Solana Beach, CA
Population 12,841 · California
About Solana Beach, CA
Solana Beach is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 12,841 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $150,820 per year, which is 101% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.9 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 Solana Beach features a median home value of $1,934,700, which is 690% above the national median of $244,900. This places Solana Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,022, 160% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,388 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (3,722 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (1,721 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Solana Beach shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Solana Beach have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
71.8% of Solana 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 7.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 12.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Solana Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, Solana Beach has a median household income of $150,820 (101% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,934,700, which is 690% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,022 is 160% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Solana Beach's income is 54% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 196% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Solana Beach, CA?
Solana Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $150,820, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 71.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,934,700. However, Solana Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Solana Beach has a population of 12,841 with a median age of 47.9 years. Compare Solana Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Solana Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larkspur | 12,856 | $134,744 | $1,805,100 | Compare |
| Emeryville | 12,756 | $120,302 | $598,300 | Compare |
| Avocado Heights | 12,934 | $95,000 | $668,700 | Compare |
| San Anselmo | 12,711 | $170,457 | $1,524,300 | Compare |
| Marysville | 12,703 | $58,150 | $282,700 | Compare |
| Grover Beach | 12,687 | $82,534 | $691,900 | Compare |
| Diamond Springs | 12,642 | $83,288 | $409,000 | Compare |
| Palos Verdes Estates | 13,047 | $247,500 | $2,000,001 | 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 Solana Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Solana Beach
What is the population of Solana Beach, CA?
The population of Solana Beach, CA is 12,841 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 Solana Beach?
The median household income in Solana Beach, CA is $150,820 per year, which is 101% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Solana Beach?
The median home value in Solana Beach, CA is $1,934,700, which is 690% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Solana Beach?
The median monthly rent in Solana Beach, CA is $3,022, which is 160% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Solana Beach?
The unemployment rate in Solana Beach, CA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Solana Beach, CA a good place to live?
Solana Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,841 and a median age of 47.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Solana Beach, CA?
71.8% of residents in Solana 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 Solana Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Solana Beach, CA: median home value is $1,934,700 (690% above national), median rent is $3,022/month, and median household income is $150,820. The home-value-to-income ratio is 12.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Solana Beach?
The poverty rate in Solana 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 Solana Beach, CA?
Solana Beach's population is 7.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 12.1% of residents are foreign-born.