Malibu, CA
Population 10,516 · California
About Malibu, CA
Malibu is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 10,516 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $192,159 per year, which is 156% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.7 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 Malibu features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Malibu 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 6,430 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (3,208 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (1,138 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Malibu shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Malibu have an average one-way commute time of 32.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
71.6% of Malibu 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 5.7% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 13.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Malibu, CA
Compared to national averages, Malibu has a median household income of $192,159 (156% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Malibu's income is 96% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Malibu, CA?
Malibu offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $192,159, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 71.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Malibu’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Malibu has a population of 10,516 with a median age of 50.7 years. Compare Malibu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Malibu
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 10,525 | $66,306 | $338,800 | Compare |
| Golden Hills | 10,445 | $94,654 | $376,300 | Compare |
| Crestline | 10,431 | $79,378 | $363,500 | Compare |
| Garden Acres | 10,417 | $62,895 | $318,400 | Compare |
| Blackhawk | 10,404 | $239,681 | $1,948,900 | Compare |
| Potomac Park | 10,634 | $45,617 | $201,200 | Compare |
| East Bakersfield | 10,377 | $36,039 | $202,400 | Compare |
| Calimesa | 10,680 | $90,313 | $423,300 | 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 Malibu With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Malibu
What is the population of Malibu, CA?
The population of Malibu, CA is 10,516 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 Malibu?
The median household income in Malibu, CA is $192,159 per year, which is 156% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Malibu?
The median home value in Malibu, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Malibu?
The median monthly rent in Malibu, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Malibu?
The unemployment rate in Malibu, CA is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Malibu, CA a good place to live?
Malibu offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,516 and a median age of 50.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Malibu, CA?
71.6% of residents in Malibu 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 Malibu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Malibu, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $192,159. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Malibu?
The poverty rate in Malibu, CA is 12.5%, 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 Malibu, CA?
Malibu's population is 5.7% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 13.8% of residents are foreign-born.