Big Sur, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,981
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$109,508/yr
12.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,820
2.5% year-over-year change

Big Sur population

How many people live in Big Sur

Big Sur is home to 4,981 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Big Sur locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
4,981
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
2,378
Female
52.2%
2,602
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,378 47.7% -1.0%
Female 2,602 52.2% 1.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Big Sur is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15.9% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
48
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 44
15.9%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
36.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 676 13.6% 3.5%
15 to 24 396 8% 1.5%
25 to 44 791 15.9% -8.9%
45 to 64 1,308 26.3% 11.3%
Over 65 1,810 36.3% -4.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Big Sur, 82.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 5.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.6%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,113 82.6% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 579 11.6% 10.9%
Non-citizens 288 5.8% -10.6%
Racial breakdown
White
73.2%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.8%
Other
6.3%
Value Percent
White 3,645 73.2%
Black or African American 46 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0.3%
Asian 276 5.5%
Two or more races 687 13.8%
Other 313 6.3%

Households in Big Sur

A peek inside Big Sur households

Big Sur has 2,051 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,051
-2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
799
Family households
1,252
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 799 39% -7.3%
Family households 1,252 61% 0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Big Sur

The housing landscape of Big Sur

Big Sur's housing consists of 2,820 units, with 77% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,820
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,171 77%
1 unit, attached 263 9.3%
2 units 24 0.8%
3 or 4 units 128 4.5%
5 to 9 units 79 2.8%
10 to 19 units 24 0.8%
20 to 49 units 75 2.7%
50 or more units 32 1.1%
Mobile home 21 0.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
6
-25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Big Sur

In Big Sur, the median construction year is 1974. About 9.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 276 9.8% -1.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 122 4.3% -12.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 456 16.2% 13.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 530 18.8% 7.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 503 17.8% -8.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 346 12.3% 5.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 232 8.2% 1.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 208 7.4% 18.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 143 5.1% -4.0%
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.2% -25.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Big Sur occupancy rates

Out of the 2,051 occupied housing units in Big Sur, 71.9% are owner-occupied, while 28.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,051
-2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
577
Owner occupied
1,474
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 577 28.1% -7.2%
Owner occupied 1,474 71.9% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
27.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Big Sur housing costs

Housing costs in Big Sur come to a median of $2,065 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,626.

Median housing costs per month
$2,065/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Big Sur
$1,626/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Big Sur

Big Sur education at a glance

About 13% of the population in Big Sur went to high school, while 16.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 33.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 105 2.6% 7.1%
High school diploma 530 13% -2.6%
College diploma 681 16.7% -2.6%
Associate degree 335 8.2% -6.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,378 33.7% 7.8%
Graduate degree 1,056 25.8% -7.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Big Sur

How much people earn in Big Sur

The average annual household income in Big Sur was $160,062 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +23.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $109,508, reflecting a +12.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Big Sur
$160,062/year
23.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Big Sur
$109,508/year
12.3% year-over-year change

Big Sur income by age

In Big Sur, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $158,344. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $197,500 overall. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $158,344 5.5%
45 - 64 $197,500 22.1%
Over 65 $111,063 1.9%
Above poverty level
4,483
Below poverty level
428
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,483 91.3% -0.1%
Below poverty level 428 8.7% 4.9%

Employment in Big Sur

Workforce and job types in Big Sur

The job market in Big Sur is powered by 2,204 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 30.7% run their own businesses, 48.4% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,204
1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
2,062
Blue collar
142
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,062 93.6% 2.6%
Blue collar 142 6.4% -14.5%
Employer type
Self employees
30.7%
Private companies
48.4%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 676 30.7% -0.9%
Private companies 1,066 48.4% 1.5%
Governmental workers 246 11.2% -6.5%
Not for profit companies 216 9.8% 20.0%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
7.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Big Sur stands at 4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Big Sur

How people get around in Big Sur

Commuting methods vary: 84.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,451 84.8% 1.6%
Bus or trolleybus 12 0.7% -29.4%
Motorcycle 4 0.2% 0.0%
Bicycle 14 0.8% 40.0%
Walk 231 13.5% 5.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Big Sur demographics 

What is the total population of Big Sur?

Big Sur has a total population of 4,981 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Big Sur?

The gender ratio in Big Sur is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (2,378 residents)
  • 52.2% females (2,602 residents)

What is the median age in Big Sur?

The median age in Big Sur is 48.

What is the age distribution of the population in Big Sur?

The age distribution in Big Sur is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (676 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8% (396 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15.9% (791 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (1,308 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.3% (1,810 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Big Sur?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Sur is as follows:
  • White: 73.2% (3,645 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (46 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 5.5% (276 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.8% (687 residents)
  • Other: 6.3% (313 residents)

What percentage of the population in Big Sur are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.6% of the population in Big Sur.

How many housing units are there in Big Sur?

There are 2,820 housing units in Big Sur, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Big Sur and what is the average household size?

Big Sur has a total of 2,051 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Big Sur?

Big Sur has a median household income of $109,508, representing a +12.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Big Sur?

The employment rate is 96% in Big Sur, with a workforce of 2,204 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.6% (2,062 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.4% (142 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 30.7% (676 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.4% (1,066 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (246 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (216 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025