Santee, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
59,332
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$113,394/yr
7.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
21,851
1.1% year-over-year change

Santee population

How many people live in Santee

Santee is home to 59,332 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Santee locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
59,332
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
29,885
Female
49.6%
29,447
Value Percent YoY change
Male 29,885 50.4% 1.4%
Female 29,447 49.6% -1.9%
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 Santee is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.9% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 44
28.9%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,568 19.5% -1.8%
15 to 24 5,365 9% -6.5%
25 to 44 17,168 28.9% 0.4%
45 to 64 15,419 26% 2.2%
Over 65 9,812 16.5% 0.3%
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 Santee, 85% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2% are African American and 6.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.5%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 50,443 85% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,222 10.5% 7.1%
Non-citizens 2,667 4.5% 7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
68.2%
Black or African American
2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
16.2%
Other
6.2%
Value Percent
White 40,445 68.2%
Black or African American 1,218 2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 255 0.4%
Asian 3,930 6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 175 0.3%
Two or more races 9,625 16.2%
Other 3,684 6.2%

Households in Santee

A peek inside Santee households

Santee has 21,196 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72% are families, while the remaining 28% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,196
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,942
Family households
15,254
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,942 28% 3.0%
Family households 15,254 72% 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 Santee

The housing landscape of Santee

Santee's housing consists of 21,851 units, with 57.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12% 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 9.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
21,851
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,540 57.4%
1 unit, attached 2,611 12%
2 units 50 0.2%
3 or 4 units 1,032 4.7%
5 to 9 units 1,067 4.9%
10 to 19 units 486 2.2%
20 to 49 units 741 3.4%
50 or more units 1,310 6%
Mobile home 2,014 9.2%
Homes built since 2020
174
68.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santee

In Santee, the median construction year is 1979. About 0.8% 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, 9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 164 0.8% 187.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 73 0.3% -49.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,304 6% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,730 12.5% -2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,429 34% -1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,302 19.7% -2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,775 8.1% 9.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,970 9% 0.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,930 8.8% 14.3%
Built in 2020 or later 174 0.8% 68.9%
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.

Santee occupancy rates

Out of the 21,196 occupied housing units in Santee, 72.4% are owner-occupied, while 27.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,196
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,851
Owner occupied
15,345
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,851 27.6% -0.4%
Owner occupied 15,345 72.4% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
3.0%
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.

Santee housing costs

Housing costs in Santee come to a median of $2,332 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,250.

Median housing costs per month
$2,332/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 Santee
$2,250/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 Santee

Santee education at a glance

About 26.5% of the population in Santee went to high school, while 28% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 22.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,207 2.6% 4.1%
High school diploma 12,115 26.5% -5.5%
College diploma 12,805 28% -0.3%
Associate degree 4,398 9.6% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 10,310 22.6% 4.1%
Graduate degree 4,816 10.6% 13.6%
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 Santee

How much people earn in Santee

The average annual household income in Santee was $133,637 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $113,394, reflecting a +7.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santee
$133,637/year
6.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santee
$113,394/year
7.4% year-over-year change

Santee income by age

In Santee, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $128,699. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $129,417 overall. Overall, 91.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $128,699 8.4%
45 - 64 $129,417 3.1%
Over 65 $72,455 1.2%
Above poverty level
52,377
Below poverty level
4,591
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 52,377 91.9% 0.2%
Below poverty level 4,591 8.1% -7.2%

Average renter income in Santee

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Santee, their median household income was $69,994 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$69,994
Rent-to-income ratio
38.6%
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 Santee

Workforce and job types in Santee

The job market in Santee is powered by 28,228 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 63.2% are employed by private companies, and 18.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
28,228
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
23,477
Blue collar
4,751
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,477 83.2% 3.6%
Blue collar 4,751 16.8% -9.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
63.2%
Governmental workers
18.9%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,260 8% -2.8%
Private companies 17,829 63.2% 2.7%
Governmental workers 5,344 18.9% 0.7%
Not for profit companies 2,795 9.9% -3.6%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
-5.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Santee stands at 4.7%, 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 Santee

How people get around in Santee

In Santee, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-4.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 21,596 77.5% -2.7%
Taxicab 14 0% 100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 219 0.8% 37.7%
Subway or elevated 47 0.2% N/A
Motorcycle 77 0.3% -41.2%
Walk 385 1.4% 48.6%
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 Santee by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92071 59,590 21,291 $113,618 $134,077

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FAQs about Santee demographics 

What is the total population of Santee?

Santee has a total population of 59,332 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 Santee?

The gender ratio in Santee is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (29,885 residents)
  • 49.6% females (29,447 residents)

What is the median age in Santee?

The median age in Santee is 40.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santee?

The age distribution in Santee is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (11,568 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9% (5,365 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.9% (17,168 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (15,419 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.5% (9,812 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santee?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santee is as follows:
  • White: 68.2% (40,445 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2% (1,218 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (255 residents)
  • Asian: 6.6% (3,930 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (175 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.2% (9,625 residents)
  • Other: 6.2% (3,684 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85% of the population in Santee.

How many housing units are there in Santee?

There are 21,851 housing units in Santee, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Santee has a total of 21,196 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santee?

Santee has a median household income of $113,394, representing a +7.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Santee?

The employment rate is 95.3% in Santee, with a workforce of 28,228 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.2% (23,477 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.8% (4,751 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (2,260 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.2% (17,829 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.9% (5,344 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (2,795 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