Rio del Mar, CA
Population 8,938 · California
About Rio del Mar, CA
Rio del Mar is a small town located in California with a population of 8,938 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $150,313 per year, which is 100% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.4 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 Rio del Mar features a median home value of $1,242,600, which is 407% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rio del Mar in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,172, 173% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,804 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (2,931 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (848 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rio del Mar shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rio del Mar have an average one-way commute time of 31.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
61.4% of Rio del Mar 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 5.0% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rio del Mar, CA
Compared to national averages, Rio del Mar has a median household income of $150,313 (100% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,242,600, which is 407% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,172 is 173% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Rio del Mar's income is 54% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 90% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Rio del Mar, CA?
Rio del Mar offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $150,313, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 61.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,242,600. However, Rio del Mar’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rio del Mar has a population of 8,938 with a median age of 51.4 years. Compare Rio del Mar with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Rio del Mar
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloverdale | 8,933 | $104,238 | $613,400 | Compare |
| Larkfield-Wikiup | 8,861 | $94,889 | $670,800 | Compare |
| Marina del Rey | 8,844 | $142,440 | $470,600 | Compare |
| Tiburon | 9,035 | $212,794 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Montecito | 8,823 | $222,966 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| West Athens | 9,064 | $77,750 | $666,100 | Compare |
| Fort Irwin | 8,791 | $66,964 | $0 | Compare |
| Topanga | 8,781 | $142,553 | $1,643,000 | 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 Rio del Mar With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio del Mar
What is the population of Rio del Mar, CA?
The population of Rio del Mar, CA is 8,938 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 Rio del Mar?
The median household income in Rio del Mar, CA is $150,313 per year, which is 100% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio del Mar?
The median home value in Rio del Mar, CA is $1,242,600, which is 407% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rio del Mar?
The median monthly rent in Rio del Mar, CA is $3,172, which is 173% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio del Mar?
The unemployment rate in Rio del Mar, CA is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio del Mar, CA a good place to live?
Rio del Mar offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,938 and a median age of 51.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rio del Mar, CA?
61.4% of residents in Rio del Mar 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 Rio del Mar?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio del Mar, CA: median home value is $1,242,600 (407% above national), median rent is $3,172/month, and median household income is $150,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Rio del Mar?
The poverty rate in Rio del Mar, CA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rio del Mar, CA?
Rio del Mar's population is 5.0% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.