Median Income
$116,620
55% higher than US avg
Home Value
$809,300
187% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.6%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,163
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.8%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Valley Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,303
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density375/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Economy
A+
Median Income$116,620
Per Capita$46,664
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$351,753M
Commute37 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$809,300
Rent$1,163
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$917,943
Health
Obesity26.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.0%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI48 (Good)
Rain16.7 in/yr
Elevation1,437 ft
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.6%
High School+86.4%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 50%
Commute37 min
EV Stations9
Libraries67
Is Valley Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valley Center receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, long commute times. Valley Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Valley Center is $116,620, which is significantly higher than the national average — 55% above $75,149. This places Valley Center among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valley Center is $809,300, making it a premium housing market at 187% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,163 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 6.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 86.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Valley Center enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Valley Center has a population of 10,303 with a density of 375 people per square mile. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (61%), with 3% Hispanic, 2.9% Black.
Population
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Valley Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 74.5% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Spanish | 25.5% |
| 90% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Valley Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Valley Center is $116,620, which is 55% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes.
Income: Valley Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $116,620 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,664 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,565 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $116,511 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 148,394 |
| County GDP | $351,753M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8,853 |
| Healthcare | 13,951 |
| Retail | 9,811 |
| Manufacturing | 4,357 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,097 |
| 188% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.5 min |
| Work from Home | 15.3% |
The median home value in Valley Center is $809,300, 187% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,163 (0% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $917,943.
Home Values
| Census Median | $809,300 |
| 187% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $917,943 |
| Median List Price | $994,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $994,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $369 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.8% |
| Price Drops | 22.0% |
| Inventory | 41 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,163 |
| 0% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,097 |
| 188% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.25% |
In Valley Center, 26.8% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 23.0% report depression. 20.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Valley Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.8% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,325/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13,951 |
Crime Rates: Valley Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 238 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
Safety Score
Valley Center has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 16.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 62.8°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 16.7 inches |
| 56% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,437 ft (438 m) |
| Area | 27.5 sq mi (71.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.2330°N, 117.0158°W |
| County FIPS | 06059 |