Half Moon Bay, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,391
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$157,884/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,473
-1.9% year-over-year change

Half Moon Bay population

How many people live in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is home to 11,391 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Half Moon Bay locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
11,391
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
5,445
Female
52.2%
5,946
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,445 47.8% 3.4%
Female 5,946 52.2% -3.9%
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 Half Moon Bay is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 9.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.5% of the population, while another 29.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 44
18.5%
45 to 64
29.7%
Over 65
23.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,197 19.3% 6.2%
15 to 24 1,079 9.5% -21.7%
25 to 44 2,106 18.5% 1.0%
45 to 64 3,380 29.7% -1.2%
Over 65 2,629 23.1% 5.1%
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 Half Moon Bay, 77.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 6.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 24.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.9%
Non-citizens
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,839 77.6% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,357 11.9% 17.8%
Non-citizens 1,195 10.5% -7.2%
Racial breakdown
White
61.1%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
6.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
24.2%
Other
7.9%
Value Percent
White 6,963 61.1%
Black or African American 56 0.5%
Asian 714 6.3%
Two or more races 2,753 24.2%
Other 905 7.9%

Households in Half Moon Bay

A peek inside Half Moon Bay households

Half Moon Bay has 4,068 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64% are families, while the remaining 36% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,068
-2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,466
Family households
2,602
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,466 36% -9.6%
Family households 2,602 64% 2.9%
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 Half Moon Bay

The housing landscape of Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay's housing consists of 4,473 units, with 68.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.3% 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 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,473
-1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,055 68.3%
1 unit, attached 506 11.3%
2 units 107 2.4%
3 or 4 units 161 3.6%
5 to 9 units 154 3.4%
10 to 19 units 49 1.1%
20 to 49 units 88 2%
50 or more units 128 2.9%
Mobile home 215 4.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
9
-10.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Half Moon Bay

In Half Moon Bay, the median construction year is 1979. About 5.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% 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 230 5.1% 17.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 99 2.2% -18.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 417 9.3% 22.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 538 12% 15.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,034 23.1% 1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 813 18.2% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 442 9.9% -8.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 517 11.6% -25.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 374 8.4% 11.6%
Built in 2020 or later 9 0.2% -10.0%
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.

Half Moon Bay occupancy rates

Out of the 4,068 occupied housing units in Half Moon Bay, 71.1% are owner-occupied, while 28.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,068
-2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,174
Owner occupied
2,894
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,174 28.9% 4.0%
Owner occupied 2,894 71.1% -4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
9.1%
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.

Half Moon Bay housing costs

Housing costs in Half Moon Bay come to a median of $3,288 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,433.

Median housing costs per month
$3,288/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 Half Moon Bay
$2,433/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 Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay education at a glance

About 16% of the population in Half Moon Bay went to high school, while 17.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 27% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 548 6.2% 9.6%
High school diploma 1,411 16% -11.8%
College diploma 1,532 17.4% -5.3%
Associate degree 808 9.2% 9.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,382 27% -8.2%
Graduate degree 2,129 24.2% 6.2%
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 Half Moon Bay

How much people earn in Half Moon Bay

The average annual household income in Half Moon Bay was $229,704 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $157,884, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Half Moon Bay
$229,704/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Half Moon Bay
$157,884/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Half Moon Bay income by age

In Half Moon Bay, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $200,560. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $200,493 overall. Overall, 94.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $200,560 1.8%
45 - 64 $200,493 -0.6%
Over 65 $87,083 1.5%
Above poverty level
10,566
Below poverty level
635
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,566 94.3% 0.6%
Below poverty level 635 5.7% -10.2%

Average renter income in Half Moon Bay

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Half Moon Bay, their median household income was $112,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$112,000
Rent-to-income ratio
26.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Half Moon Bay

Workforce and job types in Half Moon Bay

The job market in Half Moon Bay is powered by 5,651 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11% run their own businesses, 67.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,651
-1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
5,089
Blue collar
562
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,089 90% -2.5%
Blue collar 562 10% 9.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11%
Private companies
67.3%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 624 11% -15.0%
Private companies 3,802 67.3% 0.2%
Governmental workers 820 14.5% 7.0%
Not for profit companies 405 7.2% -8.0%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
-7.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Half Moon Bay stands at 2.4%, 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 Half Moon Bay

How people get around in Half Moon Bay

Commuting methods vary: 66.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% 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 3,603 66.2% -5.1%
Subway or elevated 20 0.4% N/A
Bicycle 61 1.1% 17.3%
Walk 278 5.1% -10.0%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Half Moon Bay by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94019 14,419 5,221 $153,781 $214,680

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FAQs about Half Moon Bay demographics 

What is the total population of Half Moon Bay?

Half Moon Bay has a total population of 11,391 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Half Moon Bay?

The gender ratio in Half Moon Bay is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (5,445 residents)
  • 52.2% females (5,946 residents)

What is the median age in Half Moon Bay?

The median age in Half Moon Bay is 47.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Half Moon Bay?

The age distribution in Half Moon Bay is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (2,197 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.5% (1,079 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.5% (2,106 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.7% (3,380 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.1% (2,629 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Half Moon Bay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Half Moon Bay is as follows:
  • White: 61.1% (6,963 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (56 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 6.3% (714 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 24.2% (2,753 residents)
  • Other: 7.9% (905 residents)

What percentage of the population in Half Moon Bay are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.6% of the population in Half Moon Bay.

How many housing units are there in Half Moon Bay?

There are 4,473 housing units in Half Moon Bay, reflecting a -1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Half Moon Bay and what is the average household size?

Half Moon Bay has a total of 4,068 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Half Moon Bay?

Half Moon Bay has a median household income of $157,884, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Half Moon Bay?

The employment rate is 97.6% in Half Moon Bay, with a workforce of 5,651 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90% (5,089 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10% (562 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11% (624 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.3% (3,802 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (820 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (405 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