Isla Vista, CA
Population 13,717 · California
About Isla Vista, CA
Isla Vista is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 13,717 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $24,428 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.2 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 Isla Vista features a median home value of $1,241,700, which is 407% above the national median of $244,900. This places Isla Vista in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,856, 60% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,166 total housing units, 1% are owner-occupied (45 units) and 99% are renter-occupied (4,544 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 Isla Vista shows an unemployment rate of 17.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 69.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Isla Vista have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
40.8% of Isla Vista residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 18.0% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 11.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Isla Vista, CA
Compared to national averages, Isla Vista has a median household income of $24,428 (67% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,241,700, which is 407% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,856 is 60% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Isla Vista's income is 75% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 90% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Isla Vista, CA?
Isla Vista offers a well-educated community where 40.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($24,428) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,241,700. However, Isla Vista’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Isla Vista has a population of 13,717 with a median age of 21.2 years. Compare Isla Vista with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Isla Vista
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 13,758 | $77,760 | $642,400 | Compare |
| Oak Park | 13,656 | $160,484 | $1,017,100 | Compare |
| Hawaiian Gardens | 13,816 | $76,025 | $509,600 | Compare |
| North Auburn | 13,833 | $72,125 | $503,400 | Compare |
| King City | 13,512 | $63,090 | $395,800 | Compare |
| Lamont | 13,481 | $34,436 | $210,700 | Compare |
| Lake Los Angeles | 13,479 | $60,999 | $284,800 | Compare |
| Avenal | 13,441 | $52,986 | $224,800 | 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 Isla Vista With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Isla Vista
What is the population of Isla Vista, CA?
The population of Isla Vista, CA is 13,717 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 Isla Vista?
The median household income in Isla Vista, CA is $24,428 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Isla Vista?
The median home value in Isla Vista, CA is $1,241,700, which is 407% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Isla Vista?
The median monthly rent in Isla Vista, CA is $1,856, which is 60% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Isla Vista?
The unemployment rate in Isla Vista, CA is 17.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Isla Vista, CA a good place to live?
Isla Vista offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,717 and a median age of 21.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Isla Vista, CA?
40.8% of residents in Isla Vista 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 Isla Vista?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Isla Vista, CA: median home value is $1,241,700 (407% above national), median rent is $1,856/month, and median household income is $24,428. The home-value-to-income ratio is 50.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Isla Vista?
The poverty rate in Isla Vista, CA is 69.3%, 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 Isla Vista, CA?
Isla Vista's population is 18.0% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 4.8% two or more races. 11.7% of residents are foreign-born.