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

Total population
15,882
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$132,534/yr
8.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,423
1.9% year-over-year change

Serra Mesa population

How many people live in Serra Mesa

Serra Mesa is home to 15,882 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.4% of Serra Mesa locals are male, and 46.6% are female.

Total population
15,882
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.4%
8,481
Female
46.6%
7,402
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,481 53.4% -1.6%
Female 7,402 46.6% 2.2%
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 Serra Mesa is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 37.3% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
37.3%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,544 16% 8.2%
15 to 24 1,810 11.4% -7.3%
25 to 44 5,928 37.3% 1.2%
45 to 64 3,725 23.4% 0.2%
Over 65 1,875 11.8% -5.5%
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 Serra Mesa, 78.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.6% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 20.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 2% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 17% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
78.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.7%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,495 78.7% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,648 16.7% 0.3%
Non-citizens 739 4.6% -14.9%
Racial breakdown
White
47.6%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
20.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2%
Two or more races
17%
Other
5.6%
Value Percent
White 7,552 47.6%
Black or African American 1,017 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 145 0.9%
Asian 3,257 20.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 316 2%
Two or more races 2,699 17%
Other 896 5.6%

Households in Serra Mesa

A peek inside Serra Mesa households

Serra Mesa has 6,002 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.3% are families, while the remaining 35.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,002
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,142
Family households
3,860
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,142 35.7% 0.1%
Family households 3,860 64.3% 1.5%
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 Serra Mesa

The housing landscape of Serra Mesa

Serra Mesa's housing consists of 6,423 units, with 42.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,423
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,745 42.7%
1 unit, attached 739 11.5%
2 units 104 1.6%
3 or 4 units 277 4.3%
5 to 9 units 327 5.1%
10 to 19 units 439 6.8%
20 to 49 units 516 8%
50 or more units 1,274 19.8%
Mobile home 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
50
16.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Serra Mesa

In Serra Mesa, the median construction year is 1977. About 1.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 90 1.4% 12.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 123 1.9% 9.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,355 21.1% 2.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,076 16.8% 5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 795 12.4% -2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 358 5.6% -14.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 637 9.9% -4.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,084 16.9% 6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 856 13.3% 6.3%
Built in 2020 or later 50 0.8% 16.3%
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.

Serra Mesa occupancy rates

Out of the 6,002 occupied housing units in Serra Mesa, 44.4% are owner-occupied, while 55.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,002
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,336
Owner occupied
2,666
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,336 55.6% 0.0%
Owner occupied 2,666 44.4% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
6.6%
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.

Serra Mesa housing costs

Housing costs in Serra Mesa come to a median of $2,741 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,866.

Median housing costs per month
$2,741/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 Serra Mesa
$2,866/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 Serra Mesa

Serra Mesa education at a glance

About 20.2% of the population in Serra Mesa went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 28.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 385 3% -6.1%
High school diploma 2,628 20.2% -0.7%
College diploma 3,027 23.2% -2.5%
Associate degree 1,126 8.6% -1.1%
Bachelor's degree 3,680 28.2% -0.5%
Graduate degree 2,194 16.8% 3.6%
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 Serra Mesa

How much people earn in Serra Mesa

The average annual household income in Serra Mesa was $139,627 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $132,534, reflecting a +8.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Serra Mesa
$139,627/year
6.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Serra Mesa
$132,534/year
8.8% year-over-year change

Serra Mesa income by age

In Serra Mesa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $143,405. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $141,406 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,054, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $87,295 in earnings. Overall, 92.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,054 -22.9%
25 - 44 $143,405 11.6%
45 - 64 $141,406 2.6%
Over 65 $87,295 2.0%
Above poverty level
14,319
Below poverty level
1,087
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,319 92.9% 1.3%
Below poverty level 1,087 7.1% -13.2%

Employment in Serra Mesa

Workforce and job types in Serra Mesa

88.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.7% run their own businesses, 63.1% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,731
Blue collar
987
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,731 88.7% 0.6%
Blue collar 987 11.3% -2.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.7%
Private companies
63.1%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 845 9.7% -14.3%
Private companies 5,503 63.1% -2.1%
Governmental workers 1,367 15.7% 9.9%
Not for profit companies 1,003 11.5% 18.0%

Transportation in Serra Mesa

How people get around in Serra Mesa

In Serra Mesa, the average commute time is 10 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 94.9% 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
10 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,620 94.9% -1.8%
Taxicab 10 0.1% -77.8%
Bus or trolleybus 86 1.2% -18.1%
Motorcycle 72 1% -6.5%
Bicycle 54 0.8% 10.2%
Walk 133 1.9% 0.8%
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 Serra Mesa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92123 33,041 12,487 $132,534 $143,748

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FAQs about Serra Mesa demographics 

What is the total population of Serra Mesa?

Serra Mesa has a total population of 15,882 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 Serra Mesa?

The gender ratio in Serra Mesa is as follows:
  • 53.4% males (8,481 residents)
  • 46.6% females (7,402 residents)

What is the median age in Serra Mesa?

The median age in Serra Mesa is 35.3.

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

The age distribution in Serra Mesa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (2,544 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (1,810 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 37.3% (5,928 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (3,725 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.8% (1,875 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Serra Mesa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Serra Mesa is as follows:
  • White: 47.6% (7,552 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (1,017 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (145 residents)
  • Asian: 20.5% (3,257 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2% (316 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17% (2,699 residents)
  • Other: 5.6% (896 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.7% of the population in Serra Mesa.

How many housing units are there in Serra Mesa?

There are 6,423 housing units in Serra Mesa, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Serra Mesa has a total of 6,002 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Serra Mesa?

Serra Mesa has a median household income of $132,534, representing a +8.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Serra Mesa?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.7% (7,731 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.3% (987 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.7% (845 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.1% (5,503 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (1,367 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (1,003 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