Santa Ana, CA
Population 311,639 · California
About Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana is a major city located in California with a population of 311,639 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,354 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Santa Ana features a median home value of $657,800, which is 169% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Ana in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,975, 70% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 82,352 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (35,540 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (44,151 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Ana shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Santa Ana have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.0% of Santa Ana residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 70.9% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 6.0% Asian residents, with 41.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Santa Ana Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Santa Ana, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Ana has a median household income of $88,354 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $657,800, which is 169% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,975 is 70% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Ana's income is 10% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 1% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,354, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 11.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $657,800. However, as a major city, Santa Ana provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santa Ana has a population of 311,639 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Santa Ana with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Ana
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irvine | 308,160 | $129,647 | $1,115,400 | Compare |
| Riverside | 316,241 | $88,575 | $542,100 | Compare |
| Stockton | 320,470 | $76,851 | $412,900 | Compare |
| Anaheim | 344,553 | $90,583 | $771,700 | Compare |
| Chula Vista | 275,030 | $105,173 | $697,400 | Compare |
| Santa Clarita | 229,021 | $119,926 | $721,000 | Compare |
| Fremont | 228,518 | $176,350 | $1,289,400 | Compare |
| San Bernardino | 221,774 | $63,988 | $384,900 | 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 Santa Ana With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Ana
What is the population of Santa Ana, CA?
The population of Santa Ana, CA is 311,639 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Santa Ana?
The median household income in Santa Ana, CA is $88,354 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Ana?
The median home value in Santa Ana, CA is $657,800, which is 169% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Santa Ana?
The median monthly rent in Santa Ana, CA is $1,975, which is 70% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Ana?
The unemployment rate in Santa Ana, CA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Ana, CA a good place to live?
Santa Ana offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 311,639 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Santa Ana, CA?
18.0% of residents in Santa Ana aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Santa Ana?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Ana, CA: median home value is $657,800 (169% above national), median rent is $1,975/month, and median household income is $88,354. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Ana?
The poverty rate in Santa Ana, CA is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana's population is 70.9% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 6.0% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 41.0% of residents are foreign-born.