Monterey, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
29,613
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,846/yr
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,136
2.7% year-over-year change

Monterey population

How many people live in Monterey

Monterey is home to 29,613 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Monterey locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
29,613
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
15,019
Female
49.3%
14,594
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,019 50.7% 1.0%
Female 14,594 49.3% -2.0%
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 Monterey is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.1% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.2% of the population, while another 20% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.1%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
32.2%
45 to 64
20%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,572 12.1% -1.2%
15 to 24 4,273 14.4% 0.8%
25 to 44 9,551 32.2% -0.4%
45 to 64 5,926 20% -8.3%
Over 65 6,291 21.2% 7.2%
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 Monterey, 80% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.4% are African American and 6.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 11.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.7%
Non-citizens
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,683 80% -3.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,459 11.7% 9.2%
Non-citizens 2,471 8.3% 16.8%
Racial breakdown
White
64.8%
Black or African American
2.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
13.9%
Other
11.2%
Value Percent
White 19,203 64.8%
Black or African American 695 2.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 120 0.4%
Asian 2,033 6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 136 0.5%
Two or more races 4,121 13.9%
Other 3,305 11.2%

Households in Monterey

A peek inside Monterey households

Monterey has 12,534 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.9% are families, while the remaining 48.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,534
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,026
Family households
6,508
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,026 48.1% 0.9%
Family households 6,508 51.9% 0.9%
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 Monterey

The housing landscape of Monterey

Monterey's housing consists of 14,136 units, with 43.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.2% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,136
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,133 43.4%
1 unit, attached 1,018 7.2%
2 units 732 5.2%
3 or 4 units 2,163 15.3%
5 to 9 units 1,114 7.9%
10 to 19 units 880 6.2%
20 to 49 units 1,036 7.3%
50 or more units 1,043 7.4%
Mobile home 17 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Monterey

In Monterey, the median construction year is 1971. About 11.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,594 11.3% 1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 857 6.1% 2.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,349 16.6% -14.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,971 13.9% 12.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,076 21.8% 13.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,292 16.2% 11.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 775 5.5% -12.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 706 5% 15.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 516 3.6% -9.2%
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.

Monterey occupancy rates

Out of the 12,534 occupied housing units in Monterey, 36.2% are owner-occupied, while 63.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,534
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,999
Owner occupied
4,535
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,999 63.8% 3.7%
Owner occupied 4,535 36.2% -3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
11.3%
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.

Monterey housing costs

Housing costs in Monterey come to a median of $2,349 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,353.

Median housing costs per month
$2,349/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 Monterey
$2,353/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 Monterey

Monterey education at a glance

About 19.9% of the population in Monterey went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 24.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 602 2.4% 4.2%
High school diploma 5,048 19.9% 3.2%
College diploma 5,196 20.5% 2.4%
Associate degree 2,306 9.1% -3.6%
Bachelor's degree 6,198 24.4% -6.7%
Graduate degree 6,017 23.7% 1.7%
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 Monterey

How much people earn in Monterey

The average annual household income in Monterey was $139,798 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $102,846, reflecting a -1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Monterey
$139,798/year
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Monterey
$102,846/year
-1.2% year-over-year change

Monterey income by age

In Monterey, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $115,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $123,900 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,596, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $83,563 in earnings. Overall, 90.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,596 8.2%
25 - 44 $115,000 1.3%
45 - 64 $123,900 -6.0%
Over 65 $83,563 -1.2%
Above poverty level
23,701
Below poverty level
2,596
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,701 90.1% 0.6%
Below poverty level 2,596 9.9% -6.3%

Average renter income in Monterey

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Monterey, their median household income was $85,477 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$85,477
Rent-to-income ratio
33%
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 Monterey

Workforce and job types in Monterey

The job market in Monterey is powered by 13,150 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 53.3% are employed by private companies, and 22% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,150
-2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
11,620
Blue collar
1,530
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,620 88.4% -3.1%
Blue collar 1,530 11.6% 1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
53.3%
Governmental workers
22%
Not for profit companies
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,654 12.6% -12.9%
Private companies 7,005 53.3% 1.2%
Governmental workers 2,898 22% -5.3%
Not for profit companies 1,593 12.1% -1.4%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
7.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Monterey stands at 6%, 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 Monterey

How people get around in Monterey

In Monterey, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 61.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-0.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,129 61.9% -4.0%
Taxicab 50 0.3% -16.7%
Bus or trolleybus 426 2.6% -19.8%
Bicycle 272 1.7% -6.5%
Walk 1,509 9.2% -11.0%
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 Monterey by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93940 30,605 14,028 $106,044 $149,867
93943 10 5 $0 $0

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Monterey demographics 

What is the total population of Monterey?

Monterey has a total population of 29,613 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Monterey?

The gender ratio in Monterey is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (15,019 residents)
  • 49.3% females (14,594 residents)

What is the median age in Monterey?

The median age in Monterey is 37.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Monterey?

The age distribution in Monterey is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.1% (3,572 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (4,273 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.2% (9,551 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20% (5,926 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (6,291 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Monterey?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Monterey is as follows:
  • White: 64.8% (19,203 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.4% (695 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (120 residents)
  • Asian: 6.9% (2,033 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (136 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.9% (4,121 residents)
  • Other: 11.2% (3,305 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 80% of the population in Monterey.

How many housing units are there in Monterey?

There are 14,136 housing units in Monterey, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Monterey has a total of 12,534 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Monterey?

Monterey has a median household income of $102,846, representing a -1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Monterey?

The employment rate is 94% in Monterey, with a workforce of 13,150 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.4% (11,620 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.6% (1,530 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (1,654 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.3% (7,005 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22% (2,898 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.1% (1,593 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