Valley Center, CA
Population 10,303 · California
About Valley Center, CA
Valley Center is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 10,303 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $116,620 per year, which is 55% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Valley Center features a median home value of $809,300, which is 230% above the national median of $244,900. This places Valley Center in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,163, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,450 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (2,662 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (354 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valley Center shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Valley Center have an average one-way commute time of 36.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
35.6% of Valley Center 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 38.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 19.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Valley Center, CA
Compared to national averages, Valley Center has a median household income of $116,620 (55% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $809,300, which is 230% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,163 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Valley Center's income is 19% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 24% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Valley Center, CA?
Valley Center offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $116,620, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 35.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $809,300. However, Valley Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Valley Center has a population of 10,303 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Valley Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Valley Center
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exeter | 10,280 | $71,198 | $273,500 | Compare |
| Shasta Lake | 10,334 | $61,319 | $273,000 | Compare |
| Farmersville | 10,336 | $57,832 | $237,700 | Compare |
| East Bakersfield | 10,377 | $36,039 | $202,400 | Compare |
| Hillcrest | 10,203 | $44,954 | $250,300 | Compare |
| Blackhawk | 10,404 | $239,681 | $1,948,900 | Compare |
| Garden Acres | 10,417 | $62,895 | $318,400 | Compare |
| Crestline | 10,431 | $79,378 | $363,500 | 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 Valley Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valley Center
What is the population of Valley Center, CA?
The population of Valley Center, CA is 10,303 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 Valley Center?
The median household income in Valley Center, CA is $116,620 per year, which is 55% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valley Center?
The median home value in Valley Center, CA is $809,300, which is 230% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valley Center?
The median monthly rent in Valley Center, CA is $1,163, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valley Center?
The unemployment rate in Valley Center, CA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Valley Center, CA a good place to live?
Valley Center offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,303 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Valley Center, CA?
35.6% of residents in Valley Center 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 Valley Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valley Center, CA: median home value is $809,300 (230% above national), median rent is $1,163/month, and median household income is $116,620. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Valley Center?
The poverty rate in Valley Center, CA is 12.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Valley Center, CA?
Valley Center's population is 38.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 19.8% of residents are foreign-born.