San Diego’s North County, which includes cities such as Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside and Vista as well as the northern portion of the city of San Diego, is commonly known for its relatively diverse economic drivers, range of available activities, shopping and dining options and beautiful beaches.
The region is typically defined as ranging from just north of La Jolla, stretching north 20 miles along the Pacific Ocean and US Highway 101 to the East and Interstate 5 to the west, incorporating both coastal towns and inland communities as well as Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.1 With a population of over 1 million residents in 2021, the area is home to about 3% of California’s total population. And the region hosts the second richest biodiversity of any continental US county.2
Who lives in North County?
North County is a relatively affluent area; its median household income exceeds that of the rest of San Diego and as well as neighboring Orange and Los Angeles Counties. The 65+ age group grew by 35% between 2015 and 2022, perhaps reflecting retirees attracted to the region’s beautiful weather and attractions. North Country residents tend to be well-educated and are 25% more likely to hold a college degree (or higher) than California residents as a whole.3
Median Household Income by Region 2023
Source: SDNEDC 2023 Indicators Report
Camp Pendleton is home to more than 42,000 active personnel and more than 77,000 retired military personnel live within 50 miles of the base, allowing them to take advantage of its resources.4
Making a Living in North County
While the North County economy offers a variety of employment opportunities, including craft brewing to defense, aerospace, biotechnology and the business services needed to support them, many North County residents may commute outside of the area for employment, often to hubs in the city of San Diego or Orange County.
Resident Workforce and Working in North County
Source: SDNEDC 2023 Indicators Report
Within North County, tourism, hospitality and recreation is the single largest employment cluster, followed by professional and business services, healthcare and the retail sector, as noted in the SDNEDC 2023 Indicators Report. North County is also home to innovation, with nearly $2.8 billion in venture funds raised by area businesses and 3,000 patents granted in 2022. The largest individual employers include General Atomics Aeronautical, Palomar Health, Viasat and ThermoFisher, as well as Callaway Golf and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In addition to Callaway, golf fans may be interested to know that Taylormade Golf is also headquartered in the area.5
For those looking for active pursuits, the region is home to more than 40 golf courses, with many of them taking advantage of the beautiful natural landscape. Of course, the area’s beaches are commonly known for surfing, including Swami’s State Beach in Encinitas (which was named by National Geographic as one of the World’s 20 Best Surf Towns in 2012) and Trestles near Camp Pendleton.6 Hiking and horseback riding are popular in the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, and paddle boarders and kayakers can be found in places like the Carlsbad Lagoon.
North County is also known for its craft brewing industry - in fact, seven local breweries were awarded medals at the 2023 World Beer Cup, the largest international beer competition.7 And finally, attractions such as LEGOLAND California, SeaLife Aquarium, San Diego Botanic Garden and San Diego Zoo Safari Park draw locals and visitors alike.
Not surprisingly, given all the appeal of the North County lifestyle, living here can be expensive, even compared to other parts of California. Housing availability is relatively low across the region, and single-family home prices have been climbing; both San Marcos and Vista saw record-high sale prices in March 2024.8 Median home prices in the area’s larger cities are listed below.
Median Sale Price for Detached Homes
Source: https://mylenemerlo.com/blog/north-county-san-diego-real-estate-market-report-april-2024
North County boosters point to its temperate weather year-round, unique seaside and inland villages, and, of course, its miles of spectacular coastline as factors that make it an enviable place to live.9 With so many things to offer, it might be hard to resist!
