University City, San Diego, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,436
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$120,558/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,760
0.7% year-over-year change

University City population

How many people live in University City

University City is home to 16,436 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of University City locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
16,436
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
8,079
Female
50.8%
8,357
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,079 49.2% -2.2%
Female 8,357 50.8% 1.6%
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 University City is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.5% are children under 15, then 24.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.4% of the population, while another 16.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
32
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.5%
15 to 24
24.6%
25 to 44
33.4%
45 to 64
16.8%
Over 65
14.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,720 10.5% -2.8%
15 to 24 4,036 24.6% 0.9%
25 to 44 5,487 33.4% 0.9%
45 to 64 2,769 16.8% -8.4%
Over 65 2,425 14.8% 7.4%
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 University City, 65.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 19.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 51.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 28.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
65.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.7%
Non-citizens
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,800 65.7% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,417 14.7% 1.5%
Non-citizens 3,219 19.6% -0.7%
Racial breakdown
White
51.5%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
28.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
14%
Other
3.4%
Value Percent
White 8,459 51.5%
Black or African American 260 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 87 0.5%
Asian 4,726 28.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 51 0.3%
Two or more races 2,293 14%
Other 560 3.4%

Households in University City

A peek inside University City households

University City has 7,177 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.7% are families, while the remaining 55.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,177
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,973
Family households
3,205
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,973 55.4% 3.5%
Family households 3,205 44.7% -2.2%
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 University City

The housing landscape of University City

University City's housing consists of 7,760 units, with 24.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
7,760
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,889 24.3%
1 unit, attached 704 9.1%
2 units 82 1.1%
3 or 4 units 487 6.3%
5 to 9 units 450 5.8%
10 to 19 units 545 7%
20 to 49 units 629 8.1%
50 or more units 2,975 38.3%
Homes built since 2020
18
500.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in University City

In University City, the median construction year is 1989. About 0.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 53 0.7% 23.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 0.3% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 200 2.6% 30.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 987 12.7% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,508 19.4% -2.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,806 23.3% -2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,456 18.8% -2.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,110 14.3% 22.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 603 7.8% -14.3%
Built in 2020 or later 18 0.2% 500.0%
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.

University City occupancy rates

Out of the 7,177 occupied housing units in University City, 35% are owner-occupied, while 65% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,177
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,662
Owner occupied
2,515
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,662 65% -0.3%
Owner occupied 2,515 35% 3.0%
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.

University City housing costs

Housing costs in University City come to a median of $2,633 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,668.

Median housing costs per month
$2,633/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 University City
$2,668/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 University City

University City education at a glance

About 13.5% of the population in University City went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 3.4% earned an associate degree and 32.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 273 1.9% -2.5%
High school diploma 1,942 13.5% 1.4%
College diploma 2,572 17.9% -3.6%
Associate degree 489 3.4% -6.1%
Bachelor's degree 4,669 32.5% -1.7%
Graduate degree 4,441 30.9% 5.1%
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 University City

How much people earn in University City

The average annual household income in University City was $146,922 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $120,558, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in University City
$146,922/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in University City
$120,558/year
2.8% year-over-year change

University City income by age

In University City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $137,302. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $162,932 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,328, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $99,935 in earnings. Overall, 79% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,328 4.5%
25 - 44 $137,302 2.9%
45 - 64 $162,932 -1.2%
Over 65 $99,935 3.3%
Above poverty level
12,687
Below poverty level
3,369
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,687 79% -1.2%
Below poverty level 3,369 21% 0.6%

Employment in University City

Workforce and job types in University City

95.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.2% run their own businesses, 62.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
8,551
Blue collar
444
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,551 95.1% -0.9%
Blue collar 444 4.9% -13.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.2%
Private companies
62.6%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 915 10.2% -0.5%
Private companies 5,632 62.6% -1.0%
Governmental workers 1,430 15.9% -4.3%
Not for profit companies 1,018 11.3% -2.3%

Transportation in University City

How people get around in University City

Commuting methods vary: 85.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.8% 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 5,593 85.3% 0.5%
Taxicab 15 0.2% -11.8%
Bus or trolleybus 410 6.2% -11.3%
Railroad 27 0.4% -6.9%
Motorcycle 26 0.4% -46.9%
Bicycle 173 2.6% -7.0%
Walk 313 4.8% 3.0%
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 University City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92121 3,974 1,575 $135,938 $168,167
92122 45,411 19,927 $105,177 $137,695

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FAQs about University City demographics 

What is the total population of University City?

University City has a total population of 16,436 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in University City?

The gender ratio in University City is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (8,079 residents)
  • 50.8% females (8,357 residents)

What is the median age in University City?

The median age in University City is 32.

What is the age distribution of the population in University City?

The age distribution in University City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.5% (1,720 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 24.6% (4,036 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.4% (5,487 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.8% (2,769 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.8% (2,425 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of University City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of University City is as follows:
  • White: 51.5% (8,459 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (260 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (87 residents)
  • Asian: 28.8% (4,726 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (51 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14% (2,293 residents)
  • Other: 3.4% (560 residents)

What percentage of the population in University City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 65.7% of the population in University City.

How many housing units are there in University City?

There are 7,760 housing units in University City, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in University City and what is the average household size?

University City has a total of 7,177 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in University City?

University City has a median household income of $120,558, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for University City?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.1% (8,551 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.9% (444 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.2% (915 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.6% (5,632 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (1,430 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (1,018 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