Hillcrest, CA
Population 10,203 · California
About Hillcrest, CA
Hillcrest is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 10,203 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,954 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hillcrest features a median home value of $250,300, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Hillcrest in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,197, 3% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,070 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (1,358 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (1,477 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 Hillcrest shows an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hillcrest have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.3% of Hillcrest residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 75.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 21.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hillcrest, CA
Compared to national averages, Hillcrest has a median household income of $44,954 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $250,300, which is 2% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,197 is 3% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Hillcrest's income is 54% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 62% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Hillcrest, CA?
Hillcrest offers short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,954) that falls below the national average. However, Hillcrest’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hillcrest has a population of 10,203 with a median age of 29.5 years. Compare Hillcrest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Hillcrest
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Country Estates | 10,142 | $134,639 | $715,000 | Compare |
| Exeter | 10,280 | $71,198 | $273,500 | Compare |
| Valley Center | 10,303 | $116,620 | $809,300 | Compare |
| Corte Madera | 10,101 | $220,771 | $1,702,000 | Compare |
| Spring Valley Lake | 10,098 | $93,040 | $439,500 | Compare |
| Shasta Lake | 10,334 | $61,319 | $273,000 | Compare |
| Farmersville | 10,336 | $57,832 | $237,700 | Compare |
| East Whittier | 10,061 | $105,104 | $750,700 | 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 Hillcrest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcrest
What is the population of Hillcrest, CA?
The population of Hillcrest, CA is 10,203 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 Hillcrest?
The median household income in Hillcrest, CA is $44,954 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hillcrest?
The median home value in Hillcrest, CA is $250,300, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Hillcrest?
The median monthly rent in Hillcrest, CA is $1,197, which is 3% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hillcrest?
The unemployment rate in Hillcrest, CA is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hillcrest, CA a good place to live?
Hillcrest offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,203 and a median age of 29.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Hillcrest, CA?
9.3% of residents in Hillcrest 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 Hillcrest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hillcrest, CA: median home value is $250,300 (2% above national), median rent is $1,197/month, and median household income is $44,954. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hillcrest?
The poverty rate in Hillcrest, CA is 29.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hillcrest, CA?
Hillcrest's population is 75.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 21.5% of residents are foreign-born.