Brea, CA
Population 47,337 · California
About Brea, CA
Brea is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 47,337 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $124,837 per year, which is 66% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brea features a median home value of $874,300, which is 257% above the national median of $244,900. This places Brea in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,285, 96% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,205 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (9,992 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (6,574 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brea shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Brea have an average one-way commute time of 31.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.2% of Brea residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 25.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 23.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brea, CA
Compared to national averages, Brea has a median household income of $124,837 (66% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $874,300, which is 257% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,285 is 96% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Brea's income is 28% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 34% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Brea, CA?
Brea offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $124,837, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 50.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $874,300. However, Brea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brea has a population of 47,337 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Brea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Brea
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho Santa Margarita | 47,257 | $146,827 | $907,900 | Compare |
| Newark | 47,145 | $164,909 | $1,094,200 | Compare |
| La Mirada | 46,945 | $110,177 | $763,200 | Compare |
| Rowland Heights | 46,787 | $85,202 | $812,900 | Compare |
| Los Banos | 46,776 | $70,893 | $419,600 | Compare |
| North Highlands | 47,900 | $65,090 | $344,900 | Compare |
| San Luis Obispo | 48,039 | $66,711 | $896,500 | Compare |
| Cerritos | 48,340 | $133,953 | $908,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brea
What is the population of Brea, CA?
The population of Brea, CA is 47,337 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Brea?
The median household income in Brea, CA is $124,837 per year, which is 66% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brea?
The median home value in Brea, CA is $874,300, which is 257% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brea?
The median monthly rent in Brea, CA is $2,285, which is 96% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brea?
The unemployment rate in Brea, CA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brea, CA a good place to live?
Brea offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 47,337 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brea, CA?
50.2% of residents in Brea aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Brea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brea, CA: median home value is $874,300 (257% above national), median rent is $2,285/month, and median household income is $124,837. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Brea?
The poverty rate in Brea, CA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Brea, CA?
Brea's population is 25.5% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 23.9% of residents are foreign-born.