Living in Malibu, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Malibu · Census data 2020–2024
Malibu has 10,421 residents with a median age of 53.9. The median household income is $194,421 (96% higher than the California median), the median home value is $2,000,001, the median rent is $3,501/month.
Malibu at a glance
- Population
- 10,421
- Median age
- 53.9State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $194,421State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $2,000,001State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $3,501/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 75.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 68.6%
- Average commute
- 32 min
Is Malibu a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 96% higher than the California median.
Cons: Home values 172% higher than the state median; an average commute of 32 minutes; unemployment of 6.7%; a poverty rate of 12.6%.
The weather is best in July to October.
Cost of living in Malibu
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Malibu the median home value is $2,000,001, 501% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $3,501 per month, which is 38% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Malibu median household income
The median household income in Malibu is $194,421 and the income per person is $141,203. 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Malibu: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 6,434
- Owner-occupied
- 75.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 24.6%
- Vacant
- 31.6%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1976
- Average household size
- 2.34
31.6% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Malibu has many vacation and second homes.
Malibu demographics
- Population
- 10,421
- Median age
- 53.9
- Under 18
- 16%
- 65 and older
- 31.8%
- Households
- 4,399
- Foreign-born
- 14.7%
- Veterans
- 2.5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Malibu ›
Education in Malibu
68.6% of adults 25 and older in Malibu have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 31.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Malibu
- Unemployment rate
- 6.7%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 32 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 40.1%
- Drive alone
- 51%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 2.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.8%
Malibu vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu | 10,421 | $194,421 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Pepperdine University | 3,087 | $199,432 | $979,700 | $3,139 |
| Westlake Village | 7,743 | $179,954 | $1,331,400 | $3,501 |
| Agoura Hills | 19,721 | $171,302 | $1,098,000 | $3,218 |
| Lake Sherwood | 1,633 | $234,020 | $2,000,001 | $3,214 |
| Calabasas | 22,669 | $165,288 | $1,504,500 | $3,089 |
| Oak Park | 13,757 | $163,085 | $1,036,900 | $3,149 |
| Topanga | 8,885 | $157,045 | $1,777,800 | $3,501 |
| Hidden Hills | 2,150 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | — |
More for people moving to Malibu
Malibu ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Malibu: FAQ
What is the median household income in Malibu, CA?
The median household income in Malibu is $194,421, 96% higher 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 Malibu?
The median home value in Malibu is $2,000,001, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Malibu?
The median gross rent in Malibu is $3,501 per month, about 38% of household income.
Is Malibu, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 96% higher than the California median. Minuses: home values 172% higher than the state median; an average commute of 32 minutes; unemployment of 6.7%; a poverty rate of 12.6%.
What is the median age in Malibu?
The median age in Malibu is 53.9 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Malibu?
The average commute to work in Malibu is 32 minutes; 40.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Malibu?
The unemployment rate in Malibu is 6.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Malibu?
68.6% of adults in Malibu 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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