San Marcos, CA
Population 94,078 · California
About San Marcos, CA
San Marcos is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 94,078 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,286 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in San Marcos features a median home value of $792,400, which is 224% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Marcos in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,191, 88% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 32,255 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (19,469 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (11,411 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Marcos shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Marcos have an average one-way commute time of 27.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.7% of San Marcos 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 32.0% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 22.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in San Marcos, CA
Compared to national averages, San Marcos has a median household income of $105,286 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $792,400, which is 224% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,191 is 88% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Marcos's income is 8% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 21% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Marcos, CA?
San Marcos offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,286, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 42.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $792,400. However, as a mid-sized city, San Marcos provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
San Marcos has a population of 94,078 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare San Marcos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Marcos
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compton | 93,525 | $74,270 | $546,700 | Compare |
| Carson | 93,523 | $107,391 | $645,600 | Compare |
| Redding | 93,268 | $69,443 | $363,800 | Compare |
| Tracy | 95,358 | $118,253 | $653,900 | Compare |
| Mission Viejo | 92,415 | $136,071 | $946,300 | Compare |
| Arden-Arcade | 96,319 | $71,767 | $504,400 | Compare |
| South Gate | 91,836 | $71,315 | $608,500 | Compare |
| Chino | 91,775 | $103,845 | $641,500 | 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 Marcos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Marcos
What is the population of San Marcos, CA?
The population of San Marcos, CA is 94,078 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 Marcos?
The median household income in San Marcos, CA is $105,286 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Marcos?
The median home value in San Marcos, CA is $792,400, which is 224% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Marcos?
The median monthly rent in San Marcos, CA is $2,191, which is 88% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Marcos?
The unemployment rate in San Marcos, CA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Marcos, CA a good place to live?
San Marcos offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 94,078 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Marcos, CA?
42.7% of residents in San Marcos 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 Marcos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Marcos, CA: median home value is $792,400 (224% above national), median rent is $2,191/month, and median household income is $105,286. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Marcos?
The poverty rate in San Marcos, CA is 10.2%, 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 Marcos, CA?
San Marcos's population is 32.0% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 22.4% of residents are foreign-born.