California · Metropolitan Area
Costa Mesa is a large city in California with a population of 110,538. Residents earn $110,073 per year, which is 46% above the national average.
Based on current data, Costa Mesa receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. 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. Costa Mesa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Costa Mesa is $110,073, which is significantly higher than the national average — 46% above $75,149. This places Costa Mesa among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
The median home value in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700, making it a premium housing market at 274% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,395 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.6x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Violent crime in Costa Mesa is below the national average at 282 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,072 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 87.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Costa Mesa enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 63.1% |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 36.9% |
| 175% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $110,073 |
| 46% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $56,625 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,565 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $116,511 |
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% 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 | 0.96% |
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |
| Census Median | $1,054,700 |
| 274% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,381,297 |
| Median List Price | $1,485,000 |
| Median List Price | $1,485,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $924 |
| Homes Sold | 43 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 22.1% |
| Inventory | 95 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,395 |
| 106% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,104 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.4% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,097 |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.96% |
| Obesity | 25.7% |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,325/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13,951 |
| Total Violent | 282.1/100K |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 39.9/100K |
| Robbery | 106.5/100K |
| Assault | 135.8/100K |
| Total Property | 3,071.6/100K |
| 57% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 508.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,291.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 271.5/100K |
| Arson | 16.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 238 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 61.0°F |
| 13% above US avg | |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 34.5 inches |
| 9% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 72 ft (22 m) |
| Area | 15.8 sq mi (40.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 6,992/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.6659°N, 117.9123°W |
| County FIPS | 06059 |
Winner: Democrat by 2.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 43.6% |
| 29% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 87.8% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 6,992/sq mi |
| Total Area | 15.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 108 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 127 |
| 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 | 22.1 min |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |