Editing Del Mar, California

{{Short description|City in California, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
 | name                     = Del Mar, California
 | settlement_type          = [[List of municipalities in California|City]]
 | image_skyline            = Del-Mar-Race-Track.jpg
 | imagesize                = 
 | image_caption            = The [[Del Mar racetrack]]
 | image_seal               = Seal of Del Mar, California.png
 | image_map                = File:San Diego County California Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Del Mar Highlighted 0618506.svg
 | mapsize                  = 250x200px
 | map_caption              = Location of Del Mar in San Diego County, California
 | image_map1               = 
 | mapsize1                 = 
 | map_caption1             = 
 | pushpin_map              = USA
 | pushpin_map_caption      = Location in the contiguous United States
 | pushpin_relief           = 1
 | subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
 | subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
 | subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in California|County]]
 | subdivision_name         = {{USA}}
 | subdivision_name1        = {{flag|California}}
 | subdivision_name2        = {{flagicon image|Flag of San Diego County, California.png}} [[San Diego County, California|San Diego]]
 | government_type          = 
 | governing_body           = [[City council]]
 | leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
 | leader_name              = Dwight Worden<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2021-12-15/dwight-worden-becomes-del-mar-mayor|title = Dwight Worden becomes del Mar mayor|date = December 15, 2021}}</ref> 
 | established_title        = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
 | established_date         = July 15, 1959<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc 
 |title=California Cities by Incorporation Date 
 |format=Word 
 |publisher=California Association of [[Local Agency Formation Commission]]s 
 |access-date=August 25, 2014 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103002921/http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc 
 |archive-date=November 3, 2014 }}</ref>
<!-- Area------------------>
 | area_magnitude           = 
 | unit_pref                = Imperial
 | area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_06.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 30, 2021}}</ref>
 | area_total_sq_mi         = 1.77
 | area_land_sq_mi          = 1.72
 | area_water_sq_mi         = 0.06
 | area_total_km2           = 4.59
 | area_land_km2            = 4.45
 | area_water_km2           = 0.14
 | area_water_percent       = 3.94
<!-- Elevation ------------>
 | elevation_footnotes      = <ref>{{Cite GNIS|1656480|Del Mar|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref>
 | elevation_ft             = 112
 | elevation_m              = 34
 | population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
 | population_footnotes     = <ref name="censusdata">{{Cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US0618506 |title=Census Data: Del Mar city|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=July 14, 2021}}</ref>
 | population_total         = 3954
 | pop_est_as_of            = 
 | pop_est_footnotes        = 
 | population_est           = 
 | population_density_sq_mi = 2302.85
 | population_density_km2   = 889.19
 | population_metro         = [[San Diego–Tijuana|SD-TJ]]: 5105768
 | timezone                 = [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]]
 | utc_offset               = -8
 | timezone_DST             = PDT
 | utc_offset_DST           = -7
 | coordinates              = {{coord|32|57|18|N|117|15|50|W|region:US-CA|display=inline,title}}
 | postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
 | postal_code              = 92014
 | area_code                = [[Area code 858|858]]
 | website                  = {{URL|www.delmar.ca.us}}
 | blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
 | blank_info               = {{FIPS|06|18506}}
 | blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
 | blank1_info              = {{GNIS 4|1656480}}
}}

'''Del Mar''' ({{IPA|es|del ˈmaɾ}}; [[Spanish language|Spanish]] for "Of the Sea") is a beach city in [[San Diego County, California]], located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Established in 1885 as a seaside resort, the city incorporated in 1959. The population was 3,954 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], down from 4,161 at the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]].<ref name="censusdata" />

The [[San Diego County Fair]] is an annual fair held at the [[Del Mar Fairgrounds]]. [[Horse racing]] is hosted at the [[Del Mar Racetrack]] every summer.

==History==
[[File:2010-1026-CanfieldWrightHouse (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|The historic [[Mission Revival architecture|Mission Revival]] style [[Canfield-Wright House]].]]
Del Mar was first settled in the early 1880s by Theodore M. Loop, a railroad official, and his wife Ella. Ella gave the site its name, inspired by [[Bayard Taylor]]'s poem "The Fight of Paso del Mar".<ref>{{cite book|last=Bright|first=William|author-link=William Bright|date=1998|title=1500 California Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning|location=[[Berkeley, CA]]|publisher=[[University of California Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Eric |date=August 1, 2008 |title=History of Del Mar |url=https://www.delmartimes.net/sddmt-history-of-del-mar-2008aug01-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 9, 2021 |work=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune|Del Mar Times]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929143553/https://www.delmartimes.net/sddmt-history-of-del-mar-2008aug01-story.html |archivedate=September 29, 2020}}</ref> In 1885, Colonel Jacob Taylor purchased {{convert|338|acre|km2}} from Enoch Talbert, with visions of building a seaside resort for the rich and famous.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delmarhistoricalsociety.org/history.html |title=Del Mar city history |publisher=Delmarhistoricalsociety.org |access-date=February 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027094334/http://www.delmarhistoricalsociety.org/history.html |archive-date=October 27, 2008 }}</ref>

The [[United States Navy]] operated a [[U.S. Naval Air Facility Del Mar|Naval Auxiliary Air Facility]] for [[blimp]]s at Del Mar during [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref/USN-Act/CA.html|title=U.S. Naval Activities World War II by State|publisher=Patrick Clancey|access-date=March 19, 2012}}</ref>

Much of the population is on the coast and nearby [[Beach ridge|bluff]] which are vulnerable to sea level rise caused by climate change.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Diehl|first=Phil|date=October 18, 2019|title=California coastal regulators blast Del Mar for rejecting 'retreat' from sea-level rise|url=https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2019-10-18/coastal-commission-blasts-del-mar-for-stance-on-sea-level-rise|access-date=January 3, 2021|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2019, the city refused to develop a [[Managed retreat|managed retreat strategy]] for moving infrastructure and population centers from the water.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> This decision was made against the recommendation of the [[California Coastal Commission]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> Instead the city is planning on using other [[climate change adaptation]] strategies, such as [[seawall]]s and [[beach nourishment]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

The [[Surf Line]] railroad tracks are adjacent to [[Raised beach|coastal bluffs]] some {{convert|40|feet}} above the beach for {{convert|1.7|mi}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project|url=https://www.sandag.org/index.asp?classid=13&subclassid=9&projectid=312&fuseaction=projects.detail|access-date=October 25, 2020|website=SANDAG : San Diego's Regional Planning Agency|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028222408/https://www.sandag.org/index.asp?classid=13&subclassid=9&projectid=312&fuseaction=projects.detail|url-status=dead}}</ref> Coastal erosion eats away at the bluffs each year.<ref name="LAT 2020-10-25">{{Cite news|last=Diehl|first=Phil|date=October 25, 2020|title=California opposes district's bid to control Del Mar bluffs, erect chain-link fence|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-10-25/california-del-mar-bluffs-chain-link-fence|access-date=October 25, 2020|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> The [[North County Transit District]] drove steel beams into the beach at the base of the bluffs in September 2020 to stabilize the face of the bluffs for 20 or 30 years.<ref name="NBC 2020-09-22">{{Cite news |last=Little|first=Joe|date=September 22, 2020|title=Steel Beams Installed to Reinforce Del Mar Beach Bluffs |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/steel-beams-installed-to-reinforce-del-mar-beach-bluffs/2410679/ |access-date=September 24, 2020|work=NBC 7 San Diego|language=en-US}}</ref> The city wanted to require the transit agency to cover the shotcrete wall on the bluff with natural soil and native plantings. The city council, the [[California Coastal Commission]], and residents have opposed the district's plans to install a chain-link fence that would stop pedestrians from crossing the tracks to get to the beach.{{r|LAT 2020-10-25}} The district considered this to be a safety issue as trespassers along the right-of-way have been hit by trains.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 30, 2023 |title=STB declines to rule in Del Mar Bluffs case |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/stb-declines-to-rule-in-del-mar-bluffs-case/ |access-date=June 2, 2023 |work=Trains |language=en-US}}</ref> This mile-and-a-half stretch (2.4&nbsp;km) along the southern half of the city does not have legal access to the beach. Due to offshore reefs and wave patterns, this section has some of the best surfing in San Diego County.<ref>{{cite news |title=When Turf No Longer Meets Surf : Del Mar is feeling the pain of change. First, Amtrak sidelined the town's historic station. Now, a long-ignored law banning access to the beach via railroad property is being enforced |date=March 12, 1995 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |first=Tony |last=Perry |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-12-mn-41957-story.html}}</ref>

In 2023, the city was out of compliance with the state Housing Element Law. They submitted a housing plan to the state that did not meet guidelines for future housing. They were working with the state to get in compliance, but until they did, they couldn't block new housing projects based on city zoning laws alone.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Rivas |first1=Alexis |last2=Dorfman |first2=Mike |last3=Yoo |first3=Jay |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Developer May Bypass Del Mar Zoning to Build 259 Units Above the Beach |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/investigations/developer-may-bypass-del-mar-zoning-to-build-259-units-above-the-beach/3176601/ |access-date=March 3, 2023 |work=NBC 7 San Diego |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gregorczyk |first=Kasia |date=June 8, 2023 |title=Del Mar to add more than 100 affordable housing units over next six years |url=https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/del-mar-to-add-more-than-100-affordable-housing-units-over-next-six-years/ |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=FOX 5 San Diego |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Horse racing delmar (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Surfside Raceplace.]]
Del Mar is one of only two locations where the [[Torrey pine]] tree naturally occurs. The Torrey pine is the rarest [[pine]] in the United States; only two populations of this [[endangered species]] exist, in Del Mar and on [[Santa Rosa Island (California)|Santa Rosa Island]].<ref>C. Michael Hogan (2008). ''Torrey Pine: Pinus torreyana'', Globaltwitcher, ed. Nicklas Stromberg [http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=62498] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525111837/http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=62498|date=May 25, 2012}}</ref> The [[Soledad Valley]] at the south of Del Mar severs two colony segments.

At the southern edge of Del Mar is the [[Los Peñasquitos Lagoon]]. To the north is the [[San Dieguito Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area|San Dieguito Lagoon]] and the [[San Dieguito River]], which empties into the Pacific Ocean at Del Mar.

The bluffs along Del Mar's south beach are subject to collapse.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-08-03/encinitas-beach-cliff-bluff-collapse-california-coast-erosion |title=Encinitas beach cliff collapse that killed 3 women part of larger California coast crisis |date=August 3, 2019 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |first1=Alex |last1=Riggins |first2=Gary |last2=Warth |first3=Shelby |last3=Grad |access-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190804181327/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-08-03/encinitas-beach-cliff-bluff-collapse-california-coast-erosion |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=unfit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-08-08/encinitas-cliff-collapse-erosion-california-coast|title=A cliff collapse. Three deaths. More bluff failures expected with rising seas|last=Xia|first=Rosanna|date=August 9, 2019|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|language=en-US|access-date=August 13, 2019}}</ref>{{cbignore|bot=InternetArchiveBot}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.delmartimes.net/news/sd-cm-nc-delmar-bluffs-20181216-htmlstory.html|title=Officials press forward with emergency plan following string of collapses at Del Mar bluffs|last=SMITH|first=Joshua Emerson|date=December 16, 2018|work=Del Mar Times|language=en-US|access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2019-07-28/del-mar-is-weak-link-in-san-diegos-coastal-railroad|title=Del Mar is weak link in San Diego's coastal railroad|last=Diehl|first=Phil|date=July 28, 2019|work=Del Mar Times|language=en-US|access-date=September 3, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Joshua Emerson |last2=Robbins |first2=Gary |title=Bluff collapses within steps of passenger train tracks in Del Mar after heavy rains |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-11-30/bluff-collapses-within-steps-of-passenger-train-tracks-in-del-mar-after-heavy-rains |access-date=July 20, 2020 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=November 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191203155816/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-11-30/bluff-collapses-within-steps-of-passenger-train-tracks-in-del-mar-after-heavy-rains |archive-date=December 3, 2019 |url-status=unfit}}</ref>{{cbignore|bot=InternetArchiveBot}}<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-28/sandag-stabilize-del-mar-bluffs-lossan-rail-corridor|title=To prevent rail line collapse, San Diego area spends $10 million to repair Del Mar bluffs|last=Smith|first=Joshua Emerson|date=January 28, 2020|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|language=en-US|access-date=January 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Retreat Is Not An Option As A California Beach Town Plans For Rising Seas|url=https://www.nhpr.org/post/retreat-not-option-california-beach-town-plans-rising-seas|last=Rott|first=Nate|date=December 4, 2018|work=New Hampshire Public Radio|language=en|access-date=May 5, 2020}}</ref> Properties on the bluffs are [[Climate change vulnerability|subject to the impacts of climate change]], such as [[sea level rise]] and  [[coastal erosion]]. The transportation infrastructure is under threat. The city has a [[climate change adaptation]] plan which excludes the option of a [[managed retreat]], the strategy was recommended by the [[California Coastal Commission]] in 2019.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Diehl|first=Phil|date=October 8, 2019|title=Del Mar will stand its ground against managed retreat|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/story/2019-10-08/del-mar-will-stand-its-ground-against-managed-retreat|access-date=January 3, 2021|website=San Diego Union-Tribune|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Anne C. |title=Coastal City Refuses to Retreat |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/coastal-city-refuses-to-retreat/ |access-date=January 3, 2021 |website=Scientific American |language=en}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|1.8|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|1.7|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.1|sqmi|km2}} of it (3.94%) is water.

===Climate===
Del Mar's climate is considered [[mediterranean climate|mediterranean-subtropical]] with warm, dry summers and mild, humid winters. Temperatures exceed {{convert|85|°F|°C}} only on a few occasions throughout the year and rarely drop below {{convert|41|°F|°C}}. The average yearly temperature in Del Mar is approximately {{convert|65|°F|°C}}. Del Mar regularly receives heavy marine layer clouds due to its position between two lagoons and bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean.

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1960= 3124
|1970= 3956
|1980= 5017
|1990= 4860
|2000= 4389
|2010= 4161
|2020= 3954
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=}}</ref><br>1860–1870<ref name=1870CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><ref name=1870CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County  |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1880-1890<ref name=1890CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1890/bulletins/demographics/134-population-of-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1900<ref name=1900CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1910<ref name=1910CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1920<ref name=1920CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-ca-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1930<ref name=1930CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1940<ref name=1940CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1950<ref name=1950CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1960<ref name=1960CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - General population Characteristics - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><ref name=1960CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-c.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1970<ref name=1970CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 1980<ref name=1980CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1990<ref name=1990CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
2000<ref name=2000CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 2010<ref name=2010CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 
}}

===2020===
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]] the population was 3,954. The racial makeup of Del Mar was 3,352 (93.1%) White (alone), 22 (0.1%) Black or African American (alone), 9 (0.002%) American Indian and Alaska Native (alone), 152 (4.2%) Asian (alone), 49 (1.2%) of any other race (alone), and 356 (9.9%) two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 274 (14.4%). The [[median household income]] of Del Mar in 2018-2022 was $185,335, in 2022 dollars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Del_Mar_city,_California?g=160XX00US0618506 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010===
The [[2010 United States Census]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0618506|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715035155/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0618506|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Del Mar city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref> reported that Del Mar had a population of 4,161. The [[population density]] was {{convert|2,341.9|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. The racial makeup of Del Mar was 3,912 (94.0%) [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 10 (0.2%) [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], eight (0.2%) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 118 (2.8%) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], three (0.1%) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 25 (0.6%) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 85 (2.0%) from two or more races.  [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 175 people (4.2%).

There were 2,064 households, with 340 (16.5%) having children under the age of 18, and 927 (44.9%) with [[marriage|opposite-sex married couples]] living together, 114 (5.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 57 (2.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 124 (6.0%) [[POSSLQ|unmarried opposite-sex partnerships]], and 19 (0.9%) [[same-sex partnerships|same-sex married couples or partnerships]]. There were 707 households (34.3%) comprising one individual, and 209 (10.1%) comprising one individual 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02. There were 1,098 [[family (U.S. Census)|families]] (53.2% of all households); the average family size was 2.57.

The population comprised 564 people (13.6%) under the age of 18, 205 people (4.9%) aged 18 to 24, 1,071 people (25.7%) aged 25 to 44, 1,455 people (35.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 866 people (20.8%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.1 males.

There were 2,596 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,461.1|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}, of which 1,113 (53.9%) were owner-occupied, and 951 (46.1%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.9%. Of the population, 2,398 people (57.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,763 people (42.4%) lived in rental housing units.

===2000===
[[File:Delmarfairgrounds-paddock.jpg|thumb|left|The Paddock at [[Del Mar Fairgrounds|Del Mar Racetrack]].]]
The [[2000 United States census|2000 census]],<ref>{{cite web|title=American FactFinder: Del Mar city, California|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_00_SF1_DP1|access-date=June 9, 2014}}{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> reported 4,389 people, 2,178 households, and 1,083 families residing in the city, with an average family size of 2.61. The age distribution was reported as 13.6% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 33.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.0 males. The median income for a household in the city was $120,001, and the median income for a family was $130,270. Males had a median income of $81,250 versus $70,069 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $92,425. About 7.8% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.

==Government==
The City of Del Mar is governed by a city council of five elected representatives. Each year a new mayor is chosen from among the councilmembers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.delmar.ca.us/142/City-Council|title=City of Del Mar website |publisher=Delmar.ca.us |access-date=October 13, 2019}}</ref> Tracy Martinez is the mayor in 2023.

In the [[California State Legislature]], Del Mar is in {{Representative|casd|38|fmt=sdistrict}}, and in {{Representative|caad|77|fmt=adistrict}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Maps |url=https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/final_maps |access-date=May 16, 2023 |website=We Draw the Lines CA |publisher=2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission}}</ref>

In the [[United States House of Representatives]], Del Mar is in {{Representative|cacd|49|fmt=district}}.<ref>{{Cite GovTrack|CA|49}}</ref>

==Education==
Del Mar is served by the [[Del Mar Union School District]], which includes eight K–8 schools. High school education is provided by the [[San Dieguito Union High School District]].

==Transportation==
The [[North County Transit District]] operates their BREEZE bus service. The historic [[Solana Beach station#Former Amtrak station at Del Mar|Del Mar station]] once served passengers on the [[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway]] [[Surf Line]] and the [[Amtrak]] [[San Diegan]] intercity service between the early 1900s until its closure in 1995, due to the opening of the new [[Solana Beach station]] two miles north. That station provides [[Coaster (rail service)|Coaster]] [[commuter rail]] and Amtrak's ''[[Pacific Surfliner]]'' service. This trainline is the second busiest passenger rail corridor in the United States.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Shoring Up for Rising Sea Levels|url=https://www.enr.com/articles/50899-shoring-up-for-rising-sea-levels?v=preview|access-date=January 3, 2021|website=Engineering News Record|language=en}}</ref>

The [[Surf Line|railroad tracks]] were built adjacent to coastal bluffs some {{convert|40|feet}} above the beach. [[San Diego Association of Governments]] (SANDAG) is conducting a $3 million study on relocating the rail line farther inland through the city.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Little|first=Joe|date=September 22, 2020|title=Steel Beams Installed to Reinforce Del Mar Beach Bluffs|url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/steel-beams-installed-to-reinforce-del-mar-beach-bluffs/2410679/ |access-date=September 24, 2020|work=NBC 7 San Diego|language=en-US}}</ref> On August 16, 2020, the [[California Coastal Commission]] emphasized the need to move the railroad tracks inland due to the persistent coastal erosion which eats away at the bluff each year. The accelerating rate of [[sea level rise]] due to [[global warming]] adds urgency to the issue.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> A tunnel under Del Mar which would cost more than $3 billion is being considered.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|last=Diehl|first=Phil|date=August 16, 2020|title=State Coastal Commission says Del Mar train tracks need to move inland|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/del-mar/story/2020-08-16/state-coastal-commission-says-del-mar-train-tracks-need-to-move-inland|access-date=August 16, 2020|work=San Diego Union-Tribune|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Attractions==
[[File:Powerhouse_Park,_Del_Mar,_CA.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Powerhouse Park, Del Mar]]
* [[Del Mar Racetrack]], held live during the summer and now the fall at the [[Del Mar Fairgrounds]]. The fairgrounds also hosts the satellite wagering facility Surfside Race Place throughout the year when races are not live.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/del-mar-fairgrounds-bradvica-equine-12-06.html|title=New Race Track Executive Joins Del Mars Surfside Race Place ~ EquestrianMag|website=www.equestrianmag.com|access-date=October 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055923/http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/del-mar-fairgrounds-bradvica-equine-12-06.html|archive-date=October 23, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[San Diego County Fair]]
* [[Torrey Pines State Beach]]
* Powerhouse Community Center
* [[Del Mar Antiques + Art + Design Show]], held three times a year for over 50 years on the [[Del Mar Fairgrounds]]
*North Beach Area  (29th Street to Solana Beach border), also known as "Dog Beach".

==Notable people==
*[[Desi Arnaz]] maintained a residence in North Del Mar on the beach west of Highway 101<!--note, this is not [[U.S. Route 101]]--> near the Del Mar Racetrack after his divorce from Lucille Ball. He was arrested once for brandishing a firearm and ordering people off of his beach area. He resided there until his death.
*[[Burt Bacharach]], songwriter, had a beach residence in north Del Mar.
*[[Gary Beck]] radio DJ lived on top of Del Mar Heights in the early 70's on Mission Carmel Cove.
*[[Drew Brees]], quarterback of the [[New Orleans Saints]].
*[[Rachel Buehler]], defender for the [[United States women's national soccer team]].
*[[Martin Cooper (inventor)|Martin Cooper]], conceived the first handheld mobile phone.
*[[Tom DeLonge]], guitarist and founding member of the [[pop-punk]] band [[Blink-182]], [[rock music|rock]] band [[Angels & Airwaves]], and [[punk rock]] band [[Box Car Racer]].
*[[Jimmy Durante]], lived on the beach for many years and has a street named after him.
*[[Steve Fisher (American basketball coach)|Steve Fisher]], former head basketball coach at San Diego State University, resident since 1999.
*[[Rachael Flatt]], former figure skater, 2010 Olympian, 2010 US Champion, three-time US silver medalist and 2008 World Junior Champion, was born in Del Mar.
*[[Terry Gaasterland]], professor of biology at UCSD, serves on the Del Mar City Council and served as its mayor.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Staff Directory • Del Mar, CA • CivicEngage|url=https://www.delmar.ca.us/directory.aspx?EID=13|access-date=February 12, 2022|website=www.delmar.ca.us}}</ref>
*[[Bill Gates]], co-founder of [[Microsoft]] Corporation, has a vacation residence on Del Mar beach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/real-estate/a32258636/bill-gates-melinda-california-del-mar-home-photos/|title=Peek Inside Bill and Melinda Gates' New $43 Million Southern California Mansion|date=April 24, 2020}}</ref>
*[[Payson R. Stevens]], science communicator, artist, writer, filmmaker, environmentalist
*[[Kamla K. Kapur]], writer, poet, playwright
*[[Craig Taro Gold]], author, entrepreneur and entertainer, was raised in Del Mar and attended [[Torrey Pines High School]]. 
*[[Tony Hawk]], skateboarder and business entrepreneur, was raised in Del Mar.
*[[Kristin Hayter]], singer-songwriter
*[[Gary E. Jacobs]], businessman, philanthropist, minority owner in the Sacramento Kings, founder of the Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High Charter School, and owner of the Lake Elsinore Storm, lives in Del Mar.
*[[Sara Jacobs]], US Congresswoman
*[[Nate Kaeding]], former [[San Diego Chargers]] placekicker.
*[[Charles David Keeling]], American scientist known for the Keeling Curve, and Chairman of the Citizen Task Force responsible for developing the City of Del Mar's Community Plan (General Plan) adopted in 1976.
*[[George R. Lunn]], former US Congressman and Lt. Governor of New York.
*[[William Murray (writer)|William Murray]], American fiction editor and staff writer at The New Yorker for more than thirty years and author of numerous fiction and nonfiction work, including a series of mystery novels with a racetrack setting, spent the majority of his later years living in Del Mar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/12/books/william-murray-novelist-and-new-yorker-writer-dies-at-78.html|title=William Murray, Novelist and New Yorker Writer, Dies at 78|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 12, 2005}}</ref>
*[[George Emil Palade]], Nobel Prize winner.
*[[Carson Palmer]], former NFL quarterback.
*[[Ardem Patapoutian]], 2021 [[Nobel Prize]] laureate, lives in Del Mar.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robbins |first1=Gary |title=Del Mar's Ardem Patapoutian receives Nobel Prize during special ceremony in Irvine |url=https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2021-12-09/ardem-patapoutian-nobel-prize |work=[[Del Mar Times]] |agency=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]] |date=December 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209172419/https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2021-12-09/ardem-patapoutian-nobel-prize |archive-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Steve Perry]], former lead singer of the rock band [[Journey (band)|Journey]], lives in Del Mar.
*[[Madeleine A. Pickens]], along with her deceased husband [[Allen Paulson]] owned a home in Del Mar overlooking the Del Mar Racetrack. She currently owns a home on the beach in Del Mar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rismedia.com/2007/06/01/regional-spotlight-35-million-home-sale-crushes-del-mar-record/#close|title=Regional Spotlight: $35 Million Home Sale Crushes Del Mar Record|website=RISMedia|date=June 2007}}</ref>
*[[Tristan Prettyman]], singer-songwriter.
*[[Zandra Rhodes]], celebrity fashion designer, splits her time between homes in Del Mar and London.<ref>{{cite news | title = Fashion designer crashes car into Calif. store | agency = Associated Press | url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5grh5UTEAzEzqb3OfszCOAUvqXbxQD995DAA80 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712083759/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5grh5UTEAzEzqb3OfszCOAUvqXbxQD995DAA80 | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 12, 2009 | access-date = July 1, 2008}}</ref>
*[[Aaron Rodgers]], quarterback for the [[Green Bay Packers]] previously had a residence in Del Mar, selling it in 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2022/01/28/green-bay-packers-star-aaron-rodgers-sells-del-mar-home-for-5-13m/ | title=Green Bay Packers Star Aaron Rodgers Sells del Mar Home for $5.13M | date=January 29, 2022 }}</ref>
*[[Willie Shoemaker]], jockey, lived in North Del Mar on beach west of US 101 near [[Del Mar Racetrack]].
*[[Garrett Stubbs]], baseball player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/garrett_stubbs_785623.html|title=Garrett Stubbs - 2015 Baseball Roster - University of Southern California|website=www.usctrojans.com|access-date=March 22, 2017|archive-date=April 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406023247/http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/garrett_stubbs_785623.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Norv Turner]], former head coach of the [[San Diego Chargers]].

==In popular culture==
*In 1966, winners of a KHJ radio station contest rode with members of [[The Monkees]] band on a train from Del Mar, which had been renamed [[Last Train to Clarksville|'Clarksville']] for the day by the town's mayor.''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monkeesconcerts.com/1966-promotional-tour.html|title=The Monkees rename city! |website= Monkees Live Almanac |department=(The Monkees Live Almanac, 1966 Promotional Tour)|access-date=September 29, 2016}}</ref>''
*Del Mar is the first surfing location mentioned in the 1963 [[The Beach Boys|Beach Boys]] song "[[Surfin' U.S.A. (song)|Surfin' U.S.A.]]"
*''Tip on a Dead Crab'' (Viking Press 1984), [[William Murray (writer)|William Murray]]'s first mystery in the Shifty Lou Anderson series, is set at Del Mar's racetrack.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2200143.Tip_on_a_Dead_Crab |title=Tip on a Dead Crab |website=[[Goodreads]]}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Del Mar, California}}
{{Wikivoyage|Del Mar}}
*{{Official website|http://www.delmar.ca.us}}
*[http://www.delmarhistoricalsociety.org/ Del Mar Historical Society]

{{San Diego County, California}}
{{San Diego metropolitan area}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Del Mar, California| ]]
[[Category:Cities in San Diego County, California]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in California]]
[[Category:Incorporated cities and towns in California]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1959]]
[[Category:1959 establishments in California]]