Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 36.5 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.61 |
| Below Poverty | 8.9% ▼ 12% below avg |
| College Grads | 54.6% ▲ 41% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.9% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 2,002 (2.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 13,569 (18.5%) |
| Some College | 5,297 (7.2%) |
| Associates | 12,357 (16.8%) |
| Bachelors | 5,941 (8.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 34,226 (46.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $110,757 ▲ 45% above avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $1,058,001 ▲ 279% above avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 9.6x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $2,399/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 43,929 |
| Vacant Units | 2,056 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Costa Mesa is a city in California, located in Orange County. The city spans 3 ZIP codes and is home to approximately 111,320 residents. It is a relatively young city, with a median age of 36.5 years.
Economically, Costa Mesa is a upper-middle-income community. The median household income of $110,757 is above the national average. Approximately 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, near the national average.
The real estate market in Costa Mesa is among the most expensive housing markets in the country. Median home values stand at $1,058,001, which is more than double the national average. Renters typically pay around $2,399 per month. At 39.3% owner-occupied, renters make up the majority — common in urban or college-town settings.
The population of Costa Mesa is well-educated. 54.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — above the national average. The community is racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 47.9%.
Costa Mesa, CA offers residents above-average earning potential within California. Spread across 3 ZIP codes, the city's neighborhoods vary in character, density, and demographics — explore each ZIP code below for a detailed breakdown.