Sorrento Valley, San Diego, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,217
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$135,938/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
950
-4.0% year-over-year change

Sorrento Valley population

How many people live in Sorrento Valley

Sorrento Valley is home to 2,217 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.8% of Sorrento Valley locals are male, and 45.2% are female.

Total population
2,217
-4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.8%
1,215
Female
45.2%
1,003
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,215 54.8% -3.9%
Female 1,003 45.2% -4.9%
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 Sorrento Valley is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.3% are children under 15, then 21.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.9% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.3%
15 to 24
21.7%
25 to 44
33.9%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 251 11.3% -6.3%
15 to 24 481 21.7% -0.4%
25 to 44 751 33.9% -6.0%
45 to 64 487 22% -10.0%
Over 65 247 11.1% 7.9%
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 Sorrento Valley, 68.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 21.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.1% are African American and 26.4% have Asian roots. Another 1.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 17.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
21.5%
Non-citizens
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,512 68.2% -5.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 477 21.5% 1.5%
Non-citizens 228 10.3% -11.3%
Racial breakdown
White
50.2%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
26.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
17.7%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 1,113 50.2%
Black or African American 47 2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 29 1.3%
Asian 584 26.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0.2%
Two or more races 392 17.7%
Other 47 2.1%

Households in Sorrento Valley

A peek inside Sorrento Valley households

Sorrento Valley has 879 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58% are families, while the remaining 41.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
879
-4.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
368
Family households
510
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 368 41.9% -2.4%
Family households 510 58% -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 Sorrento Valley

The housing landscape of Sorrento Valley

Sorrento Valley's housing consists of 950 units, with 34.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 27.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
950
-4.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 331 34.8%
1 unit, attached 261 27.5%
2 units 28 3%
3 or 4 units 46 4.8%
5 to 9 units 114 12%
10 to 19 units 82 8.6%
20 to 49 units 33 3.5%
50 or more units 55 5.8%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sorrento Valley

In Sorrento Valley, the median construction year is 1992. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9 1% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 33 3.5% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 223 23.5% 3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 112 11.8% -5.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 393 41.4% -8.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 136 14.3% 6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 44 4.6% -21.4%
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.

Sorrento Valley occupancy rates

Out of the 879 occupied housing units in Sorrento Valley, 49.6% are owner-occupied, while 50.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
879
-4.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
443
Owner occupied
436
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 443 50.4% -5.7%
Owner occupied 436 49.6% -2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
7.5%
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.

Sorrento Valley housing costs

Housing costs in Sorrento Valley come to a median of $2,617 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,606.

Median housing costs per month
$2,617/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 Sorrento Valley
$2,606/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 Sorrento Valley

Sorrento Valley education at a glance

About 13.8% of the population in Sorrento Valley went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 29.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 32.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 268 13.8% 7.2%
College diploma 376 19.4% -4.1%
Associate degree 105 5.4% -10.3%
Bachelor's degree 567 29.2% -3.9%
Graduate degree 625 32.2% -7.0%
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 Sorrento Valley

How much people earn in Sorrento Valley

The average annual household income in Sorrento Valley was $150,737 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $135,938, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sorrento Valley
$150,737/year
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sorrento Valley
$135,938/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Sorrento Valley income by age

In Sorrento Valley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $138,917. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $179,333 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,056, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $121,406 in earnings. Overall, 84.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,056 20.2%
25 - 44 $138,917 -1.2%
45 - 64 $179,333 0.8%
Over 65 $121,406 2.8%
Above poverty level
1,846
Below poverty level
350
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,846 84.1% -3.8%
Below poverty level 350 15.9% -10.0%

Employment in Sorrento Valley

Workforce and job types in Sorrento Valley

92.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,199
Blue collar
97
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,199 92.5% -6.8%
Blue collar 97 7.5% -1.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 138 10.6% 13.1%
Private companies 813 62.7% -6.7%
Governmental workers 179 13.8% 1.7%
Not for profit companies 166 12.8% -22.8%

Transportation in Sorrento Valley

How people get around in Sorrento Valley

Commuting methods vary: 90.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.9% 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 875 90.3% -10.3%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.5% -80.8%
Bicycle 32 3.3% -25.6%
Walk 57 5.9% 35.7%
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 Sorrento Valley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92121 3,974 1,575 $135,938 $168,167

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FAQs about Sorrento Valley demographics 

What is the total population of Sorrento Valley?

Sorrento Valley has a total population of 2,217 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 -4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sorrento Valley?

The gender ratio in Sorrento Valley is as follows:
  • 54.8% males (1,215 residents)
  • 45.2% females (1,003 residents)

What is the median age in Sorrento Valley?

The median age in Sorrento Valley is 32.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sorrento Valley?

The age distribution in Sorrento Valley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.3% (251 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.7% (481 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.9% (751 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (487 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.1% (247 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sorrento Valley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sorrento Valley is as follows:
  • White: 50.2% (1,113 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (47 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (29 residents)
  • Asian: 26.4% (584 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.7% (392 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (47 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sorrento Valley are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.2% of the population in Sorrento Valley.

How many housing units are there in Sorrento Valley?

There are 950 housing units in Sorrento Valley, reflecting a -4.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Sorrento Valley and what is the average household size?

Sorrento Valley has a total of 879 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sorrento Valley?

Sorrento Valley has a median household income of $135,938, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Sorrento Valley?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92.5% (1,199 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7.5% (97 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (138 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (813 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (179 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (166 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