Encinitas had 62,007 residents at the 2020 census, a 4.2 percent increase from 59,518 in 2010.[1] The Census Bureau's estimate for July 1, 2025 is 60,736, which suggests a slight decline since 2020, a pattern seen in many coastal California cities.[2] Compared with San Diego County as a whole, the population is older, wealthier and has more degree holders.
Population and density
At the 2020 census, density was 3,253.9 people per square mile. Almost all residents (98.4 percent) lived in households; 0.5 percent lived in non-institutional group quarters and 1.1 percent in institutions. The census classed 99.8 percent of residents as urban.[1]
| Year | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 census | 59,518 | Decennial census |
| 2020 census | 62,007 | Decennial census |
| July 1, 2025 | 60,736 | Population estimate |
Age and households
In 2020 the median age was 43.8 years, up from 41.5 in 2010. About 19.9 percent of residents were under 18, 6.4 percent were 18 to 24, 25.4 percent were 25 to 44, 28.1 percent were 45 to 64, and 20.2 percent were 65 or older. The over-65 share rose sharply from 12.8 percent in 2010.[1]
There were 24,390 households in 2020, with an average size of 2.5 people. 29.0 percent included children under 18, 52.2 percent were married couples, and 6.5 percent were cohabiting couples. About a quarter (24.7 percent) were people living alone, and 10.7 percent were someone aged 65 or over living alone. The census counted 16,011 families, or 65.6 percent of households.[1]
Income and poverty
The Census Bureau's 2020–2024 American Community Survey puts median household income at $162,229, in 2024 dollars.[2] The previous five-year estimate (2019–2023) gave $150,471 median household income and $82,289 per-capita income. In that estimate, 4.9 percent of families and 7.3 percent of all residents were below the federal poverty line.[1] These incomes are well above both state and county medians, driven by high housing costs and a large share of professional and retired households.
Education
Encinitas is one of the most highly educated cities in the county. According to the 2020–2024 ACS, 67.7 percent of adults aged 25 and over hold at least a bachelor's degree.[2] Public schooling is split among three districts: the Encinitas Union and Cardiff elementary districts, and the San Dieguito Union High School District for grades 7–12.[1] See schools.
Race and ethnicity
The 2010 census recorded the racial makeup as 85.8 percent White, 3.9 percent Asian, 0.6 percent African American, 0.5 percent Native American, 0.2 percent Pacific Islander, 5.6 percent some other race and 3.4 percent two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race made up 13.7 percent.[1] Cardiff-by-the-Sea alone was reported as about 72 percent White and 20 percent Hispanic in 2010.[3]
Housing units
In 2020 there were 26,408 housing units, of which 24,390 (92.4 percent) were occupied. Of occupied units, 65.0 percent were owner-occupied and 35.0 percent rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.8 percent and the rental vacancy rate 5.6 percent.[1] In 2010, by comparison, 63.1 percent of units were owner-occupied. For prices and rents see housing and cost of living.
Commuting
The average one-way commute for working residents is 24.7 minutes, according to the 2020–2024 ACS.[2] Interstate 5 and the Coaster commuter line connect the city to job centres in Carlsbad, Sorrento Valley and downtown San Diego; see getting around.
Common questions
- What is the population of Encinitas?
- 62,007 at the 2020 census; the Census Bureau estimated 60,736 for July 1, 2025.
- What is the median income in Encinitas?
- $162,229 median household income, from the Census Bureau's 2020–2024 American Community Survey.
- Is Encinitas a wealthy area?
- By census measures, yes: median household income is more than $160,000, two-thirds of adults have a bachelor's degree, and about 7 percent of residents were below the poverty line in the 2019–2023 estimate.
See also
Notes and sources
- Encinitas, California. Wikipedia.
- QuickFacts: Encinitas city, California. U.S. Census Bureau.
- Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California. Wikipedia.