Explore Costa Mesa local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for Orange County.
At a glance: Costa Mesa is an incorporated city in Orange County. Population: 109,436 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 63,000 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
Costa Mesa sits inland from the Pacific in central Orange County, with a name associated with its coastal tableland setting. Its official overview describes the city’s transition from a semi-rural farming community after incorporation in 1953. Today its local geography brings together residential areas, civic facilities, college campuses and arts destinations rather than a single coastal neighborhood. The city identifies South Coast Plaza, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory and the Orange County Fair and Event Center among its major destinations. Orange Coast College, Coastline Community College and Vanguard University also have campuses in Costa Mesa. These institutions each have their own responsibilities; a campus or county venue is not automatically administered by City Hall. Costa Mesa operates under council-manager government. The official overview places City Hall, Council Chambers and public-safety facilities at its Civic Center on Fair Drive. For a current municipal decision, follow the relevant city department and council records, and use the county Registrar’s resources for official voter information.
The city identifies the Segerstrom Center, South Coast Repertory, the Orange County Fair and Event Center and local college campuses among its destinations.
The city’s official overview places it inland from the Pacific. Coastal access and city boundaries are different questions; use the relevant municipal map for an address.
Its official overview describes a general-law city with council-manager government, with municipal facilities centered at the Civic Center on Fair Drive.
63,000 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
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