RANK #832 / 996 · POP 3,289,701 · CA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.9%
With over 70 miles of coastline and a mild Mediterranean climate, San Diego County is known for its outdoor lifestyle and diverse natural scenery. The county, located in the southwest corner of California bordering Mexico, is home to cities like Del Mar, known for its beaches and cliffs, and La Mesa, nicknamed "The Jewel of the Hills" for its topography and historic downtown. Commute options include major interstates, as well as the MTS bus and trolley system and the COASTER commuter train, which connects coastal communities. Residents have access to numerous parks, trails, and water activities, including beaches, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Botanic Garden.
Life in San Diego County offers a blend of urban amenities and natural escapes. The region attracts families, young professionals, and retirees, with public schools generally performing above average. The economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare and social assistance, which saw significant job growth in 2025. While the area experiences high housing costs, there is ongoing investment in commercial and residential development, energy, and infrastructure. San Diego County's diverse economy and strategic location contribute to its overall resilience.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 8.9x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
San Diego International Airport Terminal 1 Expansion
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
|
$3,800M | Under Construction |
|
Seaport San Diego
Undisclosed (Developer Group)
|
$3,600M | Under Construction |
|
SDG&E Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Portfolio
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
|
$482M | Under Construction |
|
Ocotillo Wells Solar and Battery Storage
VC Renewables
|
$66M | Operating |
|
DataBank SAN1 Data Center Expansion
DataBank
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Harmony Grove Village South
Undisclosed (Developer)
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
San Diego County has a Boom Town Index score of 16/100, ranking #832 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.7% and a median household income of $96,974, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in San Diego County is $725,200 with median rent at $2,011/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1337, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.7%. Home values changed -2.1% in the past 12 months.