Life in Irvine Overview 

Irvine, a master-planned city in Southern California, is the state’s 14th largest community with a population of 308,160 across 49 neighborhoods. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the region, with a 1.19% increase in population between 2022 and 2023, which is a reflection of its appeal to professionals, students, and families alike.

Irvine has a strong presence of professionals in computers, math, and the arts, surpassing 95% of U.S. cities in tech employment and 90% in creative industries. The city is also a major college town, home to the University of California-Irvine and other institutions that produce thousands of graduates each year, feeding into the local knowledge economy.

Young, single, educated professionals in their 20s and 30s are a major demographic in Irvine. With 70.02% of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree, far above the national average of 21.84%. Irvine is one of the most educated communities in the country. Many recent grads stay in the city to launch careers, building a vibrant social and professional scene.

Irvine's average per capita income in 2025 is $84,459. Household income levels show a median of $129,647. The poverty rate stands at 11.68%. These figures place Irvine in the upper-middle-income bracket for California and well above the national average. Irvine is economically diverse, with both very wealthy and lower-income residents.

The city is highly diverse, with 43.9% of residents identifying as Asian and 35.4% as White (Non-Hispanic). Hispanic or Latino residents make up 11.24% of the population. English is the primary language spoken, followed by Chinese and Spanish. Notably, 39.57% of residents were born outside the U.S., contributing to Irvine’s rich multicultural fabric.

‍