Irvine, CA
Population 308,160 · California
About Irvine, CA
Irvine is a major city located in California with a population of 308,160 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $129,647 per year, which is 73% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.9 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 Irvine features a median home value of $1,115,400, which is 355% above the national median of $244,900. This places Irvine in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,893, 149% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 120,368 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (49,073 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (62,906 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 Irvine shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Irvine have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
70.6% of Irvine 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 7.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 39.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Irvine Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Irvine, CA
Compared to national averages, Irvine has a median household income of $129,647 (73% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,115,400, which is 355% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,893 is 149% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Irvine's income is 33% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 71% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Irvine, CA?
Irvine offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $129,647, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 70.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,115,400. However, as a major city, Irvine provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Irvine has a population of 308,160 with a median age of 33.9 years. Compare Irvine with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Irvine
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana | 311,639 | $88,354 | $657,800 | Compare |
| Riverside | 316,241 | $88,575 | $542,100 | Compare |
| Stockton | 320,470 | $76,851 | $412,900 | Compare |
| Chula Vista | 275,030 | $105,173 | $697,400 | Compare |
| Anaheim | 344,553 | $90,583 | $771,700 | Compare |
| Santa Clarita | 229,021 | $119,926 | $721,000 | Compare |
| Fremont | 228,518 | $176,350 | $1,289,400 | Compare |
| San Bernardino | 221,774 | $63,988 | $384,900 | 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 Irvine With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Irvine
What is the population of Irvine, CA?
The population of Irvine, CA is 308,160 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 Irvine?
The median household income in Irvine, CA is $129,647 per year, which is 73% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Irvine?
The median home value in Irvine, CA is $1,115,400, which is 355% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Irvine?
The median monthly rent in Irvine, CA is $2,893, which is 149% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Irvine?
The unemployment rate in Irvine, CA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Irvine, CA a good place to live?
Irvine offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 308,160 and a median age of 33.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Irvine, CA?
70.6% of residents in Irvine 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 Irvine?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Irvine, CA: median home value is $1,115,400 (355% above national), median rent is $2,893/month, and median household income is $129,647. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Irvine?
The poverty rate in Irvine, CA is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Irvine, CA?
Irvine's population is 7.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 39.3% of residents are foreign-born.