CITY · 1990 CENSUS

San Marcos

California · 38,974 residents · 24.571 sq mi

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The short version

San Marcos has roughly average household income, with a median household income of $31,961. Population has fallen 29% since 2000, a loss of 16,003 residents. Median home value is $171,900.

At a glance

Wealthier

above the US median

US median: $30,130

Younger

median age 30.8

US median: 33.0

Less educated

15% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 20%

Less affordable

home values up 27%, inflation adjusted

US median home: $93,722

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

38,974

−29%vs 2000

vs 54,977 in 2000

1990 – 2025

Population density

1,586 / sq mi

−29%vs 2000

vs 2,237 / sq mi in 2000

US average: 221

Median age

30.8

−4%vs 2000

vs 32.1 in 2000

US average: 33.0

Population, 1990 – 2024

202495K

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$31,961

−8%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $45,908 in 2000

US average: $30,130

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$13,590

−27%vs 2000

vs $18,657 in 2000

US average: $14,340

Poverty rate

10.9%

−1.1 ptsvs 2000

vs 12.0% in 2000

US average: 13.2%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$171,900

+27%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $178,400 in 2000

US average: $93,722

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$658

+9%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $797 in 2000

US average: $450

Owner-occupied

62.3%

−3.7 ptsvs 2000

vs 66.0% in 2000

37.7% rent

Afford Score

5.4

+38%vs 2000

vs 3.9 in 2000

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in San Marcos on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000

White, non-Hispanic53.9%(29,617)

Black1.8%(1,001)

Hispanic / Latino36.9%(20,271)

Asian4.6%(2,503)

Other0%

Diversity Score68.2%(37,495)

1990

White, non-Hispanic84.9%(33,088)

Black1.3%(524)

Hispanic / Latino26.8%(10,442)

Asian3.1%(1,201)

Other10.7%(4,161)

Diversity Score62.4%(24,321)

Diversity Score

−9%vs 2000

vs 68 in 2000

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

14.8%

−5.2 ptsvs 2000

vs 20.0% in 2000

US average: 20.3%

High school or higher

76.1%

+1.0 ptsvs 2000

vs 75.1% in 2000

US average: 75.2%

Graduate degree

3.8%

−2.0 ptsvs 2000

vs 5.8% in 2000

US average: 7.1%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

20.6 min

+10%vs 2000

vs 18.8 min in 2000

US average: 21.9

Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to San Marcos

Head to head

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SAN MARCOS VS

Escondido

Income$91,967+188%

Home value$714,500+316%

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SAN MARCOS VS

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Income$94,975+197%

Home value$762,400+344%

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SAN MARCOS VS

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Income$142,748+347%

Home value$1,257,000+631%

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SAN MARCOS VS

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Income$162,229+408%

Home value$1,646,800+858%

Population60,736−36%

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Frequently asked

How many people live in San Marcos, California?

San Marcos, California has about 38,974 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in San Marcos, California?

The typical household in San Marcos, California earns about $31,961 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is San Marcos, California expensive?

In San Marcos, California, the median home is worth about $171,900, and the typical rent is about $658 a month.

How educated are people in San Marcos, California?

About 14.8% of adults age 25 and over in San Marcos, California hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in San Marcos, California?

About 10.9% of people in San Marcos, California live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →