Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,681
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$122,128/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,964
1.0% year-over-year change

Pacific Beach population

How many people live in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is home to 16,681 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.3% of Pacific Beach locals are male, and 46.7% are female.

Total population
16,681
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.3%
8,884
Female
46.7%
7,796
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,884 53.3% 0.5%
Female 7,796 46.7% 1.2%
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 Pacific Beach is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.1% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 52% of the population, while another 17.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.1%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
52%
45 to 64
17.5%
Over 65
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,348 8.1% 3.7%
15 to 24 1,871 11.2% 7.9%
25 to 44 8,671 52% 0.1%
45 to 64 2,922 17.5% -3.8%
Over 65 1,869 11.2% 3.3%
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 Pacific Beach, 86.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.9% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 3.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.8%
Non-citizens
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,486 86.8% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,134 6.8% -1.6%
Non-citizens 1,060 6.4% 6.8%
Racial breakdown
White
77.9%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
11.5%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 12,988 77.9%
Black or African American 315 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 36 0.2%
Asian 584 3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 66 0.4%
Two or more races 1,919 11.5%
Other 773 4.6%

Households in Pacific Beach

A peek inside Pacific Beach households

Pacific Beach has 8,428 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 32% are families, while the remaining 68% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,428
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,730
Family households
2,698
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,730 68% 3.7%
Family households 2,698 32% -1.7%
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 Pacific Beach

The housing landscape of Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach's housing consists of 9,964 units, with 27.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.1% 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% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,964
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,733 27.4%
1 unit, attached 1,210 12.1%
2 units 542 5.4%
3 or 4 units 1,226 12.3%
5 to 9 units 1,435 14.4%
10 to 19 units 1,051 10.6%
20 to 49 units 855 8.6%
50 or more units 798 8%
Mobile home 95 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 19 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
68
13.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pacific Beach

In Pacific Beach, the median construction year is 1973. About 4.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 406 4.1% -9.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 643 6.4% -3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,334 13.4% 9.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,666 16.7% -8.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,774 27.8% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,362 13.7% 0.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 795 8% 3.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 519 5.2% 16.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 397 4% 9.4%
Built in 2020 or later 68 0.7% 13.3%
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.

Pacific Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 8,428 occupied housing units in Pacific Beach, 31.2% are owner-occupied, while 68.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,428
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,800
Owner occupied
2,628
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,800 68.8% 2.2%
Owner occupied 2,628 31.2% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
15.4%
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.

Pacific Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Pacific Beach come to a median of $2,486 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,421.

Median housing costs per month
$2,486/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 Pacific Beach
$2,421/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 Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach education at a glance

About 10.4% of the population in Pacific Beach went to high school, while 14.3% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 44.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 250 1.7% -0.8%
High school diploma 1,571 10.4% 4.0%
College diploma 2,159 14.3% 1.2%
Associate degree 852 5.7% 3.8%
Bachelor's degree 6,706 44.6% -3.9%
Graduate degree 3,514 23.4% 8.1%
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 Pacific Beach

How much people earn in Pacific Beach

The average annual household income in Pacific Beach was $158,186 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $122,128, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pacific Beach
$158,186/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pacific Beach
$122,128/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Pacific Beach income by age

In Pacific Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $142,581. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $112,623 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $81,194, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $79,772 in earnings. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $81,194 -1.0%
25 - 44 $142,581 6.3%
45 - 64 $112,623 0.2%
Over 65 $79,772 5.6%
Above poverty level
15,080
Below poverty level
1,439
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,080 91.3% 0.8%
Below poverty level 1,439 8.7% 1.6%

Employment in Pacific Beach

Workforce and job types in Pacific Beach

94.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 71% are employed by private companies, and 9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10,689
Blue collar
642
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,689 94.3% 0.4%
Blue collar 642 5.7% -9.7%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
71%
Governmental workers
9%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,434 12.6% -1.5%
Private companies 8,042 71% 0.9%
Governmental workers 1,015 9% -3.4%
Not for profit companies 841 7.4% -4.7%

Transportation in Pacific Beach

How people get around in Pacific Beach

Commuting methods vary: 91.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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 7,076 91.7% -2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 104 1.4% 8.3%
Railroad 4 0% 0.0%
Ferryboat 5 0.1% N/A
Motorcycle 105 1.4% 20.7%
Bicycle 259 3.4% -27.0%
Walk 164 2.1% -6.8%
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 Pacific Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92109 44,820 22,646 $122,128 $158,318

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FAQs about Pacific Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Pacific Beach?

Pacific Beach has a total population of 16,681 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pacific Beach?

The gender ratio in Pacific Beach is as follows:
  • 53.3% males (8,884 residents)
  • 46.7% females (7,796 residents)

What is the median age in Pacific Beach?

The median age in Pacific Beach is 33.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pacific Beach?

The age distribution in Pacific Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.1% (1,348 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (1,871 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 52% (8,671 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.5% (2,922 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.2% (1,869 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pacific Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pacific Beach is as follows:
  • White: 77.9% (12,988 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (315 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (36 residents)
  • Asian: 3.5% (584 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (66 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.5% (1,919 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (773 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.8% of the population in Pacific Beach.

How many housing units are there in Pacific Beach?

There are 9,964 housing units in Pacific Beach, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pacific Beach has a total of 8,428 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pacific Beach?

Pacific Beach has a median household income of $122,128, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Pacific Beach?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.3% (10,689 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.7% (642 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (1,434 residents)
  • Private companies: 71% (8,042 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9% (1,015 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (841 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