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

Total population
10,827
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,154/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,241
1.6% year-over-year change

University Heights population

How many people live in University Heights

University Heights is home to 10,827 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.9% of University Heights locals are male, and 48.1% are female.

Total population
10,827
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.9%
5,616
Female
48.1%
5,210
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,616 51.9% 2.9%
Female 5,210 48.1% -1.3%
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 Heights is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.2% are children under 15, then 6.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 48.6% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.2%
15 to 24
6.2%
25 to 44
48.6%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 997 9.2% 0.1%
15 to 24 674 6.2% -1.3%
25 to 44 5,266 48.6% 2.6%
45 to 64 2,390 22.1% -2.0%
Over 65 1,498 13.8% 0.5%
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 University Heights, 83.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61.6% of locals are Caucasian, 4.1% are African American and 6.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.4%
Non-citizens
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,001 83.1% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,129 10.4% 0.0%
Non-citizens 697 6.4% 4.7%
Racial breakdown
White
61.6%
Black or African American
4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
18.3%
Other
8.3%
Value Percent
White 6,669 61.6%
Black or African American 440 4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 100 0.9%
Asian 716 6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 19 0.2%
Two or more races 1,985 18.3%
Other 897 8.3%

Households in University Heights

A peek inside University Heights households

University Heights has 5,833 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 36.8% are families, while the remaining 63.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,833
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,687
Family households
2,146
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,687 63.2% 3.5%
Family households 2,146 36.8% 0.5%
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 University Heights

The housing landscape of University Heights

University Heights's housing consists of 6,241 units, with 30.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,241
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,914 30.7%
1 unit, attached 396 6.4%
2 units 199 3.2%
3 or 4 units 437 7%
5 to 9 units 1,501 24%
10 to 19 units 760 12.2%
20 to 49 units 547 8.8%
50 or more units 449 7.2%
Mobile home 32 0.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
89
93.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in University Heights

In University Heights, the median construction year is 1972. About 22% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,372 22% -3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 382 6.1% -1.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 532 8.5% 4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 794 12.7% 2.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,050 16.8% -1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,129 18.1% 0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 390 6.2% 10.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 311 5% 5.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 191 3.1% 16.5%
Built in 2020 or later 89 1.4% 93.5%
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 Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 5,833 occupied housing units in University Heights, 32.6% are owner-occupied, while 67.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,833
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,929
Owner occupied
1,903
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,929 67.4% 2.2%
Owner occupied 1,903 32.6% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
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 Heights housing costs

Housing costs in University Heights come to a median of $2,075 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,993.

Median housing costs per month
$2,075/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 Heights
$1,993/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 Heights

University Heights education at a glance

About 13% of the population in University Heights went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 34.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 193 2% 10.9%
High school diploma 1,253 13% 2.1%
College diploma 1,799 18.6% -7.0%
Associate degree 746 7.7% 3.5%
Bachelor's degree 3,306 34.2% 0.9%
Graduate degree 2,371 24.5% 5.6%
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 University Heights

How much people earn in University Heights

The average annual household income in University Heights was $132,069 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,154, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in University Heights
$132,069/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in University Heights
$98,154/year
2.5% year-over-year change

University Heights income by age

In University Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $110,621. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $96,742 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $72,742, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,042 in earnings. Overall, 89.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $72,742 -0.4%
25 - 44 $110,621 3.1%
45 - 64 $96,742 0.1%
Over 65 $73,042 19.4%
Above poverty level
9,568
Below poverty level
1,120
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,568 89.5% -0.5%
Below poverty level 1,120 10.5% 14.3%

Employment in University Heights

Workforce and job types in University Heights

90.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.9% run their own businesses, 61.8% are employed by private companies, and 16% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
6,417
Blue collar
651
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,417 90.8% 1.4%
Blue collar 651 9.2% 3.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.9%
Private companies
61.8%
Governmental workers
16%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 772 10.9% -3.1%
Private companies 4,370 61.8% -0.1%
Governmental workers 1,127 16% 11.8%
Not for profit companies 798 11.3% 2.6%

Transportation in University Heights

How people get around in University Heights

In University Heights, the average commute time is 5 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
5 min
400.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,700 90% -2.1%
Taxicab 3 0.1% 200.0%
Bus or trolleybus 126 2.4% -18.7%
Railroad 2 0% -33.3%
Ferryboat 3 0.1% -80.0%
Motorcycle 27 0.5% -10.0%
Bicycle 70 1.3% 9.4%
Walk 290 5.6% 17.4%
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 Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92103 34,836 19,935 $102,626 $147,096
92104 47,410 23,661 $94,014 $120,938
92116 31,843 17,022 $98,154 $129,605

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FAQs about University Heights demographics 

What is the total population of University Heights?

University Heights has a total population of 10,827 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 University Heights?

The gender ratio in University Heights is as follows:
  • 51.9% males (5,616 residents)
  • 48.1% females (5,210 residents)

What is the median age in University Heights?

The median age in University Heights is 35.7.

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

The age distribution in University Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.2% (997 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.2% (674 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 48.6% (5,266 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (2,390 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.8% (1,498 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of University Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of University Heights is as follows:
  • White: 61.6% (6,669 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.1% (440 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (100 residents)
  • Asian: 6.6% (716 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (19 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.3% (1,985 residents)
  • Other: 8.3% (897 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.1% of the population in University Heights.

How many housing units are there in University Heights?

There are 6,241 housing units in University Heights, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

University Heights has a total of 5,833 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in University Heights?

University Heights has a median household income of $98,154, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for University Heights?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.8% (6,417 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.2% (651 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.9% (772 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.8% (4,370 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16% (1,127 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (798 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