CA landscape

93405

San Luis Obispo, CA

Total Population

24,991
5-year trend
+11.3%

Median Household Income

$48,388
5-year trend
+17.0%

Median Home Value

$863,500
5-year trend
+27.5%

Median Rent

$1,904
5-year trend
+34.4%

About San Luis Obispo, CA

Comprehensive Neighborhood Analysis

Neighborhood Profile

San Luis Obispo, CA in San Luis Obispo represents a thriving suburban community with approximately 24,991 residents. This working-class area is characterized by a premium real estate market, with median home values around $863,500 and a median household income of $48,388.

The community features a young and dynamic population, with a median age of 22.7 years. Residents benefit from a varied educational attainment levels, contributing to a diverse and vibrant local culture. The area's economic landscape reflects its demographic composition, with household incomes and property values aligned with broader regional trends.

Population
24,991

Medium-sized community with diverse demographics

Median Income
$48,388

Working-class earning profile

Home Value
$863,500

Premium real estate market

Quality of Life Overview

Our comprehensive analysis evaluates San Luis Obispo, CA across multiple quality-of-life dimensions including amenities access, cost of living, safety metrics, educational opportunities, and climate conditions. The overall livability score of 63/10 reflects these combined factors, providing residents and prospective movers with data-driven insights into the area's living standards.

Key Insights

What the data tells us about this area

Median household income is 100% higher than the state average, indicating an affluent area.

Home values are 102% higher than the state average. This area has a competitive real estate market.

50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, suggesting a highly educated community.

Median age of 23 years indicates a younger, dynamic community with potential for growth.

Quick Facts & Insights

Key metrics and how they compare

Household Income
$48,388
100.1% above state avg
Home Value
$863,500
102.5% above state avg
Rent
$1,904
100% above state avg
Population Density
24,991 residents
Median Age
22.7 years
Safety Score
50/100
Below average safety

Livability Score

Overall quality of life rating based on key factors

Overall Livability
63
Fair
Out of 100

Score Breakdown

Amenities
100/100
Cost of Living
100/100
Safety
50/100
Education
55/100
ℹ️ Hover for details
Employment
50/100
Housing
49/100
Weather
69/100

Expert Analysis & Insights

Data-Driven Community Assessment

Our team of data analysts and urban planning experts have evaluated San Luis Obispo, CA across multiple dimensions to provide you with actionable insights. These findings are based on comprehensive analysis of demographic trends, economic indicators, housing market dynamics, and quality of life factors.

Premium Housing Market

Consideration

The home price-to-income ratio of 17.8:1 indicates a premium real estate market. Prospective buyers should carefully evaluate financing options and long-term affordability. Consider exploring first-time buyer programs or extending your search to nearby areas.

Below-Average Cost of Living

Opportunity

The cost of living index of 58 is below the national average of 100, meaning your dollar stretches further here. This can translate to higher disposable income, easier savings, and improved quality of life.

Methodology: Our analysis combines official data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and regional housing databases with proprietary algorithms to identify meaningful patterns and trends. All comparisons use state-level benchmarks unless otherwise noted.

Data Sources & Accuracy

Official Government Data:Demographics and housing statistics are from the U.S. Census Bureau API (American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates). Weather and climate data comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) API with official climate normals from the nearest weather station. Crime statistics are from the FBI Crime Data Explorer API, with county-level data when available, otherwise state-level official data.
Modeled Estimates:Schools and some economic indicators are currently modeled using statistical methods based on national averages and regional patterns. For critical decisions, verify with official sources:

Learn more about our data sources and methodology on our Data Sources page.

Interactive Location Map

San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

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Coordinates: 35.3631°, -120.7035°Open in Google Maps

Cost of Living

Compared to national average (100 = US average)

Overall Cost Index
58
Lower than avg
100 = US National Average

Cost Index by Category

Housing
-1
Below avg
Transportation
90
Average
Healthcare
95
Average
Groceries
85
Below avg
Utilities
92
Average
Overall
58
Below avg

Economy & Employment

Job market and economic indicators

Labor Force
13,317
Employment Rate
87.8%
Avg. Commute
26 min
Work From Home
9%

Top Industries by Employment

Industry Breakdown

Finance & Insurance
28%
Educational Services
18.9%
Manufacturing
17.7%
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
10.8%
Construction
10.6%
Total Employed
11,698
Total Unemployed
1,381
Unemployment Rate
10.4%

Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about San Luis Obispo, CA

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, San Luis Obispo, CA has a total population of approximately 24,991 residents. This population figure is derived from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates, which provide the most reliable and comprehensive demographic data available.

Have more questions? Our data is continuously updated to provide you with the most accurate and comprehensive information available. For specific inquiries or detailed analysis, consider consulting with local real estate professionals, financial advisors, or community organizations who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique situation.

Demographics Overview

Comprehensive population statistics and demographic breakdown

Key Demographic Insightsfor San Luis Obispo, CA

Median household income is 100% below state average, suggesting more affordable cost of living.

High education levels with 50.3% holding bachelor's degrees or higher, well above national average of 33%.

Young population with median age of 22.7 years, attracting young professionals and families.

Unemployment rate of 10.4% is above national average, indicating economic challenges.

Poverty rate of 42.5% is above national average of 11.5%.

Insights are derived from US Census Bureau data and may not reflect recent changes.

Household Income Distribution

Local Median Income
$48,388
-35.6% vs US
vs State Median
+-100.1%
State: $-35,930,523
Income Distribution
30.8%
Under $50k
18.5%
Over $100k
Lower Income
Middle Income
Higher Income
Data from US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates

Age Distribution

Population by age group

Household Income Breakdown

Households by income bracket

Education Levels (Age 25+)

Highest education attained

Race & Ethnicity

Demographic composition

Households & Employment

Household Types

Family composition breakdown

Average Household Size: 2.72 people

Total Households
8,439
Family Households
23.2%

Employment by Industry

Where residents work

#1 Industry
Finance
28.0%
#2 Industry
Education
18.9%
#3 Industry
Manufacturing
17.7%
Total Employed Residents:5,123

Commute Patterns

How residents get to work

Short Commute
5.4%
Under 10 minutes
Long Commute
0.5%
Over 60 minutes
Work From Home
8.9%
898 workers
Public Transit
1.6%
164 workers
Total Commuting Workers:10,111
Commute Insights

Labor Force Statistics

Employment Rate
89.6%
11,698 employed
Labor Force
13,317
1,381 unemployed
Unemployment Rate:10.4%
Median Age
22.7 years
Per Capita Income
$30,089
Poverty Rate
42.5%

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