Living in San Marcos, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of San Marcos · Census data 2020–2024
San Marcos has 94,882 residents with a median age of 36.8. The median household income is $109,377 (10% higher than the California median), the median home value is $868,000, the median rent is $2,348/month.
San Marcos at a glance
- Population
- 94,882
- Median age
- 36.8State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $109,377State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $868,000State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,348/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 63.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 43.8%
- Average commute
- 27 min
Is San Marcos a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 10% higher than the California median; an average commute of 27 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%; a poverty rate of 9.2%.
Cons: Home values 18% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in April to June and October.
Cost of living in San Marcos
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In San Marcos the median home value is $868,000, 161% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,348 per month, which is 37% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $3,357 a month in housing costs.
San Marcos median household income
The median household income in San Marcos is $109,377 and the income per person is $47,841. 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in San Marcos: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 32,557
- Owner-occupied
- 63.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 36.3%
- Vacant
- 3.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1996
- Average household size
- 2.96
San Marcos demographics
- Population
- 94,882
- Median age
- 36.8
- Under 18
- 25.2%
- 65 and older
- 13.2%
- Households
- 31,350
- Foreign-born
- 22.3%
- Veterans
- 5.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of San Marcos ›
Education in San Marcos
43.8% of adults 25 and older in San Marcos have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 15.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in San Marcos
- Unemployment rate
- 4.6%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 27 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 20.5%
- Drive alone
- 67.7%
- Public transit
- 0.5%
- Walk to work
- 1.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.9%
San Marcos vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Marcos | 94,882 | $109,377 | $868,000 | $2,348 |
| Lake San Marcos | 4,693 | $89,851 | $917,000 | $2,585 |
| Harmony Grove | 2,585 | $227,140 | $1,231,600 | $3,501 |
| Elfin Forest | 592 | $170,938 | $1,950,000 | — |
| Vista | 99,114 | $94,975 | $762,400 | $2,249 |
| Escondido | 149,668 | $91,967 | $714,500 | $2,046 |
| Carlsbad | 114,373 | $142,748 | $1,257,000 | $2,808 |
| Hidden Meadows | 3,524 | $123,125 | $851,100 | $2,736 |
| Rancho Santa Fe | 2,260 | $175,792 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
More for people moving to San Marcos
San Marcos ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in San Marcos: FAQ
What is the median household income in San Marcos, CA?
The median household income in San Marcos is $109,377, 10% 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 San Marcos?
The median home value in San Marcos is $868,000, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in San Marcos?
The median gross rent in San Marcos is $2,348 per month, about 37% of household income.
Is San Marcos, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 10% higher than the California median; an average commute of 27 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%; a poverty rate of 9.2%. Minuses: home values 18% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in San Marcos?
The median age in San Marcos is 36.8 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in San Marcos?
The average commute to work in San Marcos is 27 minutes; 20.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in San Marcos?
The unemployment rate in San Marcos is 4.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is San Marcos?
43.8% of adults in San Marcos 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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