Hillcrest, San Diego, San Diego County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,197
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,626/yr
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,614
1.8% year-over-year change

Hillcrest population

How many people live in Hillcrest

Hillcrest is home to 12,197 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.5% of Hillcrest locals are male, and 45.5% are female.

Total population
12,197
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.5%
6,646
Female
45.5%
5,551
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,646 54.5% 4.0%
Female 5,551 45.5% -4.3%
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 Hillcrest is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.7% are children under 15, then 6.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 42.3% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.7%
15 to 24
6.2%
25 to 44
42.3%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 821 6.7% -3.6%
15 to 24 756 6.2% 8.6%
25 to 44 5,160 42.3% 1.8%
45 to 64 3,038 24.9% 0.8%
Over 65 2,422 19.9% -5.3%
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 Hillcrest, 83% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.5% are African American and 7.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12%
Non-citizens
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,117 83% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,460 12% 2.5%
Non-citizens 620 5.1% -6.6%
Racial breakdown
White
69.2%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
12.4%
Other
7.4%
Value Percent
White 8,437 69.2%
Black or African American 306 2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 58 0.5%
Asian 965 7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 20 0.2%
Two or more races 1,514 12.4%
Other 897 7.4%

Households in Hillcrest

A peek inside Hillcrest households

Hillcrest has 6,980 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 33.3% are families, while the remaining 66.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,980
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,655
Family households
2,325
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,655 66.7% 4.6%
Family households 2,325 33.3% -3.0%
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 Hillcrest

The housing landscape of Hillcrest

Hillcrest's housing consists of 7,614 units, with 25.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.9% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,614
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,914 25.1%
1 unit, attached 523 6.9%
2 units 273 3.6%
3 or 4 units 490 6.4%
5 to 9 units 965 12.7%
10 to 19 units 949 12.5%
20 to 49 units 1,195 15.7%
50 or more units 1,260 16.6%
Mobile home 23 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 21 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
174
47.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hillcrest

In Hillcrest, the median construction year is 1974. About 21.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,655 21.7% -0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 350 4.6% 7.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 510 6.7% 2.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 884 11.6% -3.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,046 13.7% -8.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,430 18.8% 4.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 596 7.8% 11.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 604 7.9% 6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 365 4.8% 7.0%
Built in 2020 or later 174 2.3% 47.5%
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.

Hillcrest occupancy rates

Out of the 6,980 occupied housing units in Hillcrest, 35.2% are owner-occupied, while 64.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,980
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,520
Owner occupied
2,460
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,520 64.8% 2.0%
Owner occupied 2,460 35.2% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
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.

Hillcrest housing costs

Housing costs in Hillcrest come to a median of $2,323 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,138.

Median housing costs per month
$2,323/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 Hillcrest
$2,138/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 Hillcrest

Hillcrest education at a glance

About 10.7% of the population in Hillcrest went to high school, while 18.2% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 34.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 195 1.7% -4.9%
High school diploma 1,194 10.7% -4.9%
College diploma 2,033 18.2% -6.7%
Associate degree 666 6% 2.9%
Bachelor's degree 3,882 34.7% 2.7%
Graduate degree 3,208 28.7% 4.1%
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 Hillcrest

How much people earn in Hillcrest

The average annual household income in Hillcrest was $146,227 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $102,626, reflecting a +5.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hillcrest
$146,227/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hillcrest
$102,626/year
5.9% year-over-year change

Hillcrest income by age

In Hillcrest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $112,238. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $115,649 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $82,455, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $76,045 in earnings. Overall, 91% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $82,455 -5.6%
25 - 44 $112,238 4.6%
45 - 64 $115,649 8.3%
Over 65 $76,045 1.8%
Above poverty level
10,853
Below poverty level
1,078
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,853 91% 0.5%
Below poverty level 1,078 9% -1.6%

Employment in Hillcrest

Workforce and job types in Hillcrest

93.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.4% run their own businesses, 60.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,003
Blue collar
499
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,003 93.4% 2.1%
Blue collar 499 6.6% -3.7%
Employer type
Self employees
11.4%
Private companies
60.6%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 859 11.4% -1.4%
Private companies 4,543 60.6% -2.6%
Governmental workers 1,172 15.6% 12.6%
Not for profit companies 929 12.4% 16.1%

Transportation in Hillcrest

How people get around in Hillcrest

Commuting methods vary: 91.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.8% 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 4,969 91.1% -2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 93 1.7% -35.0%
Railroad 4 0.1% -20.0%
Motorcycle 18 0.3% -28.0%
Bicycle 51 0.9% -15.0%
Walk 317 5.8% -13.9%
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 Hillcrest by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92103 34,836 19,935 $102,626 $147,096

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FAQs about Hillcrest demographics 

What is the total population of Hillcrest?

Hillcrest has a total population of 12,197 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 Hillcrest?

The gender ratio in Hillcrest is as follows:
  • 54.5% males (6,646 residents)
  • 45.5% females (5,551 residents)

What is the median age in Hillcrest?

The median age in Hillcrest is 40.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hillcrest?

The age distribution in Hillcrest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.7% (821 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.2% (756 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 42.3% (5,160 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (3,038 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.9% (2,422 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hillcrest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hillcrest is as follows:
  • White: 69.2% (8,437 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (306 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (58 residents)
  • Asian: 7.9% (965 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (20 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.4% (1,514 residents)
  • Other: 7.4% (897 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83% of the population in Hillcrest.

How many housing units are there in Hillcrest?

There are 7,614 housing units in Hillcrest, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Hillcrest has a total of 6,980 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hillcrest?

Hillcrest has a median household income of $102,626, representing a +5.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Hillcrest?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.4% (7,003 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.6% (499 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.4% (859 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.6% (4,543 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (1,172 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.4% (929 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