What to know when moving to Del Mar, CA
Del Mar at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 83.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 29.9% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $194,528, offering a financially stable community.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $3,172, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a high rent of approximately $3,172/month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Del Mar is a small coastal community with a population of about 13,260. The area has a high median household income of $194,528, which supports a relatively affluent lifestyle. With 83.5% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree, it attracts a well-educated demographic. However, the housing market reflects this affluence, with a median gross rent of $3,172, making it less accessible for those on a tighter budget. The area is not conducive to public transport, as only 0.2% of residents commute this way.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing options or rely heavily on public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $3,172, reflecting the high demand for housing in the area.
- The poverty rate is low at 4.0%, indicating a financially stable community.
- Only 0.2% of residents use public transit, suggesting a car-dependent lifestyle.
- About 29.9% of residents are renters, emphasizing the high owner-occupancy rate.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the overall crime rates have shown a downward trend. For 2025, the violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Property crime is at 1,764 per 100,000, also higher than the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100,000. Notably, the homicide rate has decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Del Mar has access to a total of 11 postsecondary institutions in the nearby region, all within San Diego County.
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 11
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
San Diego County sees an annual precipitation of about 12.1 inches, with around 50 rainy days each year. Winter brings the most rainfall with 7.3 inches, while summer is quite dry with only 0.3 inches. There are no snow days reported.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Mount Soledad Memorial Park - 4.8 stars (5,818 reviews)
- Fletcher Cove Beach Park - 4.8 stars (3,227 reviews)
- Powerhouse Park - 4.8 stars (2,534 reviews)
- Moonlight State Beach - 4.7 stars (2,551 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In San Diego County, the unemployment rate stands at 4.4% as of December 2025. The total labor force comprises approximately 1,678,915 individuals, with around 1,604,783 employed in various sectors.
- Unemployment rate: 4.4% (December 2025)
- Employed: 1,604,783
- Labor force: 1,678,915
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.