San Marcos, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
94,882
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$109,377/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
32,557
0.9% year-over-year change

San Marcos population

How many people live in San Marcos

San Marcos is home to 94,882 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of San Marcos locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
94,882
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
46,386
Female
51.1%
48,496
Value Percent YoY change
Male 46,386 48.9% -0.6%
Female 48,496 51.1% 2.3%
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 San Marcos is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.8% are children under 15, then 14% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.2% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.8%
15 to 24
14%
25 to 44
28.2%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 19,717 20.8% -1.0%
15 to 24 13,245 14% -0.2%
25 to 44 26,796 28.2% 2.4%
45 to 64 22,618 23.8% 1.8%
Over 65 12,506 13.2% 0.1%
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 San Marcos, 76.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 11.8% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 13.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 21.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14%
Non-citizens
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 72,545 76.5% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13,309 14% 0.6%
Non-citizens 9,028 9.5% 0.1%
Racial breakdown
White
50.6%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
11.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
21.4%
Other
13.6%
Value Percent
White 48,024 50.6%
Black or African American 1,265 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,021 1.1%
Asian 11,157 11.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 180 0.2%
Two or more races 20,310 21.4%
Other 12,925 13.6%

Households in San Marcos

A peek inside San Marcos households

San Marcos has 31,350 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.6% are families, while the remaining 25.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
31,350
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
7,950
Family households
23,400
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,950 25.4% -1.2%
Family households 23,400 74.6% 2.5%
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 San Marcos

The housing landscape of San Marcos

San Marcos's housing consists of 32,557 units, with 52.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.3% 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 10.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
32,557
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,966 52.1%
1 unit, attached 3,353 10.3%
2 units 233 0.7%
3 or 4 units 1,209 3.7%
5 to 9 units 1,584 4.9%
10 to 19 units 1,541 4.7%
20 to 49 units 1,341 4.1%
50 or more units 3,023 9.3%
Mobile home 3,282 10.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 25 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
821
57.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in San Marcos

In San Marcos, the median construction year is 1996. About 0.5% 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, 28.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 150 0.5% 11.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 149 0.5% 101.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 689 2.1% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,496 4.6% -7.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,402 19.7% -1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,380 13.4% -4.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,323 16.4% -7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 9,217 28.3% 5.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,930 12.1% 6.1%
Built in 2020 or later 821 2.5% 57.9%
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.

San Marcos occupancy rates

Out of the 31,350 occupied housing units in San Marcos, 63.7% are owner-occupied, while 36.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
31,350
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,374
Owner occupied
19,976
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,374 36.3% -0.3%
Owner occupied 19,976 63.7% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
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.

San Marcos housing costs

Housing costs in San Marcos come to a median of $2,554 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,348.

Median housing costs per month
$2,554/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 San Marcos
$2,348/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 San Marcos

San Marcos education at a glance

About 21.8% of the population in San Marcos went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 25.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,816 6.8% 5.7%
High school diploma 15,466 21.8% -1.8%
College diploma 16,728 23.6% -1.0%
Associate degree 5,915 8.3% -0.6%
Bachelor's degree 18,357 25.9% 2.2%
Graduate degree 9,681 13.6% 8.7%
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 San Marcos

How much people earn in San Marcos

The average annual household income in San Marcos was $141,381 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $109,377, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in San Marcos
$141,381/year
7.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in San Marcos
$109,377/year
3.9% year-over-year change

San Marcos income by age

In San Marcos, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $131,688. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $132,634 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,538, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,304 in earnings. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,538 13.3%
25 - 44 $131,688 2.9%
45 - 64 $132,634 5.0%
Over 65 $63,304 8.5%
Above poverty level
83,846
Below poverty level
8,506
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 83,846 90.8% 1.8%
Below poverty level 8,506 9.2% -8.8%

Average renter income in San Marcos

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in San Marcos, their median household income was $63,697 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,697
Rent-to-income ratio
44.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in San Marcos

Workforce and job types in San Marcos

The job market in San Marcos is powered by 46,169 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.4% run their own businesses, 69.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
46,169
2.8% year-over-year change
White collar
38,353
Blue collar
7,816
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 38,353 83.1% 3.3%
Blue collar 7,816 16.9% 0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11.4%
Private companies
69.2%
Governmental workers
11.8%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,269 11.4% 5.0%
Private companies 31,942 69.2% 1.3%
Governmental workers 5,446 11.8% 9.3%
Not for profit companies 3,512 7.6% 4.3%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
5.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in San Marcos stands at 4.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in San Marcos

How people get around in San Marcos

Commuting methods vary: 75.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% 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 34,600 75.8% 0.2%
Taxicab 28 0.1% -17.6%
Bus or trolleybus 156 0.3% 7.6%
Railroad 23 0% N/A
Motorcycle 60 0.1% 140.0%
Bicycle 283 0.6% 17.9%
Walk 702 1.5% 1.0%
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 San Marcos by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92069 47,335 15,162 $96,771 $123,340
92078 53,605 18,522 $120,268 $154,495

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FAQs about San Marcos demographics 

What is the total population of San Marcos?

San Marcos has a total population of 94,882 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in San Marcos?

The gender ratio in San Marcos is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (46,386 residents)
  • 51.1% females (48,496 residents)

What is the median age in San Marcos?

The median age in San Marcos is 36.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in San Marcos?

The age distribution in San Marcos is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.8% (19,717 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14% (13,245 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.2% (26,796 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (22,618 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (12,506 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of San Marcos?

The racial and ethnic makeup of San Marcos is as follows:
  • White: 50.6% (48,024 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (1,265 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (1,021 residents)
  • Asian: 11.8% (11,157 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (180 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.4% (20,310 residents)
  • Other: 13.6% (12,925 residents)

What percentage of the population in San Marcos are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.5% of the population in San Marcos.

How many housing units are there in San Marcos?

There are 32,557 housing units in San Marcos, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in San Marcos and what is the average household size?

San Marcos has a total of 31,350 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in San Marcos?

San Marcos has a median household income of $109,377, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for San Marcos?

The employment rate is 95.4% in San Marcos, with a workforce of 46,169 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.1% (38,353 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.9% (7,816 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.4% (5,269 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.2% (31,942 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.8% (5,446 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (3,512 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