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

Total population
70,897
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,281/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
30,349
1.5% year-over-year change

San Marcos population

How many people live in San Marcos

San Marcos is home to 70,897 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of San Marcos locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
70,897
2.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
32,807
Female
53.7%
38,090
Value Percent YoY change
Male 32,807 46.3% 1.4%
Female 38,090 53.7% 4.1%
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 26, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.9% are children under 15, then 37.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 12.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
25.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.9%
15 to 24
37.5%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
12.8%
Over 65
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,749 10.9% 10.7%
15 to 24 26,582 37.5% 1.0%
25 to 44 19,825 28% 4.2%
45 to 64 9,104 12.8% -1.1%
Over 65 7,637 10.8% 3.7%
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, 89.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 58.8% of locals are Caucasian, 5.7% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 23.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.8%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 63,427 89.5% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,387 4.8% 3.5%
Non-citizens 4,083 5.8% 21.3%
Racial breakdown
White
58.8%
Black or African American
5.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
23.6%
Other
9.1%
Value Percent
White 41,691 58.8%
Black or African American 4,032 5.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 416 0.6%
Asian 1,595 2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0%
Two or more races 16,700 23.6%
Other 6,453 9.1%

Households in San Marcos

A peek inside San Marcos households

San Marcos has 28,013 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.1% are families, while the remaining 57.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
28,013
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
16,209
Family households
11,804
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,209 57.9% 3.9%
Family households 11,804 42.1% -1.7%
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 30,349 units, with 35% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.6% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
30,349
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,628 35%
1 unit, attached 1,395 4.6%
2 units 1,141 3.8%
3 or 4 units 2,239 7.4%
5 to 9 units 2,336 7.7%
10 to 19 units 3,601 11.9%
20 to 49 units 2,906 9.6%
50 or more units 5,330 17.6%
Mobile home 751 2.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 22 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
2,153
88.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in San Marcos

In San Marcos, the median construction year is 2001. About 2.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 25.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 7.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 707 2.3% -18.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 742 2.4% 3.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,357 4.5% -12.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,341 4.4% -2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,839 9.4% -2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,319 14.2% 1.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,327 11% -13.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,734 18.9% 14.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7,830 25.8% -4.1%
Built in 2020 or later 2,153 7.1% 88.7%
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 28,013 occupied housing units in San Marcos, 30.8% are owner-occupied, while 69.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
28,013
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
19,383
Owner occupied
8,630
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 19,383 69.2% 1.0%
Owner occupied 8,630 30.8% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
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 $1,333 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,322.

Median housing costs per month
$1,333/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
$1,322/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 26.8% of the population in San Marcos went to high school, while 35.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 18.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,050 3.3% 3.0%
High school diploma 16,471 26.8% 3.0%
College diploma 21,718 35.3% -2.0%
Associate degree 4,384 7.1% 13.9%
Bachelor's degree 11,445 18.6% 5.4%
Graduate degree 5,431 8.8% -2.5%
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 San Marcos

How much people earn in San Marcos

The average annual household income in San Marcos was $66,133 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,281, reflecting a +0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in San Marcos
$66,133/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in San Marcos
$51,281/year
0.5% 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 $58,499. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,868 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $28,712, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,772 in earnings. Overall, 73.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $28,712 6.7%
25 - 44 $58,499 -3.0%
45 - 64 $71,868 6.2%
Over 65 $53,772 4.8%
Above poverty level
46,306
Below poverty level
17,027
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 46,306 73.1% 2.3%
Below poverty level 17,027 26.9% 3.5%

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 $34,813 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,813
Rent-to-income ratio
45.6%
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 San Marcos

Workforce and job types in San Marcos

The job market in San Marcos is powered by 39,728 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 68.3% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
39,728
3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
32,506
Blue collar
7,222
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 32,506 81.8% 3.3%
Blue collar 7,222 18.2% 2.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
68.3%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,980 7.5% -1.3%
Private companies 27,128 68.3% 4.2%
Governmental workers 7,350 18.5% 2.7%
Not for profit companies 2,270 5.7% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
-13.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in San Marcos stands at 5.2%, 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: 79.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.5% 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 31,144 79.9% 0.8%
Taxicab 173 0.4% 424.2%
Bus or trolleybus 492 1.3% 11.8%
Motorcycle 123 0.3% -11.5%
Bicycle 308 0.8% 8.1%
Walk 1,765 4.5% 0.7%
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
78666 88,583 33,949 $54,737 $72,718

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FAQs about San Marcos demographics 

What is the total population of San Marcos?

San Marcos has a total population of 70,897 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 +2.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in San Marcos?

The gender ratio in San Marcos is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (32,807 residents)
  • 53.7% females (38,090 residents)

What is the median age in San Marcos?

The median age in San Marcos is 25.5.

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

The age distribution in San Marcos is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.9% (7,749 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 37.5% (26,582 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (19,825 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 12.8% (9,104 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.8% (7,637 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of San Marcos?

The racial and ethnic makeup of San Marcos is as follows:
  • White: 58.8% (41,691 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.7% (4,032 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (416 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (1,595 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 23.6% (16,700 residents)
  • Other: 9.1% (6,453 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.5% of the population in San Marcos.

How many housing units are there in San Marcos?

There are 30,349 housing units in San Marcos, reflecting a +1.5% 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 28,013 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in San Marcos?

San Marcos has a median household income of $51,281, representing a +0.5% 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 94.8% in San Marcos, with a workforce of 39,728 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.8% (32,506 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.2% (7,222 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (2,980 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.3% (27,128 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (7,350 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.7% (2,270 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