California · Metropolitan Area
San Marcos is a mid-size city in California with a population of 94,078. Residents earn $105,286 per year, which is 40% above the national average.
Based on current data, San Marcos receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. San Marcos offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in San Marcos is $105,286, which is significantly higher than the national average — 40% above $75,149. This places San Marcos among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
The median home value in San Marcos is $792,400, making it a premium housing market at 181% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,191 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.5x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Violent crime in San Marcos is below the national average at 216 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,416 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
San Marcos enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 325 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 64.8% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 35.2% |
| 163% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $105,286 |
| 40% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $44,376 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,565 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $116,511 |
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% 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 | 1.27% |
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Work from Home | 18.7% |
| Census Median | $792,400 |
| 181% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $943,389 |
| Median List Price | $969,995 |
| Median List Price | $969,995 |
| $/Sq Ft | $511 |
| Homes Sold | 47 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 29.5% |
| Inventory | 105 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,191 |
| 88% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,060 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,097 |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.27% |
| Obesity | 25.5% |
| 21% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,325/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13,951 |
| Total Violent | 215.9/100K |
| 43% below US avg | |
| Murder | 2.2/100K |
| 65% below US avg | |
| Rape | 9.9/100K |
| Robbery | 41.9/100K |
| Assault | 161.9/100K |
| Total Property | 1,416.3/100K |
| 28% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 266.5/100K |
| Theft | 940.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 209.3/100K |
| Arson | 11.0/100K |
| 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 | 51°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 325 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 29.4 inches |
| 23% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 1.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 636 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 24.6 sq mi (63.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,829/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1326°N, 117.1699°W |
| County FIPS | 06059 |
Winner: Democrat by 2.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 42.7% |
| 27% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 88.1% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 3,829/sq mi |
| Total Area | 24.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 35 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 49 |
| 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 | 27.1 min |
| Work from Home | 18.7% |