La Selva Beach, CA
Population 2,519 · California
About La Selva Beach, CA
La Selva Beach is a small town located in California with a population of 2,519 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $159,094 per year, which is 112% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 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 La Selva Beach features a median home value of $1,195,100, which is 388% above the national median of $244,900. This places La Selva Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,254 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (675 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (334 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Selva Beach shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in La Selva Beach have an average one-way commute time of 31.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.8% of La Selva 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 4.3% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in La Selva Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, La Selva Beach has a median household income of $159,094 (112% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,195,100, which is 388% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, La Selva Beach's income is 63% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 83% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in La Selva Beach, CA?
La Selva Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $159,094, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, and a well-educated community where 58.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,195,100. However, La Selva Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Selva Beach has a population of 2,519 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare La Selva Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near La Selva Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayucos | 2,517 | $82,778 | $947,000 | Compare |
| Nice | 2,517 | $70,274 | $173,100 | Compare |
| China Lake Acres | 2,523 | $67,438 | $168,100 | Compare |
| Weldon | 2,525 | $27,353 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Bayview CDP (Contra Costa County), California | 2,533 | $132,356 | $669,700 | Compare |
| South Taft | 2,534 | $41,875 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Highlands | 2,535 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Pine Canyon | 2,538 | $106,284 | $372,400 | 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 La Selva Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Selva Beach
What is the population of La Selva Beach, CA?
The population of La Selva Beach, CA is 2,519 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in La Selva Beach?
The median household income in La Selva Beach, CA is $159,094 per year, which is 112% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Selva Beach?
The median home value in La Selva Beach, CA is $1,195,100, which is 388% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Selva Beach?
The median monthly rent in La Selva Beach, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Selva Beach?
The unemployment rate in La Selva Beach, CA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is La Selva Beach, CA a good place to live?
La Selva Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,519 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is La Selva Beach, CA?
58.8% of residents in La Selva 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 La Selva Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Selva Beach, CA: median home value is $1,195,100 (388% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $159,094. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in La Selva Beach?
The poverty rate in La Selva Beach, CA is 7.3%, 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 Selva Beach, CA?
La Selva Beach's population is 4.3% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.