California · Metropolitan Area
Carlsbad is a large city in California with a population of 114,500. Residents earn $139,326 per year, which is 85% above the national average.
Based on current data, Carlsbad receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Carlsbad offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Carlsbad is $139,326, which is significantly higher than the national average — 85% above $75,149. This places Carlsbad among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Carlsbad is $1,156,900, making it a premium housing market at 310% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,678 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.3x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Violent crime in Carlsbad is below the national average at 182 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,541 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Carlsbad is a highly educated community — 61.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Carlsbad enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 324 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 81.0% |
| 3% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 19.0% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $139,326 |
| 85% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $70,896 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,565 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $116,511 |
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 148,394 |
| County GDP | $351,753M |
| Restaurants | 8,853 |
| Healthcare | 13,951 |
| Retail | 9,811 |
| Manufacturing | 4,357 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,097 |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.87% |
| Commute Time | 28.0 min |
| Work from Home | 29.0% |
| Census Median | $1,156,900 |
| 310% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,358,154 |
| Median List Price | $1,599,999 |
| Median List Price | $1,599,999 |
| $/Sq Ft | $729 |
| Homes Sold | 79 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 27.0% |
| Inventory | 178 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,678 |
| 130% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,463 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,097 |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.87% |
| Obesity | 23.0% |
| 28% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 7.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.8% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 3.7% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.6% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 9.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,325/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13,951 |
| Total Violent | 181.7/100K |
| 52% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.9/100K |
| 86% below US avg | |
| Rape | 12.5/100K |
| Robbery | 39.2/100K |
| Assault | 129.1/100K |
| Total Property | 1,541.5/100K |
| 21% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 294.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,132.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 114.0/100K |
| Arson | 4.5/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 238 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 60.2°F |
| 11% above US avg | |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 324 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 28.6 inches |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.3 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 318 ft (97 m) |
| Area | 37.8 sq mi (97.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,028/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1293°N, 117.2842°W |
| County FIPS | 06059 |
Winner: Democrat by 2.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 61.4% |
| 82% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 96.1% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 3,028/sq mi |
| Total Area | 37.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 73 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 88 |
| Public Libraries | 67 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13,951 |
| Restaurants | 8,853 |
| Retail Stores | 9,811 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 238 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 364 |
| Avg Commute | 28.0 min |
| Work from Home | 29.0% |