San Marino, CA
Population 12,279 · California
About San Marino, CA
San Marino is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 12,279 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $187,633 per year, which is 150% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 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 Marino features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Marino 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 4,363 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (3,150 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (657 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Marino shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Marino have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
80.2% of San Marino 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 4.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 46.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How San Marino Ranks in California
Cost of Living in San Marino, CA
Compared to national averages, San Marino has a median household income of $187,633 (150% 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, San Marino's income is 92% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Marino, CA?
San Marino offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $187,633, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 80.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, San Marino’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
San Marino has a population of 12,279 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare San Marino with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Marino
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newman | 12,299 | $75,344 | $381,900 | Compare |
| Tehachapi | 12,366 | $67,785 | $344,700 | Compare |
| Tamalpais-Homestead Valley | 12,153 | $238,158 | $1,811,100 | Compare |
| Fortuna | 12,413 | $61,603 | $353,200 | Compare |
| Scotts Valley | 12,138 | $140,887 | $1,092,000 | Compare |
| Commerce | 12,072 | $71,768 | $583,200 | Compare |
| Big Bear City | 12,493 | $72,457 | $427,700 | Compare |
| Mendota | 12,554 | $46,458 | $250,400 | 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 Marino With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Marino
What is the population of San Marino, CA?
The population of San Marino, CA is 12,279 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 Marino?
The median household income in San Marino, CA is $187,633 per year, which is 150% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Marino?
The median home value in San Marino, 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 San Marino?
The median monthly rent in San Marino, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Marino?
The unemployment rate in San Marino, CA is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Marino, CA a good place to live?
San Marino offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,279 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is San Marino, CA?
80.2% of residents in San Marino 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 Marino?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Marino, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $187,633. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Marino?
The poverty rate in San Marino, CA is 5.8%, 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 Marino, CA?
San Marino's population is 4.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 46.6% of residents are foreign-born.