Carlsbad, CA
Population 114,500 · California
About Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is a major city located in California with a population of 114,500 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $139,326 per year, which is 85% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carlsbad features a median home value of $1,156,900, which is 372% above the national median of $244,900. This places Carlsbad in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,678, 130% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 47,460 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (27,854 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (16,127 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carlsbad shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carlsbad have an average one-way commute time of 28 minutes.
Education & Demographics
61.4% of Carlsbad 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 12.8% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 14.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carlsbad, CA
Compared to national averages, Carlsbad has a median household income of $139,326 (85% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,156,900, which is 372% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,678 is 130% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Carlsbad's income is 42% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 77% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Carlsbad, CA?
Carlsbad offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $139,326, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 61.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,156,900. However, as a major city, Carlsbad provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Carlsbad has a population of 114,500 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Carlsbad with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Carlsbad
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Los Angeles | 114,617 | $68,378 | $613,600 | Compare |
| Richmond | 115,396 | $90,038 | $650,100 | Compare |
| Antioch | 115,759 | $94,256 | $607,400 | Compare |
| Downey | 111,793 | $87,400 | $728,500 | Compare |
| Murrieta | 111,621 | $109,780 | $606,900 | Compare |
| Costa Mesa | 110,538 | $110,073 | $1,054,700 | Compare |
| Temecula | 110,404 | $117,840 | $640,400 | Compare |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura) | 109,900 | $100,407 | $778,700 | 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 Carlsbad With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlsbad
What is the population of Carlsbad, CA?
The population of Carlsbad, CA is 114,500 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Carlsbad?
The median household income in Carlsbad, CA is $139,326 per year, which is 85% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carlsbad?
The median home value in Carlsbad, CA is $1,156,900, which is 372% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carlsbad?
The median monthly rent in Carlsbad, CA is $2,678, which is 130% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carlsbad?
The unemployment rate in Carlsbad, CA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carlsbad, CA a good place to live?
Carlsbad offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 114,500 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carlsbad, CA?
61.4% of residents in Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carlsbad, CA: median home value is $1,156,900 (372% above national), median rent is $2,678/month, and median household income is $139,326. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Carlsbad?
The poverty rate in Carlsbad, CA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carlsbad, CA?
Carlsbad's population is 12.8% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 14.5% of residents are foreign-born.