Costa Mesa, CA
Population 110,538 · California
About Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa is a major city located in California with a population of 110,538 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $110,073 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Costa Mesa features a median home value of $1,054,700, which is 331% above the national median of $244,900. This places Costa Mesa in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,395, 106% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 43,684 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (16,387 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (25,241 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 Costa Mesa shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Costa Mesa have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.6% of Costa Mesa 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 27.7% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 8.2% Asian residents, with 22.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Costa Mesa, CA
Compared to national averages, Costa Mesa has a median household income of $110,073 (46% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,054,700, which is 331% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,395 is 106% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Costa Mesa's income is 13% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 61% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $110,073, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 43.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,054,700. However, as a major city, Costa Mesa provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Costa Mesa has a population of 110,538 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Costa Mesa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Costa Mesa
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temecula | 110,404 | $117,840 | $640,400 | Compare |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura) | 109,900 | $100,407 | $778,700 | Compare |
| Santa Maria | 109,880 | $84,617 | $478,200 | Compare |
| Murrieta | 111,621 | $109,780 | $606,900 | Compare |
| Downey | 111,793 | $87,400 | $728,500 | Compare |
| West Covina | 107,436 | $98,570 | $712,300 | Compare |
| El Monte | 107,066 | $64,484 | $626,000 | Compare |
| Menifee | 107,020 | $89,183 | $487,200 | 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 Costa Mesa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Mesa
What is the population of Costa Mesa, CA?
The population of Costa Mesa, CA is 110,538 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 Costa Mesa?
The median household income in Costa Mesa, CA is $110,073 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Costa Mesa?
The median home value in Costa Mesa, CA is $1,054,700, which is 331% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Costa Mesa?
The median monthly rent in Costa Mesa, CA is $2,395, which is 106% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Costa Mesa?
The unemployment rate in Costa Mesa, CA is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Costa Mesa, CA a good place to live?
Costa Mesa offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 110,538 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Costa Mesa, CA?
43.6% of residents in Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Costa Mesa, CA: median home value is $1,054,700 (331% above national), median rent is $2,395/month, and median household income is $110,073. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Costa Mesa?
The poverty rate in Costa Mesa, CA is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa's population is 27.7% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 8.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 22.8% of residents are foreign-born.