Chula Vista, CA
Population 275,030 · California
About Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista is a major city located in California with a population of 275,030 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,173 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chula Vista features a median home value of $697,400, which is 185% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chula Vista in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,122, 82% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 90,535 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (51,264 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (33,929 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chula Vista shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chula Vista have an average one-way commute time of 28.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.3% of Chula Vista residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 55.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 29.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chula Vista Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Chula Vista, CA
Compared to national averages, Chula Vista has a median household income of $105,173 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $697,400, which is 185% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,122 is 82% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Chula Vista's income is 8% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 7% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Chula Vista, CA?
Chula Vista offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,173, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $697,400. However, as a major city, Chula Vista provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Chula Vista has a population of 275,030 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Chula Vista with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Chula Vista
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irvine | 308,160 | $129,647 | $1,115,400 | Compare |
| Santa Ana | 311,639 | $88,354 | $657,800 | Compare |
| Riverside | 316,241 | $88,575 | $542,100 | Compare |
| Stockton | 320,470 | $76,851 | $412,900 | Compare |
| Santa Clarita | 229,021 | $119,926 | $721,000 | Compare |
| Fremont | 228,518 | $176,350 | $1,289,400 | Compare |
| San Bernardino | 221,774 | $63,988 | $384,900 | Compare |
| Modesto | 218,614 | $77,899 | $415,600 | 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 Chula Vista With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chula Vista
What is the population of Chula Vista, CA?
The population of Chula Vista, CA is 275,030 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 Chula Vista?
The median household income in Chula Vista, CA is $105,173 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chula Vista?
The median home value in Chula Vista, CA is $697,400, which is 185% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chula Vista?
The median monthly rent in Chula Vista, CA is $2,122, which is 82% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chula Vista?
The unemployment rate in Chula Vista, CA is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chula Vista, CA a good place to live?
Chula Vista offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 275,030 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chula Vista, CA?
32.3% of residents in Chula Vista aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Chula Vista?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chula Vista, CA: median home value is $697,400 (185% above national), median rent is $2,122/month, and median household income is $105,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Chula Vista?
The poverty rate in Chula Vista, CA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chula Vista, CA?
Chula Vista's population is 55.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 5.0% two or more races. 29.5% of residents are foreign-born.