Dana Point, CA
Population 32,883 · California
About Dana Point, CA
Dana Point is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 32,883 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $127,246 per year, which is 69% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48 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 Dana Point features a median home value of $1,200,900, which is 390% above the national median of $244,900. This places Dana Point in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,883, 148% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,802 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (8,742 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (5,210 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dana Point shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dana Point have an average one-way commute time of 29.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
57.1% of Dana Point 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 11.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 13.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dana Point, CA
Compared to national averages, Dana Point has a median household income of $127,246 (69% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,200,900, which is 390% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,883 is 148% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Dana Point's income is 30% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 84% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Dana Point, CA?
Dana Point offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $127,246, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 57.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,200,900. However, Dana Point’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dana Point has a population of 32,883 with a median age of 48 years. Compare Dana Point with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Dana Point
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell | 32,830 | $60,641 | $561,400 | Compare |
| Foster City | 32,964 | $193,633 | $1,774,500 | Compare |
| Desert Hot Springs | 32,786 | $50,349 | $309,300 | Compare |
| Menlo Park | 32,775 | $206,588 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Los Gatos | 32,773 | $207,891 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Lathrop | 32,696 | $118,605 | $605,000 | Compare |
| Goleta | 32,693 | $118,039 | $1,002,500 | Compare |
| Fallbrook | 32,467 | $87,293 | $713,000 | 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 Dana Point With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dana Point
What is the population of Dana Point, CA?
The population of Dana Point, CA is 32,883 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 Dana Point?
The median household income in Dana Point, CA is $127,246 per year, which is 69% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dana Point?
The median home value in Dana Point, CA is $1,200,900, which is 390% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dana Point?
The median monthly rent in Dana Point, CA is $2,883, which is 148% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dana Point?
The unemployment rate in Dana Point, CA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dana Point, CA a good place to live?
Dana Point offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,883 and a median age of 48, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Dana Point, CA?
57.1% of residents in Dana Point 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 Dana Point?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dana Point, CA: median home value is $1,200,900 (390% above national), median rent is $2,883/month, and median household income is $127,246. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Dana Point?
The poverty rate in Dana Point, CA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dana Point, CA?
Dana Point's population is 11.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 13.5% of residents are foreign-born.