Seal Beach, CA
Population 24,868 · California
About Seal Beach, CA
Seal Beach is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 24,868 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,045 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 61.2 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 Seal Beach features a median home value of $492,200, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. This places Seal Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,419, 108% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,616 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (9,827 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (3,121 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Seal Beach shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Seal Beach have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.1% of Seal Beach 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 7.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 17.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Seal Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, Seal Beach has a median household income of $83,045 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $492,200, which is 101% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,419 is 108% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Seal Beach's income is 15% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 25% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Seal Beach, CA?
Seal Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,045, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 51.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $492,200. However, Seal Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Seal Beach has a population of 24,868 with a median age of 61.2 years. Compare Seal Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Seal Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverbank | 24,881 | $90,216 | $442,300 | Compare |
| Loma Linda | 25,021 | $82,824 | $557,800 | Compare |
| Mountain House | 25,108 | $171,675 | $859,700 | Compare |
| Maywood | 24,593 | $61,655 | $595,000 | Compare |
| Selma | 24,586 | $55,839 | $288,700 | Compare |
| Barstow | 25,198 | $51,811 | $222,600 | Compare |
| Dinuba | 25,201 | $59,048 | $267,300 | Compare |
| Norco | 25,211 | $125,117 | $731,900 | 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 Seal Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Seal Beach
What is the population of Seal Beach, CA?
The population of Seal Beach, CA is 24,868 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 Seal Beach?
The median household income in Seal Beach, CA is $83,045 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Seal Beach?
The median home value in Seal Beach, CA is $492,200, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Seal Beach?
The median monthly rent in Seal Beach, CA is $2,419, which is 108% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Seal Beach?
The unemployment rate in Seal Beach, CA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Seal Beach, CA a good place to live?
Seal Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 24,868 and a median age of 61.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Seal Beach, CA?
51.1% of residents in Seal Beach 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 Seal Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Seal Beach, CA: median home value is $492,200 (101% above national), median rent is $2,419/month, and median household income is $83,045. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Seal Beach?
The poverty rate in Seal Beach, CA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Seal Beach, CA?
Seal Beach's population is 7.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 17.5% of residents are foreign-born.