Santa Ana, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
312,534
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$93,999/yr
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
83,701
1.6% year-over-year change

Santa Ana population

How many people live in Santa Ana

Santa Ana is home to 312,534 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Santa Ana locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
312,534
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
160,283
Female
48.7%
152,251
Value Percent YoY change
Male 160,283 51.3% 0.2%
Female 152,251 48.7% 0.4%
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 Santa Ana is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.3% are children under 15, then 15.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.7% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.3%
15 to 24
15.4%
25 to 44
30.7%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 57,162 18.3% -2.6%
15 to 24 48,248 15.4% -1.4%
25 to 44 95,968 30.7% 0.5%
45 to 64 75,547 24.2% 2.2%
Over 65 35,609 11.4% 2.9%
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 Santa Ana, 56.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 23.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 16.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 12.5% have Asian roots. Another 1.8% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 45.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 22.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
56.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20%
Non-citizens
23.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 176,448 56.5% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 62,520 20% -0.6%
Non-citizens 73,566 23.5% 4.2%
Racial breakdown
White
16.7%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.8%
Asian
12.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
22.5%
Other
45.6%
Value Percent
White 52,268 16.7%
Black or African American 2,436 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,615 1.8%
Asian 39,060 12.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 370 0.1%
Two or more races 70,349 22.5%
Other 142,436 45.6%

Households in Santa Ana

A peek inside Santa Ana households

Santa Ana has 81,069 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 79.2% are families, while the remaining 20.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
81,069
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
16,900
Family households
64,169
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,900 20.8% 7.4%
Family households 64,169 79.2% 0.3%
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 Santa Ana

The housing landscape of Santa Ana

Santa Ana's housing consists of 83,701 units, with 44.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7% 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 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
83,701
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 36,985 44.2%
1 unit, attached 5,865 7%
2 units 2,534 3%
3 or 4 units 5,930 7.1%
5 to 9 units 5,919 7.1%
10 to 19 units 6,328 7.6%
20 to 49 units 5,927 7.1%
50 or more units 9,752 11.6%
Mobile home 4,386 5.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 75 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
896
47.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Ana

In Santa Ana, the median construction year is 1969. About 8.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,840 8.2% -5.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,080 4.9% -15.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 17,408 20.8% 2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14,602 17.4% -3.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 18,963 22.7% 1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,783 10.5% 10.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,697 4.4% 8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,376 5.2% 12.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,056 4.8% 16.1%
Built in 2020 or later 896 1.1% 47.1%
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.

Santa Ana occupancy rates

Out of the 81,069 occupied housing units in Santa Ana, 44.6% are owner-occupied, while 55.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
81,069
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
44,898
Owner occupied
36,171
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 44,898 55.4% 1.7%
Owner occupied 36,171 44.6% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
3.1%
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.

Santa Ana housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Ana come to a median of $2,051 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,082.

Median housing costs per month
$2,051/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 Santa Ana
$2,082/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 Santa Ana

Santa Ana education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Santa Ana went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.5% earned an associate degree and 12.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 40,940 17% 0.6%
High school diploma 98,748 41% 0.9%
College diploma 46,968 19.5% -1.8%
Associate degree 13,335 5.5% 3.2%
Bachelor's degree 30,637 12.7% 6.5%
Graduate degree 10,299 4.3% -3.3%
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 Santa Ana

How much people earn in Santa Ana

The average annual household income in Santa Ana was $113,116 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $93,999, reflecting a +6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Ana
$113,116/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Ana
$93,999/year
6.4% year-over-year change

Santa Ana income by age

In Santa Ana, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $96,970. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,778 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $70,597, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $69,900 in earnings. Overall, 89.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $70,597 0.7%
25 - 44 $96,970 8.4%
45 - 64 $105,778 3.6%
Over 65 $69,900 5.5%
Above poverty level
273,192
Below poverty level
32,961
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 273,192 89.2% 0.7%
Below poverty level 32,961 10.8% -2.4%

Average renter income in Santa Ana

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Santa Ana, their median household income was $69,169 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$69,169
Rent-to-income ratio
36.1%
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 Santa Ana

Workforce and job types in Santa Ana

The job market in Santa Ana is powered by 158,719 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 76.5% are employed by private companies, and 10.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
158,719
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
112,538
Blue collar
46,181
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 112,538 70.9% 2.5%
Blue collar 46,181 29.1% -0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
76.5%
Governmental workers
10.1%
Not for profit companies
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 13,740 8.7% -4.4%
Private companies 121,351 76.5% 1.9%
Governmental workers 15,990 10.1% 4.0%
Not for profit companies 7,638 4.8% 3.9%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
-5.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Santa Ana stands at 4.8%, 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 Santa Ana

How people get around in Santa Ana

In Santa Ana, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 129,367 83.8% 0.5%
Taxicab 250 0.2% -22.4%
Bus or trolleybus 3,824 2.5% -9.8%
Subway or elevated 21 0% N/A
Railroad 334 0.2% 7.4%
Motorcycle 248 0.2% -3.1%
Bicycle 793 0.5% 11.5%
Walk 1,953 1.3% -8.9%
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 Santa Ana by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92701 47,818 13,174 $70,572 $89,898
92703 62,447 14,638 $84,437 $101,940
92704 82,120 20,871 $99,777 $123,547
92705 48,781 16,187 $129,331 $188,262
92706 37,175 10,106 $102,857 $126,578
92707 58,695 14,575 $105,168 $121,402

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FAQs about Santa Ana demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Ana?

Santa Ana has a total population of 312,534 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 Santa Ana?

The gender ratio in Santa Ana is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (160,283 residents)
  • 48.7% females (152,251 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Ana?

The median age in Santa Ana is 34.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Ana?

The age distribution in Santa Ana is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.3% (57,162 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.4% (48,248 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.7% (95,968 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (75,547 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.4% (35,609 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Ana?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Ana is as follows:
  • White: 16.7% (52,268 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (2,436 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.8% (5,615 residents)
  • Asian: 12.5% (39,060 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (370 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 22.5% (70,349 residents)
  • Other: 45.6% (142,436 residents)

What percentage of the population in Santa Ana are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 56.5% of the population in Santa Ana.

How many housing units are there in Santa Ana?

There are 83,701 housing units in Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana and what is the average household size?

Santa Ana has a total of 81,069 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana has a median household income of $93,999, representing a +6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Santa Ana?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Santa Ana, with a workforce of 158,719 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.9% (112,538 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.1% (46,181 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (13,740 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.5% (121,351 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.1% (15,990 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.8% (7,638 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