In Rancho Santa Margarita, the median construction year is 1992. About 0.7% 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. Then, 7.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 120 0.7% 11.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 28 0.2% 21.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 65 0.4% 30.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 65 0.4% -43.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 466 2.7% 6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,188 35.4% 5.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8,856 50.6% -4.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,277 7.3% 3.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 325 1.9% 18.6%
Built in 2020 or later 108 0.6% 151.2%
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 Santa Margarita occupancy rates

Out of the 17,123 occupied housing units in Rancho Santa Margarita, 72.5% are owner-occupied, while 27.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
17,123
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,709
Owner occupied
12,414
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,709 27.5% 4.0%
Owner occupied 12,414 72.5% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
2.1%
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 Santa Margarita housing costs

Housing costs in Rancho Santa Margarita come to a median of $2,921 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,625.

Median housing costs per month
$2,921/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 Santa Margarita
$2,625/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 Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita education at a glance

About 17.4% of the population in Rancho Santa Margarita went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 9.5% earned an associate degree and 31.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 932 2.6% 2.8%
High school diploma 6,386 17.4% -1.1%
College diploma 8,410 23% -6.1%
Associate degree 3,478 9.5% 5.8%
Bachelor's degree 11,587 31.6% 1.6%
Graduate degree 5,819 15.9% 4.5%
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 Rancho Santa Margarita

How much people earn in Rancho Santa Margarita

The average annual household income in Rancho Santa Margarita was $179,700 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $152,560, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rancho Santa Margarita
$179,700/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rancho Santa Margarita
$152,560/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Rancho Santa Margarita income by age

In Rancho Santa Margarita, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $168,252. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $178,188 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $112,708, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $84,479 in earnings. Overall, 94.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $112,708 2.4%
25 - 44 $168,252 9.7%
45 - 64 $178,188 -1.5%
Over 65 $84,479 2.4%
Above poverty level
43,796
Below poverty level
2,699
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 43,796 94.2% -1.3%
Below poverty level 2,699 5.8% 12.5%

Average renter income in Rancho Santa Margarita

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rancho Santa Margarita, their median household income was $93,095 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$93,095
Rent-to-income ratio
33.8%
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 Santa Margarita

Workforce and job types in Rancho Santa Margarita

The job market in Rancho Santa Margarita is powered by 26,244 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.5% run their own businesses, 67.8% are employed by private companies, and 10.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
26,244
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
23,557
Blue collar
2,687
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,557 89.8% 1.0%
Blue collar 2,687 10.2% -16.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13.5%
Private companies
67.8%
Governmental workers
10.4%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,541 13.5% 3.4%
Private companies 17,803 67.8% -0.6%
Governmental workers 2,741 10.4% -4.2%
Not for profit companies 2,159 8.2% -7.6%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
0.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rancho Santa Margarita stands at 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 Rancho Santa Margarita

How people get around in Rancho Santa Margarita

Commuting methods vary: 72.2% 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.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 18,653 72.2% -5.1%
Taxicab 18 0.1% 12.5%
Bus or trolleybus 12 0% -14.3%
Railroad 10 0% -37.5%
Motorcycle 38 0.2% -46.5%
Bicycle 40 0.2% -29.8%
Walk 304 1.2% 6.3%
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 Rancho Santa Margarita by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92679 30,818 10,601 $211,250 $258,890
92688 43,320 15,858 $152,528 $176,808

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FAQs about Rancho Santa Margarita demographics 

What is the total population of Rancho Santa Margarita?

Rancho Santa Margarita has a total population of 46,990 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rancho Santa Margarita?

The gender ratio in Rancho Santa Margarita is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (23,314 residents)
  • 50.4% females (23,676 residents)

What is the median age in Rancho Santa Margarita?

The median age in Rancho Santa Margarita is 40.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rancho Santa Margarita?

The age distribution in Rancho Santa Margarita is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (8,259 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (5,257 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.5% (12,906 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.7% (14,916 residents)
  • Over 65: 12% (5,652 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rancho Santa Margarita?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rancho Santa Margarita is as follows:
  • White: 61.7% (29,006 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (753 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (87 residents)
  • Asian: 12.6% (5,923 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (54 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.7% (7,867 residents)
  • Other: 7% (3,300 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rancho Santa Margarita are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.9% of the population in Rancho Santa Margarita.

How many housing units are there in Rancho Santa Margarita?

There are 17,498 housing units in Rancho Santa Margarita, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rancho Santa Margarita and what is the average household size?

Rancho Santa Margarita has a total of 17,123 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Rancho Santa Margarita has a median household income of $152,560, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rancho Santa Margarita?

The employment rate is 96% in Rancho Santa Margarita, with a workforce of 26,244 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.8% (23,557 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.2% (2,687 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.5% (3,541 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.8% (17,803 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.4% (2,741 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (2,159 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