Channel Islands Beach, CA
Population 2,936 · California
About Channel Islands Beach, CA
Channel Islands Beach is a small town located in California with a population of 2,936 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,219 per year, which is 37% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 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 Channel Islands Beach features a median home value of $1,077,600, which is 340% above the national median of $244,900. This places Channel Islands Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,467, 112% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,172 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (731 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (736 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Channel Islands Beach shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Channel Islands Beach have an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.8% of Channel Islands Beach 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 13.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 17.7% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Channel Islands Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, Channel Islands Beach has a median household income of $103,219 (37% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,077,600, which is 340% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,467 is 112% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Channel Islands Beach's income is 6% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 65% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Channel Islands Beach, CA?
Channel Islands Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,219, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and a well-educated community where 45.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,077,600. However, Channel Islands Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Channel Islands Beach has a population of 2,936 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare Channel Islands Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Channel Islands Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonny Doon | 2,946 | $163,125 | $1,135,600 | Compare |
| Burney | 2,921 | $67,097 | $225,000 | Compare |
| San Miguel CDP (San Luis Obispo County), California | 2,956 | $76,563 | $453,000 | Compare |
| North Fork | 2,914 | $68,304 | $331,500 | Compare |
| Dixon Lane-MeadowCreek | 2,963 | $55,556 | $302,700 | Compare |
| Lake Shastina | 2,908 | $77,645 | $331,900 | Compare |
| Amesti | 2,905 | $102,083 | $825,100 | Compare |
| Montara | 2,897 | $201,367 | $1,467,400 | 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 Channel Islands Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Channel Islands Beach
What is the population of Channel Islands Beach, CA?
The population of Channel Islands Beach, CA is 2,936 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Channel Islands Beach?
The median household income in Channel Islands Beach, CA is $103,219 per year, which is 37% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Channel Islands Beach?
The median home value in Channel Islands Beach, CA is $1,077,600, which is 340% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Channel Islands Beach?
The median monthly rent in Channel Islands Beach, CA is $2,467, which is 112% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Channel Islands Beach?
The unemployment rate in Channel Islands Beach, CA is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Channel Islands Beach, CA a good place to live?
Channel Islands Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,936 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Channel Islands Beach, CA?
45.8% of residents in Channel Islands Beach 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 Channel Islands Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Channel Islands Beach, CA: median home value is $1,077,600 (340% above national), median rent is $2,467/month, and median household income is $103,219. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Channel Islands Beach?
The poverty rate in Channel Islands Beach, CA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Channel Islands Beach, CA?
Channel Islands Beach's population is 13.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 17.7% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.