Encinitas, CA
Population 61,585 · California
About Encinitas, CA
Encinitas is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 61,585 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $150,471 per year, which is 100% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 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 Encinitas features a median home value of $1,466,000, which is 499% above the national median of $244,900. This places Encinitas in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,730, 135% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 26,209 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (15,987 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (8,101 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Encinitas shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Encinitas have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
67.1% of Encinitas 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 10.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 12.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Encinitas, CA
Compared to national averages, Encinitas has a median household income of $150,471 (100% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,466,000, which is 499% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,730 is 135% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Encinitas's income is 54% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 124% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Encinitas, CA?
Encinitas offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $150,471, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 67.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,466,000. However, as a mid-sized city, Encinitas provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Encinitas has a population of 61,585 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Encinitas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Encinitas
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence-Graham | 61,723 | $61,216 | $499,100 | Compare |
| Montebello | 61,376 | $74,955 | $660,700 | Compare |
| Woodland | 61,256 | $87,880 | $505,200 | Compare |
| Santa Cruz | 60,953 | $111,427 | $1,180,100 | Compare |
| La Habra | 62,233 | $98,158 | $716,700 | Compare |
| La Mesa | 60,835 | $84,337 | $738,800 | Compare |
| Pico Rivera | 60,821 | $86,956 | $621,400 | Compare |
| San Rafael | 60,604 | $109,317 | $1,246,200 | 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 Encinitas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Encinitas
What is the population of Encinitas, CA?
The population of Encinitas, CA is 61,585 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 Encinitas?
The median household income in Encinitas, CA is $150,471 per year, which is 100% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Encinitas?
The median home value in Encinitas, CA is $1,466,000, which is 499% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Encinitas?
The median monthly rent in Encinitas, CA is $2,730, which is 135% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Encinitas?
The unemployment rate in Encinitas, CA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Encinitas, CA a good place to live?
Encinitas offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 61,585 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Encinitas, CA?
67.1% of residents in Encinitas 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 Encinitas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Encinitas, CA: median home value is $1,466,000 (499% above national), median rent is $2,730/month, and median household income is $150,471. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Encinitas?
The poverty rate in Encinitas, CA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Encinitas, CA?
Encinitas's population is 10.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 12.1% of residents are foreign-born.