Huntington Beach, CA
Population 196,010 · California
About Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach is a major city located in California with a population of 196,010 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $119,885 per year, which is 60% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 Huntington Beach features a median home value of $1,047,300, which is 328% above the national median of $244,900. This places Huntington Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,424, 108% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 81,812 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (43,261 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (34,288 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Huntington Beach shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Huntington Beach have an average one-way commute time of 28.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.2% of Huntington Beach 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 14.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 16.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Huntington Beach Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Huntington Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, Huntington Beach has a median household income of $119,885 (60% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,047,300, which is 328% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,424 is 108% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Huntington Beach's income is 23% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 60% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Huntington Beach, CA?
Huntington Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $119,885, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 47.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,047,300. However, as a major city, Huntington Beach provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Huntington Beach has a population of 196,010 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Huntington Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Huntington Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale | 192,270 | $84,262 | $1,043,900 | Compare |
| Oxnard | 201,014 | $93,372 | $617,800 | Compare |
| Moreno Valley | 210,378 | $87,477 | $461,400 | Compare |
| Fontana | 211,921 | $98,187 | $558,500 | Compare |
| Ontario | 178,347 | $82,806 | $568,000 | Compare |
| Elk Grove | 177,221 | $122,229 | $603,400 | Compare |
| Santa Rosa | 177,216 | $97,410 | $685,000 | Compare |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 174,693 | $109,511 | $694,400 | 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 Huntington Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Huntington Beach
What is the population of Huntington Beach, CA?
The population of Huntington Beach, CA is 196,010 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 Huntington Beach?
The median household income in Huntington Beach, CA is $119,885 per year, which is 60% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Huntington Beach?
The median home value in Huntington Beach, CA is $1,047,300, which is 328% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Huntington Beach?
The median monthly rent in Huntington Beach, CA is $2,424, which is 108% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Huntington Beach?
The unemployment rate in Huntington Beach, CA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Huntington Beach, CA a good place to live?
Huntington Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 196,010 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Huntington Beach, CA?
47.2% of residents in Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Huntington Beach, CA: median home value is $1,047,300 (328% above national), median rent is $2,424/month, and median household income is $119,885. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Huntington Beach?
The poverty rate in Huntington Beach, CA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Huntington Beach, CA?
Huntington Beach's population is 14.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 16.4% of residents are foreign-born.