Costa Mesa, CA Census Data
The 60th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Costa Mesa is the 60th largest city in California by population and ranks 58th of 188 for median household income. With 110,538 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 117 other California cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
110,538
51.0% male · 49.0% female
Median Age
36.5
2.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$110,073
$31,535 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
43.6%
8.6% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 87.8%
Poverty Rate
8.9%
3.5% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 10.6%
Broadband Access
97.6%
7.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$1,054,700
Median rent: $2,395 · 39% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Labor force participation: 69.9%
Per Capita Income
$52,727
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.4%
Disability rate: 8.5%
How Costa Mesa Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 60th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 58th of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 71st of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 58th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 34th of 188 | Top 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Costa Mesa, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Costa Mesa, CA?
The population of Costa Mesa, CA is 110,538 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.5 years.
What is the median household income in Costa Mesa?
The median household income in Costa Mesa, CA is $110,073, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $52,727.
What is the poverty rate in Costa Mesa?
The poverty rate in Costa Mesa, CA is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 10.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Costa Mesa residents have a college degree?
43.6% of adults (25+) in Costa Mesa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 87.8% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Costa Mesa?
The median home value in Costa Mesa, CA is $1,054,700. Median rent is $2,395 per month, with 39% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa's population is 52.7% White, 1.6% Black, 36.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 8.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Costa Mesa rank among California cities?
Costa Mesa is the 60th largest city in California by population, the 58th highest for median household income, the 71st lowest for poverty rate, the 58th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Costa Mesa?
The unemployment rate in Costa Mesa, CA is 4.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 69.9%. Per capita income is $52,727.
Cities Similar to Costa Mesa
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.