Vista, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
99,114
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$94,975/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
33,536
2.9% year-over-year change

Vista population

How many people live in Vista

Vista is home to 99,114 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Vista locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
99,114
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
50,193
Female
49.4%
48,921
Value Percent YoY change
Male 50,193 50.6% 1.2%
Female 48,921 49.4% -0.3%
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 Vista is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
30%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 19,524 19.7% -1.1%
15 to 24 14,176 14.3% -0.8%
25 to 44 29,709 30% -1.9%
45 to 64 22,779 23% 3.6%
Over 65 12,926 13% 4.8%
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 Vista, 76% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41.1% of locals are Caucasian, 2.8% are African American and 5.8% have Asian roots. Another 1.5% are Indigenous American, 0.9% are Pacific Islanders, while 13.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 34.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.5%
Non-citizens
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 75,375 76% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12,425 12.5% -2.5%
Non-citizens 11,314 11.4% -0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
41.1%
Black or African American
2.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
5.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.9%
Two or more races
34.1%
Other
13.8%
Value Percent
White 40,767 41.1%
Black or African American 2,809 2.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,500 1.5%
Asian 5,711 5.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 874 0.9%
Two or more races 33,757 34.1%
Other 13,696 13.8%

Households in Vista

A peek inside Vista households

Vista has 32,323 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.1% are families, while the remaining 27.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
32,323
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
9,022
Family households
23,301
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,022 27.9% 2.2%
Family households 23,301 72.1% 3.6%
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 Vista

The housing landscape of Vista

Vista's housing consists of 33,536 units, with 50% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.1% 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 5.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
33,536
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,774 50%
1 unit, attached 2,728 8.1%
2 units 499 1.5%
3 or 4 units 1,288 3.8%
5 to 9 units 2,651 7.9%
10 to 19 units 3,765 11.2%
20 to 49 units 1,587 4.7%
50 or more units 2,272 6.8%
Mobile home 1,881 5.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 91 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
583
70.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Vista

In Vista, the median construction year is 1985. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 323 1% -9.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 710 2.1% 22.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,160 6.4% 1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,239 9.7% -6.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,961 17.8% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,650 28.8% -0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,396 19.1% 5.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,370 7.1% 19.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,144 6.4% 3.4%
Built in 2020 or later 583 1.7% 70.5%
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.

Vista occupancy rates

Out of the 32,323 occupied housing units in Vista, 51.7% are owner-occupied, while 48.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
32,323
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,620
Owner occupied
16,703
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,620 48.3% -1.9%
Owner occupied 16,703 51.7% 8.5%
Unoccupied housing units
3.6%
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.

Vista housing costs

Housing costs in Vista come to a median of $2,264 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,249.

Median housing costs per month
$2,264/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 Vista
$2,249/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 Vista

Vista education at a glance

About 31.5% of the population in Vista went to high school, while 24.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 17.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,384 9.8% -6.6%
High school diploma 23,641 31.5% 1.3%
College diploma 18,532 24.7% -1.8%
Associate degree 5,668 7.6% -6.3%
Bachelor's degree 12,907 17.2% 3.8%
Graduate degree 6,908 9.2% 19.5%
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 Vista

How much people earn in Vista

The average annual household income in Vista was $126,332 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $94,975, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Vista
$126,332/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Vista
$94,975/year
3.4% year-over-year change

Vista income by age

In Vista, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $106,458. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,489 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,359, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,898 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 $63,359 -12.9%
25 - 44 $106,458 6.3%
45 - 64 $104,489 4.6%
Over 65 $65,898 -3.7%
Above poverty level
86,331
Below poverty level
10,103
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 86,331 89.5% 0.2%
Below poverty level 10,103 10.5% 4.0%

Average renter income in Vista

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Vista, their median household income was $71,246 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$71,246
Rent-to-income ratio
37.9%
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 Vista

Workforce and job types in Vista

The job market in Vista is powered by 49,537 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.9% run their own businesses, 72.6% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
49,537
1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
36,895
Blue collar
12,642
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 36,895 74.5% 2.0%
Blue collar 12,642 25.5% -0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
11.9%
Private companies
72.6%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,900 11.9% 6.2%
Private companies 35,982 72.6% -0.6%
Governmental workers 5,211 10.5% 8.7%
Not for profit companies 2,444 4.9% 7.7%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
4.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Vista stands at 6.6%, 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 Vista

How people get around in Vista

In Vista, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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
0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 39,370 79.7% -2.7%
Taxicab 33 0.1% 94.1%
Bus or trolleybus 301 0.6% -0.3%
Railroad 71 0.1% -22.0%
Ferryboat 26 0% 36.8%
Motorcycle 196 0.4% 49.6%
Bicycle 54 0.1% 42.1%
Walk 607 1.2% 28.6%
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 Vista by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92083 38,375 11,715 $86,974 $124,255
92084 49,727 15,342 $98,577 $126,050
92081 29,002 10,939 $105,379 $132,232

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FAQs about Vista demographics 

What is the total population of Vista?

Vista has a total population of 99,114 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Vista?

The gender ratio in Vista is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (50,193 residents)
  • 49.4% females (48,921 residents)

What is the median age in Vista?

The median age in Vista is 35.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Vista?

The age distribution in Vista is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (19,524 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (14,176 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30% (29,709 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (22,779 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (12,926 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Vista?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Vista is as follows:
  • White: 41.1% (40,767 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.8% (2,809 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (1,500 residents)
  • Asian: 5.8% (5,711 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.9% (874 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 34.1% (33,757 residents)
  • Other: 13.8% (13,696 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76% of the population in Vista.

How many housing units are there in Vista?

There are 33,536 housing units in Vista, reflecting a +2.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Vista has a total of 32,323 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Vista?

Vista has a median household income of $94,975, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.4% in Vista, with a workforce of 49,537 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.5% (36,895 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.5% (12,642 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.9% (5,900 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.6% (35,982 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (5,211 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.9% (2,444 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