Little Italy, San Diego, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,656
7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,566/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,106
5.1% year-over-year change

Little Italy population

How many people live in Little Italy

Little Italy is home to 1,656 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.6% of Little Italy locals are male, and 45.4% are female.

Total population
1,656
7.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.6%
904
Female
45.4%
752
Value Percent YoY change
Male 904 54.6% 5.7%
Female 752 45.4% 9.8%
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 Little Italy is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 3.9% are children under 15, then 7.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 52.4% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
3.9%
15 to 24
7.5%
25 to 44
52.4%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 65 3.9% 22.6%
15 to 24 124 7.5% 4.2%
25 to 44 868 52.4% 9.6%
45 to 64 367 22.2% 3.4%
Over 65 231 14% 5.0%
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 Little Italy, 78.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 58.3% of locals are Caucasian, 8.6% are African American and 9.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 8% 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
78.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.8%
Non-citizens
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,301 78.6% 7.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 212 12.8% 5.5%
Non-citizens 143 8.6% 11.7%
Racial breakdown
White
58.3%
Black or African American
8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
9.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
14.4%
Other
8%
Value Percent
White 966 58.3%
Black or African American 143 8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 15 0.9%
Asian 150 9.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0.6%
Two or more races 239 14.4%
Other 133 8%

Households in Little Italy

A peek inside Little Italy households

Little Italy has 966 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 24.3% are families, while the remaining 75.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
966
5.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
731
Family households
235
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 731 75.7% 5.2%
Family households 235 24.3% 5.9%
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 Little Italy

The housing landscape of Little Italy

Little Italy's housing consists of 1,106 units, with 3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,106
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 33 3%
1 unit, attached 15 1.4%
2 units 9 0.8%
3 or 4 units 25 2.3%
5 to 9 units 34 3.1%
10 to 19 units 62 5.6%
20 to 49 units 126 11.4%
50 or more units 795 72%
Mobile home 4 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
51
70.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Little Italy

In Little Italy, the median construction year is 2004. About 9.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 29.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 27.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 105 9.5% 8.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9 0.8% -25.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 33 3% 13.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 39 3.5% -4.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 68 6.2% 23.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 87 7.9% 1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 84 7.6% -13.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 325 29.4% -0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 304 27.5% 8.6%
Built in 2020 or later 51 4.6% 70.0%
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.

Little Italy occupancy rates

Out of the 966 occupied housing units in Little Italy, 22.6% are owner-occupied, while 77.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
966
5.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
748
Owner occupied
218
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 748 77.4% 8.9%
Owner occupied 218 22.6% -5.2%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
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.

Little Italy housing costs

Housing costs in Little Italy come to a median of $2,556 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,412.

Median housing costs per month
$2,556/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 Little Italy
$2,412/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 Little Italy

Little Italy education at a glance

About 16.8% of the population in Little Italy went to high school, while 18.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 34.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 48 3% -7.7%
High school diploma 265 16.8% 10.4%
College diploma 293 18.5% 6.2%
Associate degree 86 5.4% -1.1%
Bachelor's degree 544 34.4% 6.9%
Graduate degree 346 21.9% 11.2%
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 Little Italy

How much people earn in Little Italy

The average annual household income in Little Italy was $125,812 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,566, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Little Italy
$125,812/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Little Italy
$91,566/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Little Italy income by age

In Little Italy, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $118,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,790 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,138, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,348 in earnings. Overall, 82.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,138 3.2%
25 - 44 $118,750 1.9%
45 - 64 $82,790 8.5%
Over 65 $37,348 4.4%
Above poverty level
1,298
Below poverty level
279
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,298 82.3% 6.5%
Below poverty level 279 17.7% 13.0%

Employment in Little Italy

Workforce and job types in Little Italy

93.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 12.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
893
Blue collar
59
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 893 93.8% 9.7%
Blue collar 59 6.2% 15.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
12.3%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 84 8.8% 13.5%
Private companies 649 68.2% 9.6%
Governmental workers 117 12.3% 6.4%
Not for profit companies 101 10.6% 13.5%

Transportation in Little Italy

How people get around in Little Italy

In Little Italy, the average commute time is 1 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 74.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 17.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
1 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 512 74.6% 2.8%
Taxicab 7 1% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 24 3.5% 0.0%
Railroad 5 0.7% 25.0%
Ferryboat 2 0.3% N/A
Motorcycle 7 1% -46.1%
Bicycle 9 1.3% 12.5%
Walk 120 17.5% 7.1%
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 Little Italy by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92101 51,805 30,214 $91,566 $125,812

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FAQs about Little Italy demographics 

What is the total population of Little Italy?

Little Italy has a total population of 1,656 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 +7.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Little Italy?

The gender ratio in Little Italy is as follows:
  • 54.6% males (904 residents)
  • 45.4% females (752 residents)

What is the median age in Little Italy?

The median age in Little Italy is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Little Italy?

The age distribution in Little Italy is as follows:
  • Under 15: 3.9% (65 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.5% (124 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 52.4% (868 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (367 residents)
  • Over 65: 14% (231 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Little Italy?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Little Italy is as follows:
  • White: 58.3% (966 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.6% (143 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (15 residents)
  • Asian: 9.1% (150 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.4% (239 residents)
  • Other: 8% (133 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.6% of the population in Little Italy.

How many housing units are there in Little Italy?

There are 1,106 housing units in Little Italy, reflecting a +5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Little Italy has a total of 966 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Little Italy?

Little Italy has a median household income of $91,566, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Little Italy?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.8% (893 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.2% (59 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (84 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (649 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.3% (117 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (101 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