Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Population 2,574 · California
About Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Rancho Santa Fe is a small town located in California with a population of 2,574 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $236,429 per year, which is 215% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.7 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 Santa Fe features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rancho Santa Fe in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,253 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (865 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (91 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rancho Santa Fe shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rancho Santa Fe have an average one-way commute time of 24.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
71.8% of Rancho Santa Fe 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 6.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 10.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rancho Santa Fe Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Compared to national averages, Rancho Santa Fe has a median household income of $236,429 (215% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Rancho Santa Fe's income is 142% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Rancho Santa Fe, CA?
Rancho Santa Fe offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $236,429, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 71.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Rancho Santa Fe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rancho Santa Fe has a population of 2,574 with a median age of 53.7 years. Compare Rancho Santa Fe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Rancho Santa Fe
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | 2,580 | $90,381 | $366,600 | Compare |
| Edwards AFB | 2,566 | $92,120 | $0 | Compare |
| Pine Canyon | 2,538 | $106,284 | $372,400 | Compare |
| Highlands | 2,535 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| South Taft | 2,534 | $41,875 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Bayview CDP (Contra Costa County), California | 2,533 | $132,356 | $669,700 | Compare |
| Weldon | 2,525 | $27,353 | $153,300 | Compare |
| China Lake Acres | 2,523 | $67,438 | $168,100 | 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 Santa Fe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rancho Santa Fe
What is the population of Rancho Santa Fe, CA?
The population of Rancho Santa Fe, CA is 2,574 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 Rancho Santa Fe?
The median household income in Rancho Santa Fe, CA is $236,429 per year, which is 215% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rancho Santa Fe?
The median home value in Rancho Santa Fe, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rancho Santa Fe?
The median monthly rent in Rancho Santa Fe, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rancho Santa Fe?
The unemployment rate in Rancho Santa Fe, CA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rancho Santa Fe, CA a good place to live?
Rancho Santa Fe offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,574 and a median age of 53.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rancho Santa Fe, CA?
71.8% of residents in Rancho Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rancho Santa Fe, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $236,429. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Rancho Santa Fe?
The poverty rate in Rancho Santa Fe, CA is 2.4%, 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 Santa Fe, CA?
Rancho Santa Fe's population is 6.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 10.0% of residents are foreign-born.