San Marcos, CA—92078
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Other Zip Codes in San Marcos, CA
Home Price Trends — San Marcos, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in San Marcos, CA is $1,008,000, with a year-over-year change of -2.8%. This indicates that home prices in San Marcos, CA are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.0%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $1,008,000 | -2.8% |
| Single Family | $1,105,000 | -2.5% |
| Condos | $730,000 | -2.3% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $704,000 | -3.6% |
3 Bed | $905,000 | -3.2% |
4 Bed | $1,269,000 | -1.9% |
| 5 Bed | $1,615,000 | -1.5% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — San Marcos, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in San Marcos, CA is $3,840, with a year-over-year rent change of -1.5%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in San Marcos, CA is studios: $2,270, 1-bedrooms: $2,320, 2-bedrooms: $3,350, 3-bedrooms: $3,970, 4-bedrooms: $5,350. The most common rental property sizes in San Marcos, CA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 47.3% and 25.4% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,700 | $3,840 |
| Studio Rent | $1,700 | $2,270 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $2,350 | $2,320 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $3,250 | $3,350 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $3,850 | $3,970 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $5,200 | $5,350 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — San Marcos, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in San Marcos, CA is 46. This is a increase of 24.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 30.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $935,000 | 2.0% |
Listing Count | 126 | 38.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | 38.0% |
Days on Market | 46 | 24.0% |
Demographics — San Marcos, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, San Marcos, CA has a population of 53,500, which has increased by 9.2% over the past 5 years. San Marcos, CA is a popular place for families, as children make up 25.1% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 48.3% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 23.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 53,500 | 9.2% |
% Under 18 | 25.1% | -2.7% |
% Seniors | 16.3% | 0.6% |
% WFH | 23.1% | 212.2% |
% w/ College Degree | 48.3% | 7.3% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, San Marcos, CA is a predominantly white area, with 53.5% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 0.4% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in San Marcos, CA is hispanic, making up 28.3% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 18.6% of the population in San Marcos, CA, and this percentage has decreased by 1.6% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 53.5% | -0.4% |
% Black | 1.3% | -58.1% |
% Hispanic | 28.3% | 0.7% |
% Asian | 10.4% | 4.0% |
% Foreign Born | 18.6% | -1.6% |
Mortgage and Risk — San Marcos, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 230 mortgage originations in San Marcos, CA, of which 95.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 41.0%, with 6.0% above 90% LTV (normal). This implies small mortgage risk in San Marcos, CA. Investor activity is low, as 3.0% of loans were by investors. 16.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 230 |
% Conventional Loans | 95.0% |
% Government Loans | 5.0% |
% Investor Loans | 3.0% |
% Second Loans | 3.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 16.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — San Marcos, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in San Marcos, CA under the Section 8 program is 3.6%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in San Marcos, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 2-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 213 |
Total Units Section 8 | 206 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 3.6% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 79.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $270 | $2,350 | $2,620 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$10 | $3,250 | $3,240 |
| 3 Bedroom | $480 | $3,850 | $4,330 |
| 4 Bedroom | $70 | $5,200 | $5,270 |
Affordability — San Marcos, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 8.2 |
| Median Home Price | $1,008,000 |
| Median Household Income | $115,000 |