Oceanside, CA
Population 172,542 · California
About Oceanside, CA
Oceanside is a major city located in California with a population of 172,542 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,724 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oceanside features a median home value of $702,000, which is 187% above the national median of $244,900. This places Oceanside in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,207, 90% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 66,744 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (35,907 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (25,510 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oceanside shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Oceanside have an average one-way commute time of 29.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.3% of Oceanside 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 32.6% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 20.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oceanside Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Oceanside, CA
Compared to national averages, Oceanside has a median household income of $93,724 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $702,000, which is 187% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,207 is 90% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Oceanside's income is 4% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 7% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Oceanside, CA?
Oceanside offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,724, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 34.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $702,000. However, as a major city, Oceanside provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Oceanside has a population of 172,542 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Oceanside with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Oceanside
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Grove | 170,603 | $90,166 | $765,500 | Compare |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 174,693 | $109,511 | $694,400 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 170,013 | $76,083 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Santa Rosa | 177,216 | $97,410 | $685,000 | Compare |
| Elk Grove | 177,221 | $122,229 | $603,400 | Compare |
| Ontario | 178,347 | $82,806 | $568,000 | Compare |
| Palmdale | 165,487 | $81,151 | $435,300 | Compare |
| Salinas | 161,993 | $89,150 | $610,900 | 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 Oceanside With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oceanside
What is the population of Oceanside, CA?
The population of Oceanside, CA is 172,542 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Oceanside?
The median household income in Oceanside, CA is $93,724 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oceanside?
The median home value in Oceanside, CA is $702,000, which is 187% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oceanside?
The median monthly rent in Oceanside, CA is $2,207, which is 90% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oceanside?
The unemployment rate in Oceanside, CA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oceanside, CA a good place to live?
Oceanside offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 172,542 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oceanside, CA?
34.3% of residents in Oceanside 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 Oceanside?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oceanside, CA: median home value is $702,000 (187% above national), median rent is $2,207/month, and median household income is $93,724. 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 Oceanside?
The poverty rate in Oceanside, CA is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Oceanside, CA?
Oceanside's population is 32.6% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 20.9% of residents are foreign-born.