Pacifica, CA
Population 37,527 · California
About Pacifica, CA
Pacifica is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 37,527 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $156,819 per year, which is 109% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 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 Pacifica features a median home value of $1,211,700, which is 395% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pacifica in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,080, 165% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,596 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (9,570 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (4,399 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pacifica shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pacifica have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.5% of Pacifica 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 10.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 8.3% Asian residents, with 21.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pacifica, CA
Compared to national averages, Pacifica has a median household income of $156,819 (109% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,211,700, which is 395% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,080 is 165% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Pacifica's income is 60% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 85% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Pacifica, CA?
Pacifica offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $156,819, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 48.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,211,700. However, Pacifica’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pacifica has a population of 37,527 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Pacifica with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Pacifica
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monrovia | 37,553 | $97,083 | $891,700 | Compare |
| La Puente | 37,404 | $84,811 | $593,200 | Compare |
| Foothill Farms | 37,332 | $68,042 | $368,500 | Compare |
| Montclair | 37,809 | $76,338 | $549,600 | Compare |
| Adelanto | 38,010 | $68,419 | $318,300 | Compare |
| Wildomar | 36,953 | $95,677 | $511,900 | Compare |
| Martinez | 36,926 | $125,436 | $824,700 | Compare |
| La Quinta | 38,299 | $97,628 | $612,800 | 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 Pacifica With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacifica
What is the population of Pacifica, CA?
The population of Pacifica, CA is 37,527 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 Pacifica?
The median household income in Pacifica, CA is $156,819 per year, which is 109% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pacifica?
The median home value in Pacifica, CA is $1,211,700, which is 395% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pacifica?
The median monthly rent in Pacifica, CA is $3,080, which is 165% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pacifica?
The unemployment rate in Pacifica, CA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pacifica, CA a good place to live?
Pacifica offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 37,527 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pacifica, CA?
48.5% of residents in Pacifica 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 Pacifica?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pacifica, CA: median home value is $1,211,700 (395% above national), median rent is $3,080/month, and median household income is $156,819. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Pacifica?
The poverty rate in Pacifica, CA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pacifica, CA?
Pacifica's population is 10.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 8.3% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 21.9% of residents are foreign-born.