Salinas Valley, Central Coast, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
246,976
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$96,049/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
83,051
0.6% year-over-year change

Salinas Valley population

How many people live in Salinas Valley

Salinas Valley is home to 246,976 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Salinas Valley locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
246,976
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
126,337
Female
48.8%
120,639
Value Percent YoY change
Male 126,337 51.2% 1.2%
Female 120,639 48.8% 0.2%
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 Salinas Valley is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.8% are children under 15, then 13.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.8%
15 to 24
13.8%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 51,261 20.8% -0.1%
15 to 24 34,010 13.8% 0.3%
25 to 44 66,145 26.8% 0.2%
45 to 64 58,175 23.6% -0.3%
Over 65 37,384 15.1% 4.9%
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 Salinas Valley, 71.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 17.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 37.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.8% are African American and 6.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 34.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 17.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
71.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.8%
Non-citizens
17.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 176,855 71.6% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 26,791 10.8% 2.3%
Non-citizens 43,330 17.5% 3.6%
Racial breakdown
White
37.2%
Black or African American
2.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
6.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
17.7%
Other
34.6%
Value Percent
White 91,900 37.2%
Black or African American 6,851 2.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,252 0.9%
Asian 15,616 6.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,359 0.6%
Two or more races 43,618 17.7%
Other 85,381 34.6%

Households in Salinas Valley

A peek inside Salinas Valley households

Salinas Valley has 76,943 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.6% are families, while the remaining 27.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
76,943
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
21,067
Family households
55,876
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21,067 27.4% -0.4%
Family households 55,876 72.6% 1.2%
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 Salinas Valley

The housing landscape of Salinas Valley

Salinas Valley's housing consists of 83,051 units, with 63% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% 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 4.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
83,051
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 52,363 63%
1 unit, attached 5,671 6.8%
2 units 2,386 2.9%
3 or 4 units 4,815 5.8%
5 to 9 units 4,719 5.7%
10 to 19 units 3,969 4.8%
20 to 49 units 2,828 3.4%
50 or more units 2,832 3.4%
Mobile home 3,418 4.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 49 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
574
163.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salinas Valley

In Salinas Valley, the median construction year is 1980. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,780 7% 1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,807 4.6% -8.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10,815 13% -1.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,528 13.9% -4.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 15,456 18.6% 0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 13,256 16% 1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8,364 10.1% -4.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,455 10.2% 9.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,016 6% 12.1%
Built in 2020 or later 574 0.7% 163.3%
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.

Salinas Valley occupancy rates

Out of the 76,943 occupied housing units in Salinas Valley, 52.7% are owner-occupied, while 47.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
76,943
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
36,388
Owner occupied
40,555
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 36,388 47.3% 0.8%
Owner occupied 40,555 52.7% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
7.4%
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.

Salinas Valley housing costs

Housing costs in Salinas Valley come to a median of $2,102 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,923.

Median housing costs per month
$2,102/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 Salinas Valley
$1,923/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 Salinas Valley

Salinas Valley education at a glance

About 31.8% of the population in Salinas Valley went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 23,919 12.9% -4.5%
High school diploma 58,975 31.8% 4.0%
College diploma 38,128 20.6% -2.1%
Associate degree 14,843 8% 0.1%
Bachelor's degree 29,292 15.8% 2.1%
Graduate degree 20,146 10.9% 4.4%
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 Salinas Valley

How much people earn in Salinas Valley

The average annual household income in Salinas Valley was $138,179 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $96,049, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salinas Valley
$138,179/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salinas Valley
$96,049/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Salinas Valley income by age

In Salinas Valley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,856. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $112,990 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,270, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $79,375 in earnings. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,270 44.7%
25 - 44 $94,856 6.2%
45 - 64 $112,990 1.0%
Over 65 $79,375 3.9%
Above poverty level
206,877
Below poverty level
27,497
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 206,877 88.3% 0.6%
Below poverty level 27,497 11.7% 2.5%

Employment in Salinas Valley

Workforce and job types in Salinas Valley

72.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 64.2% are employed by private companies, and 17.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
77,708
Blue collar
29,506
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 77,708 72.5% -0.5%
Blue collar 29,506 27.5% 0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
64.2%
Governmental workers
17.6%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 11,113 10.4% -2.5%
Private companies 68,827 64.2% -1.3%
Governmental workers 18,902 17.6% 2.1%
Not for profit companies 8,373 7.8% 9.3%

Transportation in Salinas Valley

How people get around in Salinas Valley

In Salinas Valley, the average commute time is 71 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
71 min
-26.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 87,307 95.5% -0.7%
Taxicab 98 0.1% 21.0%
Bus or trolleybus 873 1% -5.1%
Railroad 5 0% -68.8%
Motorcycle 321 0.4% 13.0%
Bicycle 657 0.7% 4.6%
Walk 2,126 2.3% 3.1%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Salinas Valley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93901 29,724 10,654 $91,233 $112,634
93905 63,898 14,150 $80,126 $95,816
93906 64,199 17,842 $97,555 $121,235
93907 25,146 7,238 $104,942 $140,678
93908 12,450 4,385 $156,394 $213,175
93924 6,316 2,641 $148,563 $217,117
93925 1,241 337 $72,604 $95,567
93926 8,724 2,355 $77,694 $106,710
93927 21,574 4,856 $82,500 $98,390
93933 28,122 9,707 $99,826 $126,308

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FAQs about Salinas Valley demographics 

What is the total population of Salinas Valley?

Salinas Valley has a total population of 246,976 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salinas Valley?

The gender ratio in Salinas Valley is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (126,337 residents)
  • 48.8% females (120,639 residents)

What is the median age in Salinas Valley?

The median age in Salinas Valley is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salinas Valley?

The age distribution in Salinas Valley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.8% (51,261 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.8% (34,010 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (66,145 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (58,175 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (37,384 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salinas Valley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salinas Valley is as follows:
  • White: 37.2% (91,900 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.8% (6,851 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (2,252 residents)
  • Asian: 6.3% (15,616 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (1,359 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.7% (43,618 residents)
  • Other: 34.6% (85,381 residents)

What percentage of the population in Salinas Valley are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 71.6% of the population in Salinas Valley.

How many housing units are there in Salinas Valley?

There are 83,051 housing units in Salinas Valley, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Salinas Valley and what is the average household size?

Salinas Valley has a total of 76,943 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salinas Valley?

Salinas Valley has a median household income of $96,049, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Salinas Valley?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.5% (77,708 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.5% (29,506 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (11,113 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.2% (68,827 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.6% (18,902 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (8,373 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