Brea, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Brea, California had a total population of 47,469, the 199th largest city in California, with a median household income of $131,129, which is 32% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.0x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 71/100).
Brea Quick Facts
How Brea Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,337 | 47,469 | +0.3% |
| Median household income | $124,837 | $131,129 | +5.0% |
| Median home value | $874,300 | $922,300 | +5.5% |
How Brea Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Brea Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Orange County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | 344,521 | $95,227 | 12.4% | $831,200 |
| Santa Ana | 312,534 | $93,999 | 10.8% | $713,000 |
| Irvine | 311,690 | $136,719 | 10.8% | $1,191,500 |
| Huntington Beach | 195,240 | $120,919 | 7.8% | $1,100,000 |
| Garden Grove | 170,964 | $92,174 | 12.3% | $814,100 |
| Fullerton | 140,968 | $104,286 | 12.3% | $902,600 |
| Orange | 138,266 | $117,113 | 9.5% | $945,800 |
| Costa Mesa | 110,330 | $111,505 | 9.1% | $1,115,100 |
| Mission Viejo | 92,151 | $136,123 | 5.6% | $1,009,600 |
| Westminster | 89,860 | $85,541 | 14.4% | $858,300 |
Cities Similar to Brea
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerritos | 47,867 | $135,439 | $935,300 | 58.0% | 5.3% |
| Cypress | 49,498 | $130,215 | $913,900 | 50.7% | 6.6% |
| Oakley | 45,183 | $137,677 | $660,200 | 24.3% | 6.1% |
| Rancho Santa Margarita | 46,990 | $152,560 | $971,200 | 49.7% | 5.8% |
| Poway | 48,713 | $148,359 | $1,034,800 | 54.2% | 5.6% |
Population Overview
Brea is a mid-sized community located in California, within Orange County. The total population is 47,469. It ranks as the 199th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Brea is 39.7 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Brea is $131,129. This is 32% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 62% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%. This is 45% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.1%. This is 23% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $922,300. Housing costs are 26% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.0x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 59.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Brea is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 29.9%. The Black or African American population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (27.7% vs 15.3%).
Education
52.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% higher than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.8%. Notably, 20.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Brea, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Brea, California?
Brea, California has a population of 47,469 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Brea, CA?
The median household income in Brea is $131,129, which is 62% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Brea, CA?
The poverty rate in Brea is 6.6%. This means approximately 3,133 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Brea, California?
Brea's population is 35.4% White, 1.6% Black, 29.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 27.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Brea, CA?
The median home value in Brea is $922,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x.
How educated is Brea, California?
52.2% of adults (25+) in Brea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 20.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.