Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Population 47,257 · California
About Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Rancho Santa Margarita is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 47,257 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $146,827 per year, which is 95% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rancho Santa Margarita features a median home value of $907,900, which is 271% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rancho Santa Margarita in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,481, 113% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,424 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (12,512 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (4,530 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rancho Santa Margarita shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rancho Santa Margarita have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.8% of Rancho Santa Margarita 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 15.7% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.9% Asian residents, with 21.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Compared to national averages, Rancho Santa Margarita has a median household income of $146,827 (95% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $907,900, which is 271% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,481 is 113% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Rancho Santa Margarita's income is 50% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 39% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
Rancho Santa Margarita offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $146,827, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 48.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $907,900. However, Rancho Santa Margarita’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rancho Santa Margarita has a population of 47,257 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Rancho Santa Margarita with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Rancho Santa Margarita
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brea | 47,337 | $124,837 | $874,300 | Compare |
| Newark | 47,145 | $164,909 | $1,094,200 | Compare |
| La Mirada | 46,945 | $110,177 | $763,200 | Compare |
| Rowland Heights | 46,787 | $85,202 | $812,900 | Compare |
| Los Banos | 46,776 | $70,893 | $419,600 | Compare |
| North Highlands | 47,900 | $65,090 | $344,900 | Compare |
| San Luis Obispo | 48,039 | $66,711 | $896,500 | Compare |
| Cerritos | 48,340 | $133,953 | $908,600 | 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 Margarita With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rancho Santa Margarita
What is the population of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
The population of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is 47,257 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 Santa Margarita?
The median household income in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is $146,827 per year, which is 95% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rancho Santa Margarita?
The median home value in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is $907,900, which is 271% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rancho Santa Margarita?
The median monthly rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is $2,481, which is 113% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rancho Santa Margarita?
The unemployment rate in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rancho Santa Margarita, CA a good place to live?
Rancho Santa Margarita offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 47,257 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
48.8% of residents in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Margarita?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rancho Santa Margarita, CA: median home value is $907,900 (271% above national), median rent is $2,481/month, and median household income is $146,827. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Rancho Santa Margarita?
The poverty rate in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
Rancho Santa Margarita's population is 15.7% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 21.5% of residents are foreign-born.