Encinitas city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Encinitas city, California has a total population of 61,585, the 149th largest city in California, with a median household income of $150,471, which is 56% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 56% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- 67.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 9.7x the median household income.
Encinitas city Quick Facts
How Encinitas city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Encinitas city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to Encinitas city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laguna Niguel city | 64,023 | $140,605 | $1,123,000 | 59.3% | 5.9% |
| Brentwood city | 64,609 | $139,567 | $791,600 | 38.8% | 7.8% |
| San Clemente city | 63,510 | $134,735 | $1,220,500 | 51.7% | 5.7% |
| Yorba Linda city | 67,407 | $152,060 | $1,091,700 | 56.2% | 5.6% |
| South San Francisco city | 64,487 | $135,909 | $1,160,100 | 40.1% | 7.1% |
Population Overview
Encinitas city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 61,585. It ranks as the 149th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Encinitas city is 43.0 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Encinitas city is $150,471. This is 56% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 92% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%. This is 39% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 26% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,466,000. Housing costs are 111% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 9.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 66.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Encinitas city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 73.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 15.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (73.9% vs 34.6%). The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (15.7%) is well below the state average of 39.8%. The Asian population (4.4%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.
Education
67.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Encinitas city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 84% 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 95.3%. Notably, 28.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Encinitas 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 Encinitas city, California?
Encinitas city, California has a population of 61,585 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Encinitas city, CA?
The median household income in Encinitas city is $150,471, which is 92% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Encinitas city, CA?
The poverty rate in Encinitas city is 7.3%. This means approximately 4,476 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Encinitas city, California?
Encinitas city's population is 73.9% White, 0.6% Black, 15.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Encinitas city, CA?
The median home value in Encinitas city is $1,466,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.7x.
How educated is Encinitas city, California?
67.1% of adults (25+) in Encinitas city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 28.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.