San Juan Capistrano, CA
Population 34,998 · California
About San Juan Capistrano, CA
San Juan Capistrano is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 34,998 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $127,893 per year, which is 70% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.8 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 San Juan Capistrano features a median home value of $929,700, which is 280% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Juan Capistrano in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,500, 115% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,801 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (9,498 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (2,597 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Juan Capistrano shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Juan Capistrano have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.3% of San Juan Capistrano residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 31.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 18.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Compared to national averages, San Juan Capistrano has a median household income of $127,893 (70% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $929,700, which is 280% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,500 is 115% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Juan Capistrano's income is 31% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 42% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Juan Capistrano, CA?
San Juan Capistrano offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $127,893, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 42.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $929,700. However, San Juan Capistrano’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
San Juan Capistrano has a population of 34,998 with a median age of 44.8 years. Compare San Juan Capistrano with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Juan Capistrano
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oildale | 34,971 | $49,622 | $225,000 | Compare |
| West Hollywood | 35,090 | $94,844 | $969,900 | Compare |
| Orangevale | 35,219 | $98,158 | $508,600 | Compare |
| Manhattan Beach | 34,584 | $193,904 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 34,335 | $144,513 | $1,040,600 | Compare |
| Westmont | 34,291 | $47,899 | $617,300 | Compare |
| Temple City | 35,749 | $102,449 | $930,200 | Compare |
| San Dimas | 34,099 | $105,833 | $756,200 | 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 San Juan Capistrano With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Juan Capistrano
What is the population of San Juan Capistrano, CA?
The population of San Juan Capistrano, CA is 34,998 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 San Juan Capistrano?
The median household income in San Juan Capistrano, CA is $127,893 per year, which is 70% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Juan Capistrano?
The median home value in San Juan Capistrano, CA is $929,700, which is 280% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Juan Capistrano?
The median monthly rent in San Juan Capistrano, CA is $2,500, which is 115% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Juan Capistrano?
The unemployment rate in San Juan Capistrano, CA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Juan Capistrano, CA a good place to live?
San Juan Capistrano offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 34,998 and a median age of 44.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Juan Capistrano, CA?
42.3% of residents in San Juan Capistrano 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 San Juan Capistrano?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Juan Capistrano, CA: median home value is $929,700 (280% above national), median rent is $2,500/month, and median household income is $127,893. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Juan Capistrano?
The poverty rate in San Juan Capistrano, CA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is San Juan Capistrano, CA?
San Juan Capistrano's population is 31.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 18.6% of residents are foreign-born.