Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
Population 11,355 · California
About Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
Rancho Mission Viejo is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 11,355 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $181,111 per year, which is 141% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rancho Mission Viejo features a median home value of $1,039,300, which is 324% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rancho Mission Viejo in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,342, 187% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,651 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (3,281 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (1,075 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rancho Mission Viejo shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rancho Mission Viejo have an average one-way commute time of 29.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.5% of Rancho Mission Viejo 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 7.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 14.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
Compared to national averages, Rancho Mission Viejo has a median household income of $181,111 (141% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,039,300, which is 324% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,342 is 187% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Rancho Mission Viejo's income is 85% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 59% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?
Rancho Mission Viejo offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $181,111, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 64.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,039,300. However, Rancho Mission Viejo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rancho Mission Viejo has a population of 11,355 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Rancho Mission Viejo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Rancho Mission Viejo
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muscoy | 11,402 | $57,726 | $379,200 | Compare |
| Anderson | 11,282 | $50,306 | $272,000 | Compare |
| Winton | 11,429 | $58,884 | $296,800 | Compare |
| Home Gardens | 11,430 | $92,344 | $498,800 | Compare |
| Healdsburg | 11,274 | $100,082 | $946,900 | Compare |
| Half Moon Bay | 11,454 | $153,199 | $1,467,000 | Compare |
| La Riviera | 11,503 | $91,111 | $433,400 | Compare |
| Signal Hill | 11,563 | $102,303 | $725,500 | 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 Rancho Mission Viejo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rancho Mission Viejo
What is the population of Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?
The population of Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is 11,355 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 Rancho Mission Viejo?
The median household income in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is $181,111 per year, which is 141% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rancho Mission Viejo?
The median home value in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is $1,039,300, which is 324% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rancho Mission Viejo?
The median monthly rent in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is $3,342, which is 187% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rancho Mission Viejo?
The unemployment rate in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rancho Mission Viejo, CA a good place to live?
Rancho Mission Viejo offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,355 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?
64.5% of residents in Rancho Mission Viejo 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 Rancho Mission Viejo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rancho Mission Viejo, CA: median home value is $1,039,300 (324% above national), median rent is $3,342/month, and median household income is $181,111. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rancho Mission Viejo?
The poverty rate in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?
Rancho Mission Viejo's population is 7.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 14.7% of residents are foreign-born.