Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,454
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$116,089/yr
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,580
1.7% year-over-year change

Kearny Mesa population

How many people live in Kearny Mesa

Kearny Mesa is home to 26,454 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of Kearny Mesa locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
26,454
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
13,592
Female
48.6%
12,862
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,592 51.4% -1.2%
Female 12,862 48.6% 0.1%
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 Kearny Mesa is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.5% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
34.5%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,940 14.9% 2.5%
15 to 24 3,298 12.5% -6.1%
25 to 44 9,132 34.5% -0.0%
45 to 64 6,350 24% 0.8%
Over 65 3,734 14.1% -2.4%
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 Kearny Mesa, 76.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 49.8% of locals are Caucasian, 5% are African American and 20.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 1.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.5%
Non-citizens
7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,241 76.5% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,368 16.5% 1.7%
Non-citizens 1,844 7% -16.8%
Racial breakdown
White
49.8%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
20.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.2%
Two or more races
16.5%
Other
6.3%
Value Percent
White 13,169 49.8%
Black or African American 1,320 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 154 0.6%
Asian 5,459 20.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 323 1.2%
Two or more races 4,364 16.5%
Other 1,666 6.3%

Households in Kearny Mesa

A peek inside Kearny Mesa households

Kearny Mesa has 10,033 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.2% are families, while the remaining 37.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,033
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,789
Family households
6,245
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,789 37.8% 3.5%
Family households 6,245 62.2% -0.4%
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 Kearny Mesa

The housing landscape of Kearny Mesa

Kearny Mesa's housing consists of 10,580 units, with 43.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.9% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,580
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,589 43.4%
1 unit, attached 1,572 14.9%
2 units 177 1.7%
3 or 4 units 449 4.2%
5 to 9 units 723 6.8%
10 to 19 units 649 6.1%
20 to 49 units 834 7.9%
50 or more units 1,479 14%
Mobile home 106 1%
Homes built since 2020
69
64.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kearny Mesa

In Kearny Mesa, the median construction year is 1974. About 1.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.6% 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 127 1.2% -4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 421 4% 5.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,112 20% 1.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,994 18.8% 4.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,753 16.6% -3.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,325 12.5% -1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 817 7.7% -1.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,156 10.9% 4.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 805 7.6% 9.1%
Built in 2020 or later 69 0.6% 64.3%
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.

Kearny Mesa occupancy rates

Out of the 10,033 occupied housing units in Kearny Mesa, 48.5% are owner-occupied, while 51.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,033
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,166
Owner occupied
4,868
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,166 51.5% 0.7%
Owner occupied 4,868 48.5% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
5.2%
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.

Kearny Mesa housing costs

Housing costs in Kearny Mesa come to a median of $2,442 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,521.

Median housing costs per month
$2,442/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 Kearny Mesa
$2,521/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 Kearny Mesa

Kearny Mesa education at a glance

About 22.4% of the population in Kearny Mesa went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 26.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 832 3.8% -11.4%
High school diploma 4,906 22.4% 2.2%
College diploma 4,789 21.9% -7.8%
Associate degree 1,813 8.3% -1.8%
Bachelor's degree 5,791 26.4% 4.1%
Graduate degree 3,769 17.2% 1.9%
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 Kearny Mesa

How much people earn in Kearny Mesa

The average annual household income in Kearny Mesa was $129,378 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $116,089, reflecting a +7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kearny Mesa
$129,378/year
5.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kearny Mesa
$116,089/year
7.0% year-over-year change

Kearny Mesa income by age

In Kearny Mesa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $129,270. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $120,576 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $64,214, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $80,622 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $64,214 -9.6%
25 - 44 $129,270 11.0%
45 - 64 $120,576 0.7%
Over 65 $80,622 10.5%
Above poverty level
23,407
Below poverty level
2,033
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,407 92% 0.9%
Below poverty level 2,033 8% -11.9%

Employment in Kearny Mesa

Workforce and job types in Kearny Mesa

86% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 63.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
12,275
Blue collar
2,006
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,275 86% 1.0%
Blue collar 2,006 14% 3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
63.9%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,330 9.3% -14.9%
Private companies 9,125 63.9% 0.7%
Governmental workers 2,227 15.6% 6.1%
Not for profit companies 1,599 11.2% 16.7%

Transportation in Kearny Mesa

How people get around in Kearny Mesa

In Kearny Mesa, the average commute time is 8 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
8 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,737 95.2% -0.4%
Taxicab 11 0.1% -79.6%
Bus or trolleybus 164 1.4% -34.7%
Motorcycle 85 0.8% -4.5%
Bicycle 67 0.6% -20.2%
Walk 210 1.9% 13.5%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Kearny Mesa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92111 45,249 17,229 $99,644 $118,537
92123 33,041 12,487 $132,534 $143,748

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FAQs about Kearny Mesa demographics 

What is the total population of Kearny Mesa?

Kearny Mesa has a total population of 26,454 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 Kearny Mesa?

The gender ratio in Kearny Mesa is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (13,592 residents)
  • 48.6% females (12,862 residents)

What is the median age in Kearny Mesa?

The median age in Kearny Mesa is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kearny Mesa?

The age distribution in Kearny Mesa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (3,940 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (3,298 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.5% (9,132 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (6,350 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (3,734 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kearny Mesa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kearny Mesa is as follows:
  • White: 49.8% (13,169 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (1,320 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (154 residents)
  • Asian: 20.6% (5,459 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.2% (323 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.5% (4,364 residents)
  • Other: 6.3% (1,666 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.5% of the population in Kearny Mesa.

How many housing units are there in Kearny Mesa?

There are 10,580 housing units in Kearny Mesa, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Kearny Mesa has a total of 10,033 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kearny Mesa?

Kearny Mesa has a median household income of $116,089, representing a +7.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Kearny Mesa?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86% (12,275 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14% (2,006 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (1,330 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.9% (9,125 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (2,227 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.2% (1,599 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