La Mesa, CA
Population 60,835 · California
About La Mesa, CA
La Mesa is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 60,835 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,337 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Mesa features a median home value of $738,800, which is 202% above the national median of $244,900. This places La Mesa in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,958, 68% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 26,420 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (11,581 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (13,597 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 La Mesa shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in La Mesa have an average one-way commute time of 24.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.4% of La Mesa 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 21.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 5.5% Asian residents, with 14.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in La Mesa, CA
Compared to national averages, La Mesa has a median household income of $84,337 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $738,800, which is 202% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,958 is 68% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, La Mesa's income is 14% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 13% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in La Mesa, CA?
La Mesa offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,337, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 38.4% 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 24.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $738,800. However, as a mid-sized city, La Mesa provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
La Mesa has a population of 60,835 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare La Mesa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near La Mesa
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pico Rivera | 60,821 | $86,956 | $621,400 | Compare |
| Santa Cruz | 60,953 | $111,427 | $1,180,100 | Compare |
| San Rafael | 60,604 | $109,317 | $1,246,200 | Compare |
| Woodland | 61,256 | $87,880 | $505,200 | Compare |
| Montebello | 61,376 | $74,955 | $660,700 | Compare |
| Encinitas | 61,585 | $150,471 | $1,466,000 | Compare |
| Florence-Graham | 61,723 | $61,216 | $499,100 | Compare |
| Gardena | 59,765 | $79,291 | $667,600 | 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 La Mesa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Mesa
What is the population of La Mesa, CA?
The population of La Mesa, CA is 60,835 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 La Mesa?
The median household income in La Mesa, CA is $84,337 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Mesa?
The median home value in La Mesa, CA is $738,800, which is 202% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in La Mesa?
The median monthly rent in La Mesa, CA is $1,958, which is 68% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Mesa?
The unemployment rate in La Mesa, CA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is La Mesa, CA a good place to live?
La Mesa offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 60,835 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is La Mesa, CA?
38.4% of residents in La Mesa 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 La Mesa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Mesa, CA: median home value is $738,800 (202% above national), median rent is $1,958/month, and median household income is $84,337. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in La Mesa?
The poverty rate in La Mesa, 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 La Mesa, CA?
La Mesa's population is 21.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 5.5% Asian, and 8.1% two or more races. 14.2% of residents are foreign-born.