Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
40,119
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$163,298/yr
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,319
0.4% year-over-year change

Rancho Bernardo population

How many people live in Rancho Bernardo

Rancho Bernardo is home to 40,119 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Rancho Bernardo locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
40,119
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
19,698
Female
50.9%
20,421
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,698 49.1% 0.8%
Female 20,421 50.9% 0.5%
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 Bernardo is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,140 17.8% 1.2%
15 to 24 3,543 8.8% -1.3%
25 to 44 10,738 26.8% -0.5%
45 to 64 10,265 25.6% -1.3%
Over 65 8,433 21% 5.1%
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 Bernardo, 70.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53.9% of locals are Caucasian, 2.5% are African American and 29.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20.4%
Non-citizens
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,117 70.1% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,198 20.4% 2.8%
Non-citizens 3,804 9.5% -0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
53.9%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
29.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 21,617 53.9%
Black or African American 1,009 2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 111 0.3%
Asian 11,683 29.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 61 0.2%
Two or more races 4,696 11.7%
Other 942 2.4%

Households in Rancho Bernardo

A peek inside Rancho Bernardo households

Rancho Bernardo has 15,604 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.5% are families, while the remaining 28.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,604
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,444
Family households
11,160
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,444 28.5% -1.5%
Family households 11,160 71.5% 1.3%
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 Bernardo

The housing landscape of Rancho Bernardo

Rancho Bernardo's housing consists of 16,319 units, with 54.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.9% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,319
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,927 54.7%
1 unit, attached 2,267 13.9%
2 units 121 0.7%
3 or 4 units 1,325 8.1%
5 to 9 units 1,804 11%
10 to 19 units 691 4.2%
20 to 49 units 361 2.2%
50 or more units 800 4.9%
Mobile home 21 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
74
-3.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rancho Bernardo

In Rancho Bernardo, the median construction year is 1994. About 0.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 49 0.3% 6.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 80 0.5% -12.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 150 0.9% -32.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,222 7.5% 1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,382 14.6% 3.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,438 33.3% 2.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,521 21.6% -2.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,400 14.7% -0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,004 6.2% 2.5%
Built in 2020 or later 74 0.4% -3.9%
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 Bernardo occupancy rates

Out of the 15,604 occupied housing units in Rancho Bernardo, 67.4% are owner-occupied, while 32.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,604
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,094
Owner occupied
10,510
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,094 32.6% -0.4%
Owner occupied 10,510 67.4% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
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.

Rancho Bernardo housing costs

Housing costs in Rancho Bernardo come to a median of $3,227 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,836.

Median housing costs per month
$3,227/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 Bernardo
$2,836/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 Bernardo

Rancho Bernardo education at a glance

About 11.8% of the population in Rancho Bernardo went to high school, while 15.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 34.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 464 1.5% 8.9%
High school diploma 3,724 11.8% 1.8%
College diploma 5,016 15.8% 1.3%
Associate degree 2,574 8.1% -0.1%
Bachelor's degree 10,948 34.6% 1.0%
Graduate degree 8,965 28.3% 0.2%
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 Rancho Bernardo

How much people earn in Rancho Bernardo

The average annual household income in Rancho Bernardo was $200,093 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $163,298, reflecting a +6.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rancho Bernardo
$200,093/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rancho Bernardo
$163,298/year
6.3% year-over-year change

Rancho Bernardo income by age

In Rancho Bernardo, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $189,404. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $195,269 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $137,485, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $99,160 in earnings. Overall, 95.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $137,485 -15.9%
25 - 44 $189,404 8.3%
45 - 64 $195,269 5.5%
Over 65 $99,160 0.9%
Above poverty level
37,833
Below poverty level
1,669
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 37,833 95.8% 1.2%
Below poverty level 1,669 4.2% -11.6%

Employment in Rancho Bernardo

Workforce and job types in Rancho Bernardo

94.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 69.5% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
18,016
Blue collar
1,102
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,016 94.2% -0.1%
Blue collar 1,102 5.8% -9.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
69.5%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,820 9.5% -1.1%
Private companies 13,279 69.5% 0.1%
Governmental workers 2,536 13.3% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 1,483 7.8% -5.0%

Transportation in Rancho Bernardo

How people get around in Rancho Bernardo

In Rancho Bernardo, the average commute time is 6 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
6 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,185 97.4% -4.5%
Bus or trolleybus 126 0.9% 1.6%
Railroad 12 0.1% 0.0%
Motorcycle 18 0.1% -33.3%
Bicycle 11 0.1% -26.7%
Walk 181 1.3% 11.0%
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 Bernardo by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92127 50,555 16,438 $195,520 $246,792
92128 48,992 20,281 $131,077 $164,315

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FAQs about Rancho Bernardo demographics 

What is the total population of Rancho Bernardo?

Rancho Bernardo has a total population of 40,119 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rancho Bernardo?

The gender ratio in Rancho Bernardo is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (19,698 residents)
  • 50.9% females (20,421 residents)

What is the median age in Rancho Bernardo?

The median age in Rancho Bernardo is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rancho Bernardo?

The age distribution in Rancho Bernardo is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (7,140 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (3,543 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (10,738 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (10,265 residents)
  • Over 65: 21% (8,433 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rancho Bernardo?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rancho Bernardo is as follows:
  • White: 53.9% (21,617 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (1,009 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (111 residents)
  • Asian: 29.1% (11,683 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (61 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (4,696 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (942 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.1% of the population in Rancho Bernardo.

How many housing units are there in Rancho Bernardo?

There are 16,319 housing units in Rancho Bernardo, 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 Bernardo and what is the average household size?

Rancho Bernardo has a total of 15,604 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rancho Bernardo?

Rancho Bernardo has a median household income of $163,298, representing a +6.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Rancho Bernardo?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.2% (18,016 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.8% (1,102 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (1,820 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.5% (13,279 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (2,536 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (1,483 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