Costa Mesa

by The Linguist

Costa Mesa is a city located in Orange County, California with a population of around 113,826 as of 2019 according to the Wikipedia page for the city. It’s the third largest city in the county by population after Anaheim and Santa Ana.

Population and Demographics

As mentioned previously, Costa Mesa has an estimated population of 113,826 as of 2019. The city has seen steady population growth over the decades, with the population more than doubling since 1970 when there were around 55,000 residents.

Costa Mesa has a diverse population in terms of race and ethnicity. The largest group is White residents who make up around 63% of the population. Hispanic/Latino residents are the next biggest group at 32%. There are also sizable Asian and Black populations making up around 10% and 2% of the city respectively.

The median age in Costa Mesa is 36, giving it a slightly younger demographic profile than the county and state averages. The city has a mix of family households in some neighborhoods and a more single/young professional contingent around the downtown area.

Economy and Major Employers

Costa Mesa has a robust and diverse economy with strengths in the technology, healthcare, retail, and tourism/entertainment sectors. Some of the major private sector employers based in Costa Mesa include:

Other major companies with sizable offices or headquarters in Costa Mesa include Genex Services (insurance and case management), ON Semiconductor (semiconductor manufacturing), and Micros Retail Systems (point-of-sale software).

The city also has a growing technology and startup scene, most notably around South Coast Collection which houses over 60 tech companies and 3,000 jobs.

In terms of public sector jobs, the City of Costa Mesa and Costa Mesa Unified School District are two of the largest employers in the city.

Attractions and Tourism

Costa Mesa’s location in Orange County and mild climate make it a popular tourist destination. Some of the top attractions bringing in visitors include:

The dining and nightlife scene, especially around the downtown Triangle area, also attracts many local residents and visitors from surrounding cities. The area has been revitalized with new restaurants, bars, and live music venues.

Tourism and hospitality are major components of Costa Mesa’s economy. The city has over 4,500 hotel rooms between major brands and boutique hotels. Major chains with properties in Costa Mesa include Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt.

Government

Costa Mesa has a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is made up of 5 members elected to 4-year terms. The council appoints a professional City Manager to oversee day-to-day operations.

Some of the main city government departments and services include:

Residents can stay informed about city news and services by following the City of Costa Mesa Facebook page and signing up for news updates on the city’s website.

Sports

Costa Mesa is home to a minor league baseball team, the Orange County Flyers, who play at the Orange County Great Park. The Flyers have been part of the California Collegiate League since 2016 and have a loyal local fanbase.

For outdoor recreation, the Costa Mesa Country Club has an 18-hole golf course that is open to the public. There are also public tennis courts available around the city.

With its ideal climate, Costa Mesa has a strong youth sports scene with active leagues for soccer, football, baseball, basketball and more through organizations like CM Youth Sports. There are also many private athletic clubs offering sports like gymnastics, swimming, martial arts and volleyball.

Education

Public education in Costa Mesa is provided by the Costa Mesa Unified School District. The district has an enrollment of around 15,000 students across 17 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 1 adult school. The three comprehensive high schools are Costa Mesa High School, Estancia High School, and Newport Harbor High School.

Higher education opportunities are available nearby at schools like Orange Coast College (community college) in Costa Mesa and UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton just outside the city borders.

Neighborhoods and Housing

Some of the major neighborhoods and communities that make up Costa Mesa include:

  • Westside – Largely residential area on the west end with higher density housing.
  • Downtown Triangle – Central business and entertainment district with many restaurants, bars and shops.
  • South Coast Metro – Commercial area home to South Coast Collection and other businesses.
  • Adams Ave – Mix of residential and light industrial along Adams Avenue corridor.
  • Mesa Verde – Affluent residential neighborhood in East Costa Mesa.
  • College Park – Neighborhood surrounding Orange Coast College.

Costa Mesa has a range of housing options. Around 60% of homes are single-family detached units. The median home value is around $820,000 as of December 2022, according to Zillow. There are also many condos, townhomes and apartments available for rent or purchase across neighborhoods.

Transportation

Costa Mesa is served by several major highways and transportation infrastructure. Highway 55 and 405 both run through sections of the city, providing access to job centers like Irvine and connecting Costa Mesa to Los Angeles and other areas. The 73 Toll Road also terminates at the southern end of Costa Mesa.

The city has limited public transit options. Local bus service is provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). There are also Amtrak and Metrolink trains available from the nearby Irvine and Santa Ana stations.

John Wayne Airport is the closest commercial airport located just a few miles from Costa Mesa in Santa Ana. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 40 miles north.