| City: | Sunset Beach, California |
| County: | Orange County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:34:42 AM |
| Population: | 748 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 562 / 714 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 33.7178, -118.0710 |
| Land Area: | 0.172 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Sunset Beach sits on a narrow 0.28 square mile strip of Orange County coast between Huntington Beach and Seal Beach. With 748 residents in 410 households, this isn't a town in the traditional sense. It's a beach enclave where median home values reach $1.625 million and the median age is 53.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. The post office maintains 725 PO Boxes for a community of 410 households, serving not just local residents but also surrounding areas. With 1.77 boxes per household, the adoption rate suggests people from nearby communities use Sunset Beach as their mailing address. There's no standard carrier delivery here.
Pacific Coast Highway runs through the community with 138 delivery points, the main artery in a street grid that includes numbered streets (4th through 26th) and coastal names like Bayview Drive and Pacific Avenue. Most properties include secondary units, typical for this dense beach setting where every bit of oceanfront property counts.
The demographics tell the story of an affluent coastal retirement community. Median household income is $119,115 and 70% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher. About 14% of housing is seasonal or occasional use (72 of 511 total units). Renters slightly outnumber owners (252 vs 158), common in high-value beach communities where vacation rentals supplement year-round residents.
Despite its PO Box classification, mail delivery includes both City carrier routes (93 records) and Rural routes (216 records). This mixed delivery pattern fits the compact geography where a small post office serves multiple delivery types within a fraction of a square mile.
Pacific Coast Highway dominates with 138 delivery points, while numbered streets (4th-26th) and coastal names like Bayview characterize the small beach grid.
ZIP Code 90742 has 748 residents and 410 households (average 1.82 persons per household). The median age is 53.0 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.7% male and 47.3% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (75.0%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (14.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 14.6%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 748Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 405Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 4,348.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $122,250Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 410Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $666,666,666Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.82Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.66Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,063 | 968 | 866 | 842 | 689 | 627 | 705 | 699 | 692 | 617 | 470 | 469 | 385 | 405 |
| Decennial Census | 831 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 748 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 53
Male Median Age: 53
Female Median Age: 53
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 8 | 11 | 8 | 14 | 16 | 38 | 18 | 22 | 18 | 24 | 34 | 50 | 38 | 30 | 26 | 17 | 12 | 10 |
| Female | 3 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 15 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 19 | 24 | 35 | 43 | 33 | 28 | 18 | 11 | 9 | 21 |
| Total | 11 | 19 | 13 | 23 | 31 | 62 | 43 | 46 | 37 | 48 | 69 | 93 | 71 | 58 | 44 | 28 | 21 | 31 |
| White: | 561 | 72.76% |
| Black: | 5 | 0.65% |
| Hispanic:* | 109 | 14.14% |
| Asian: | 42 | 5.45% |
| American Indian: | 2 | 0.26% |
| Hawaiian: | 5 | 0.65% |
| Other: | 47 | 6.10% |
| Total: | 771 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 394 | 52.67% | 53.0 years |
| Females: | 354 | 47.33% | 53.0 years |
| Total: | 748 | 100% | 53.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 368 | 90.86% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 37 | 9.14% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 9.14% |
| Total Population: | 405 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 368 | 90.86% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 37 | 9.14% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $122,250, which is much higher than the national median ($80,734), is up $52,633 (75.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $39,636. Family households earn a median of $180,556 versus $119,625 for nonfamily households (a difference of $60,931). By gender, male median income is $79,625 and female is $120,600, which is considerably higher than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $40,975 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 79.4%, which is far greater than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (70.6%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $69,617 | $71,991 | $70,762 | $88,971 | $88,833 | $76,667 | $77,153 | $81,667 | $82,614 | $81,528 | $91,250 | $112,600 | $119,115 | $122,250 |
| Median Family Income | $120,714 | $215,903 | $122,361 | $180,455 | $124,048 | $76,607 | $77,750 | $80,417 | $98,125 | $100,156 | $0 | $159,000 | $178,056 | $180,556 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $44,095 | $39,808 | $34,627 | $70,833 | $64,167 | $65,469 | $66,406 | $69,531 | $69,813 | $74,091 | $91,719 | $106,000 | $114,345 | $119,625 |
| Median Male Income | $77,614 | $69,118 | $80,625 | $80,750 | $0 | $90,625 | $81,806 | $84,833 | $94,286 | $86,848 | $107,955 | $115,455 | $111,364 | $79,625 |
| Median Female Income | $42,083 | $47,788 | $39,671 | $50,781 | $0 | $52,750 | $54,076 | $56,818 | $56,023 | $68,553 | $88,750 | $102,344 | $118,162 | $120,600 |
| Employed: | 296 | 79.36% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 77 | 20.64% |
| Total: | 373 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 209 | 70.61% |
| Service: | 14 | 4.73% |
| Sales and Office: | 73 | 24.66% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 296 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $0, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $1,000,001 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,117,600. The median gross rent is $2,410, which is considerably higher than the national median ($1,413), is up $949 (64.96%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $418. Of occupied housing, owners make up 37.45% (100.00% with a mortgage, 0.00% free-and-clear) and renters 62.55% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 48.46%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $1,000,001 | $1,000,001 | $1,000,001 | $1,000,001 | $1,237,500 | $1,165,300 | $1,520,800 | $1,128,400 | $1,117,600 | $1,135,400 | $1,140,400 | $1,160,700 | $1,625,000 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 14 | 8.92% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 44 | 28.03% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 25 | 15.92% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 74 | 47.13% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 157 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,461 | $1,600 | $1,480 | $1,577 | $2,118 | $2,177 | $2,065 | $2,061 | $1,992 | $1,914 | $1,954 | $2,179 | $3,004 | $2,410 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 94 | 37.45% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 157 | 62.55% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 251 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 251 | 51.54% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 236 | 48.46% |
| Total Housing Units: | 487 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 252 | 51.75% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 235 | 48.25% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 487 | 100% |
In 2024, 72.30% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 100.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 84.40%, which is well above the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 21.70%, which is falls below the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.50 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (53.85%). College enrollment is 53.85%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 31 | 8.68% |
| Some college, no degree: | 68 | 19.05% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 169 | 47.34% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 89 | 24.93% |
| Total: | 357 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 357 | 100.00% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 258 | 72.27% |
| Private Insurance: | 342 | 79.53% |
| Public Insurance: | 88 | 20.47% |
| No Insurance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 430 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 430 | 100.00% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 2.5% | 3.7% | 3.3% | 3.2% | 3.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 18 | 46.15% |
| College or graduate school: | 21 | 53.85% |
| Total: | 39 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 18 | 46.15% |
ZIP Code 90742 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 42 business establishments, employing about 403 people with an annual payroll of $18,638,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,754Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 42Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $4,139,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $18,638,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 403Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 90742 is located in Orange County, California, within the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 31080) and California's 47th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 90742, and is subdivided into the Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, CA division. It covers 0.172 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.365 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 31080Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, CA (CBSA Div 11244)Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.172 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.365 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 47Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 216.21 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Orange County, CA PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 90742 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.