Santee, CA
Population 59,485 · California
About Santee, CA
Santee is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 59,485 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,613 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Santee features a median home value of $653,400, which is 167% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santee in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,197, 89% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,625 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (15,069 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (5,875 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santee shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Santee have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.9% of Santee 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 18.4% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 12.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Santee, CA
Compared to national averages, Santee has a median household income of $105,613 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $653,400, which is 167% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,197 is 89% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santee's income is 8% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 0% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santee, CA?
Santee offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,613, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $653,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Santee provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santee has a population of 59,485 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Santee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santee
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanford | 59,389 | $73,544 | $323,600 | Compare |
| Monterey Park | 59,639 | $77,605 | $818,300 | Compare |
| Petaluma | 59,321 | $109,823 | $834,900 | Compare |
| Gardena | 59,765 | $79,291 | $667,600 | Compare |
| Cupertino | 58,886 | $231,139 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Gilroy | 58,561 | $131,554 | $975,800 | Compare |
| San Rafael | 60,604 | $109,317 | $1,246,200 | Compare |
| Pico Rivera | 60,821 | $86,956 | $621,400 | 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 Santee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santee
What is the population of Santee, CA?
The population of Santee, CA is 59,485 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 Santee?
The median household income in Santee, CA is $105,613 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santee?
The median home value in Santee, CA is $653,400, which is 167% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santee?
The median monthly rent in Santee, CA is $2,197, which is 89% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santee?
The unemployment rate in Santee, CA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santee, CA a good place to live?
Santee offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 59,485 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Santee, CA?
32.9% of residents in Santee 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 Santee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santee, CA: median home value is $653,400 (167% above national), median rent is $2,197/month, and median household income is $105,613. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santee?
The poverty rate in Santee, CA is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Santee, CA?
Santee's population is 18.4% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 12.7% of residents are foreign-born.