Pismo Beach, CA
Population 8,024 · California
About Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach is a small town located in California with a population of 8,024 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $112,913 per year, which is 50% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.5 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 Pismo Beach features a median home value of $992,900, which is 305% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pismo Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,298, 98% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,060 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (2,757 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (1,355 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pismo Beach shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, 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 Pismo Beach have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.1% of Pismo 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 9.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pismo Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, Pismo Beach has a median household income of $112,913 (50% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $992,900, which is 305% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,298 is 98% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Pismo Beach's income is 15% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 52% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Pismo Beach, CA?
Pismo Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $112,913, 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 8.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $992,900. However, Pismo Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pismo Beach has a population of 8,024 with a median age of 55.5 years. Compare Pismo Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Pismo Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda Dunes | 8,074 | $93,819 | $509,100 | Compare |
| South San Gabriel | 8,084 | $76,921 | $655,400 | Compare |
| Midway City | 8,094 | $64,735 | $723,700 | Compare |
| Rolling Hills Estates | 8,158 | $187,500 | $1,602,300 | Compare |
| University of California-Davis | 8,158 | $17,625 | $0 | Compare |
| Corning | 8,168 | $55,732 | $274,600 | Compare |
| Interlaken | 8,191 | $111,021 | $787,400 | Compare |
| Yreka | 7,832 | $42,664 | $245,100 | 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 Pismo Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pismo Beach
What is the population of Pismo Beach, CA?
The population of Pismo Beach, CA is 8,024 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 Pismo Beach?
The median household income in Pismo Beach, CA is $112,913 per year, which is 50% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pismo Beach?
The median home value in Pismo Beach, CA is $992,900, which is 305% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pismo Beach?
The median monthly rent in Pismo Beach, CA is $2,298, which is 98% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pismo Beach?
The unemployment rate in Pismo Beach, CA is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pismo Beach, CA a good place to live?
Pismo Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,024 and a median age of 55.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Pismo Beach, CA?
50.1% of residents in Pismo 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 Pismo Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pismo Beach, CA: median home value is $992,900 (305% above national), median rent is $2,298/month, and median household income is $112,913. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Pismo Beach?
The poverty rate in Pismo Beach, 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 Pismo Beach, CA?
Pismo Beach's population is 9.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.