Los Osos, CA
Population 15,048 · California
About Los Osos, CA
Los Osos is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 15,048 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,504 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.3 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 Los Osos features a median home value of $728,000, which is 197% above the national median of $244,900. This places Los Osos in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,909, 64% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,571 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (4,331 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,886 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Los Osos shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Los Osos have an average one-way commute time of 20.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.1% of Los Osos 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 17.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 7.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Los Osos, CA
Compared to national averages, Los Osos has a median household income of $103,504 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $728,000, which is 197% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,909 is 64% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Los Osos's income is 6% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 11% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Los Osos, CA?
Los Osos offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,504, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 50.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $728,000. However, Los Osos’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Los Osos has a population of 15,048 with a median age of 47.3 years. Compare Los Osos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Los Osos
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Pendleton South | 15,011 | $66,265 | $0 | Compare |
| Pacific Grove | 15,003 | $105,568 | $1,129,400 | Compare |
| Susanville | 14,992 | $57,607 | $234,000 | Compare |
| Vincent | 15,151 | $99,157 | $609,900 | Compare |
| Lemon Hill | 14,942 | $49,441 | $328,000 | Compare |
| Discovery Bay | 15,243 | $154,792 | $789,400 | Compare |
| California City | 14,821 | $55,271 | $239,600 | Compare |
| Coto de Caza | 15,363 | $232,470 | $1,419,400 | 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 Los Osos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Los Osos
What is the population of Los Osos, CA?
The population of Los Osos, CA is 15,048 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 Los Osos?
The median household income in Los Osos, CA is $103,504 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Los Osos?
The median home value in Los Osos, CA is $728,000, which is 197% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Los Osos?
The median monthly rent in Los Osos, CA is $1,909, which is 64% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Los Osos?
The unemployment rate in Los Osos, CA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Los Osos, CA a good place to live?
Los Osos offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,048 and a median age of 47.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Los Osos, CA?
50.1% of residents in Los Osos 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 Los Osos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Los Osos, CA: median home value is $728,000 (197% above national), median rent is $1,909/month, and median household income is $103,504. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Los Osos?
The poverty rate in Los Osos, CA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Los Osos, CA?
Los Osos's population is 17.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 7.4% of residents are foreign-born.