Living in La Mesa, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of La Mesa · Census data 2020–2024
La Mesa has 60,797 residents with a median age of 37.4. The median household income is $95,028 (4% lower than the California median), the median home value is $812,000, the median rent is $2,049/month.
La Mesa at a glance
- Population
- 60,797
- Median age
- 37.4State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $95,028State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $812,000State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,049/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 47.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 40.6%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is La Mesa a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 6.2%; a poverty rate of 11.5%.
Cons: Median household income 4% lower than the California median; home values 11% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in May–June and October–November.
Cost of living in La Mesa
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In La Mesa the median home value is $812,000, 144% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,049 per month, which is 35.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,980 a month in housing costs.
La Mesa median household income
The median household income in La Mesa is $95,028 and the income per person is $49,543. 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in La Mesa: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 26,212
- Owner-occupied
- 47.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 52.3%
- Vacant
- 4.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1971
- Average household size
- 2.39
La Mesa demographics
- Population
- 60,797
- Median age
- 37.4
- Under 18
- 21.7%
- 65 and older
- 15.5%
- Households
- 25,038
- Foreign-born
- 13.1%
- Veterans
- 9.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of La Mesa ›
Education in La Mesa
40.6% of adults 25 and older in La Mesa have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 14.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in La Mesa
- Unemployment rate
- 6.2%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 17.8%
- Drive alone
- 69.9%
- Public transit
- 1.3%
- Walk to work
- 2.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.5%
La Mesa vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Mesa | 60,797 | $95,028 | $812,000 | $2,049 |
| Casa de Oro-Mount Helix | 19,765 | $125,107 | $952,400 | $1,973 |
| Lemon Grove | 27,686 | $88,009 | $705,400 | $1,893 |
| Spring Valley | 31,969 | $109,110 | $714,700 | $2,166 |
| El Cajon | 104,449 | $67,511 | $681,700 | $1,856 |
| La Presa | 34,962 | $93,479 | $629,700 | $1,852 |
| Bostonia | 16,765 | $78,878 | $487,600 | $2,087 |
| Rancho San Diego | 21,272 | $118,682 | $905,300 | $2,618 |
| Santee | 59,332 | $113,394 | $727,200 | $2,250 |
More for people moving to La Mesa
La Mesa ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in La Mesa: FAQ
What is the median household income in La Mesa, CA?
The median household income in La Mesa is $95,028, 4% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in La Mesa?
The median home value in La Mesa is $812,000, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in La Mesa?
The median gross rent in La Mesa is $2,049 per month, about 35.1% of household income.
Is La Mesa, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 6.2%; a poverty rate of 11.5%. Minuses: median household income 4% lower than the California median; home values 11% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in La Mesa?
The median age in La Mesa is 37.4 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in La Mesa?
The average commute to work in La Mesa is 24 minutes; 17.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in La Mesa?
The unemployment rate in La Mesa is 6.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is La Mesa?
40.6% of adults in La Mesa have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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