Rancho San Diego, CA
Population 22,264 · California
About Rancho San Diego, CA
Rancho San Diego is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 22,264 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $118,431 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 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 Rancho San Diego features a median home value of $854,200, which is 249% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rancho San Diego in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,431, 109% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,362 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (5,912 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (1,880 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rancho San Diego shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rancho San Diego have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.5% of Rancho San Diego 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 12.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 17.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rancho San Diego, CA
Compared to national averages, Rancho San Diego has a median household income of $118,431 (58% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $854,200, which is 249% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,431 is 109% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Rancho San Diego's income is 21% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 31% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Rancho San Diego, CA?
Rancho San Diego offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $118,431, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 44.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $854,200. However, Rancho San Diego’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rancho San Diego has a population of 22,264 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Rancho San Diego with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Rancho San Diego
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina | 22,324 | $88,518 | $760,800 | Compare |
| Cudahy | 22,325 | $52,748 | $505,300 | Compare |
| West Puente Valley | 22,198 | $86,692 | $591,800 | Compare |
| Winter Gardens | 22,003 | $94,320 | $558,800 | Compare |
| West Rancho Dominguez | 22,560 | $81,585 | $589,100 | Compare |
| Millbrae | 22,589 | $157,567 | $1,929,700 | Compare |
| Duarte | 21,921 | $97,952 | $710,700 | Compare |
| West Carson | 21,909 | $95,385 | $647,100 | 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 Rancho San Diego With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rancho San Diego
What is the population of Rancho San Diego, CA?
The population of Rancho San Diego, CA is 22,264 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 San Diego?
The median household income in Rancho San Diego, CA is $118,431 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rancho San Diego?
The median home value in Rancho San Diego, CA is $854,200, which is 249% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rancho San Diego?
The median monthly rent in Rancho San Diego, CA is $2,431, which is 109% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rancho San Diego?
The unemployment rate in Rancho San Diego, CA is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rancho San Diego, CA a good place to live?
Rancho San Diego offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 22,264 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rancho San Diego, CA?
44.5% of residents in Rancho San Diego 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 San Diego?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rancho San Diego, CA: median home value is $854,200 (249% above national), median rent is $2,431/month, and median household income is $118,431. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Rancho San Diego?
The poverty rate in Rancho San Diego, CA is 6.9%, 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 San Diego, CA?
Rancho San Diego's population is 12.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 17.6% of residents are foreign-born.