The San Diego metro is home to 3,282,782 people (down 0.6% over five years), with a median household income of $102,285. Typical rent of $2,967/month works out to 34.8% of the median household income — above the 30% affordability threshold, a strain signal (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of San Diego's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Education & health care | 21.9% |
| Professional & management | 16.5% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 10.2% |
| Manufacturing | 10.0% |
| Retail trade | 10.0% |
Education & health care is the metro's largest employment base — sectors like education and health care are recession-resilient anchors for rental demand.
Rents at 34.8% of median income leave little headroom — expect tenant price sensitivity. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the San Diego market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $2,967/month suggests a household income around $119,000/year. The metro's median household income is $102,285.
By workforce share: Education & health care (21.9%), Professional & management (16.5%), Arts, food & hospitality (10.2%) (Census ACS 5-year).