Costa Mesa city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Costa Mesa city, California has a total population of 110,538, the 60th largest city in California, with a median household income of $110,073, which is 14% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 9.6x the median household income.
Costa Mesa city Quick Facts
How Costa Mesa city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Costa Mesa city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to Costa Mesa city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murrieta city | 111,621 | $109,780 | $606,900 | 31.8% | 5.9% |
| Temecula city | 110,404 | $117,840 | $640,400 | 39.2% | 7.4% |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura) city | 109,900 | $100,407 | $778,700 | 41.1% | 10.4% |
| West Covina city | 107,436 | $98,570 | $712,300 | 29.8% | 9.7% |
| Vacaville city | 102,085 | $108,580 | $596,700 | 27.6% | 7.5% |
Population Overview
Costa Mesa city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 110,538. It ranks as the 60th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Costa Mesa city is 36.5 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Costa Mesa city is $110,073. This is 14% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% higher. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%. This is 25% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.9%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,054,700. Housing costs are 52% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 9.6x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 39.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 29% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Costa Mesa city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 47.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 36.4%. The Black or African American population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 5.3%.
Education
43.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 19% higher than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Costa Mesa city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Costa Mesa city, California?
Costa Mesa city, California has a population of 110,538 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Costa Mesa city, CA?
The median household income in Costa Mesa city is $110,073, which is 40% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Costa Mesa city, CA?
The poverty rate in Costa Mesa city is 8.9%. This means approximately 9,812 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Costa Mesa city, California?
Costa Mesa city's population is 47.6% White, 1.5% Black, 36.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 8.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Costa Mesa city, CA?
The median home value in Costa Mesa city is $1,054,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.6x.
How educated is Costa Mesa city, California?
43.6% of adults (25+) in Costa Mesa city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.