Morro Bay, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,692
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$95,843/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,531
4.2% year-over-year change

Morro Bay population

How many people live in Morro Bay

Morro Bay is home to 10,692 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Morro Bay locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
10,692
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
5,360
Female
49.9%
5,332
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,360 50.1% 1.5%
Female 5,332 49.9% -1.9%
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 Morro Bay is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.3% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.7% of the population, while another 30.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
54.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.3%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
17.7%
45 to 64
30.6%
Over 65
32.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 997 9.3% 3.0%
15 to 24 1,041 9.7% -13.6%
25 to 44 1,896 17.7% -6.5%
45 to 64 3,269 30.6% 1.9%
Over 65 3,489 32.6% 5.4%
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 Morro Bay, 92.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 2.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,909 92.7% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 471 4.4% 20.8%
Non-citizens 312 2.9% -17.2%
Racial breakdown
White
80.4%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
2.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.7%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 8,591 80.4%
Black or African American 41 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 100 0.9%
Asian 314 2.9%
Two or more races 1,038 9.7%
Other 608 5.7%

Households in Morro Bay

A peek inside Morro Bay households

Morro Bay has 5,110 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,110
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,165
Family households
2,945
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,165 42.4% -1.5%
Family households 2,945 57.6% 5.5%
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 Morro Bay

The housing landscape of Morro Bay

Morro Bay's housing consists of 6,531 units, with 72.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% 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 7.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,531
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,723 72.3%
1 unit, attached 419 6.4%
2 units 374 5.7%
3 or 4 units 162 2.5%
5 to 9 units 125 1.9%
10 to 19 units 81 1.2%
20 to 49 units 69 1.1%
50 or more units 23 0.4%
Mobile home 501 7.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 54 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
97
-9.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Morro Bay

In Morro Bay, the median construction year is 1974. About 3.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 204 3.1% -5.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 414 6.3% -7.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,255 19.2% 13.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 868 13.3% -1.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,292 19.8% -3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 693 10.6% 13.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 373 5.7% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 623 9.5% 16.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 712 10.9% 8.4%
Built in 2020 or later 97 1.5% -9.3%
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.

Morro Bay occupancy rates

Out of the 5,110 occupied housing units in Morro Bay, 65.4% are owner-occupied, while 34.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,110
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,767
Owner occupied
3,343
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,767 34.6% -10.3%
Owner occupied 3,343 65.4% 10.7%
Unoccupied housing units
21.8%
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.

Morro Bay housing costs

Housing costs in Morro Bay come to a median of $1,860 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,858.

Median housing costs per month
$1,860/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 Morro Bay
$1,858/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 Morro Bay

Morro Bay education at a glance

About 16.1% of the population in Morro Bay went to high school, while 26.8% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 24.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 99 1% -25.6%
High school diploma 1,517 16.1% -15.7%
College diploma 2,519 26.8% 1.7%
Associate degree 1,013 10.8% 0.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,265 24.1% -5.2%
Graduate degree 1,999 21.2% 20.5%
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 Morro Bay

How much people earn in Morro Bay

The average annual household income in Morro Bay was $134,909 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $95,843, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Morro Bay
$134,909/year
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Morro Bay
$95,843/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Morro Bay income by age

In Morro Bay, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $104,609. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $113,409 overall. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $104,609 12.4%
45 - 64 $113,409 -0.8%
Over 65 $83,147 -0.5%
Above poverty level
9,557
Below poverty level
892
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,557 91.5% 1.1%
Below poverty level 892 8.5% -14.4%

Average renter income in Morro Bay

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Morro Bay, their median household income was $72,292 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$72,292
Rent-to-income ratio
30.8%
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 Morro Bay

Workforce and job types in Morro Bay

The job market in Morro Bay is powered by 4,701 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.8% run their own businesses, 57.6% are employed by private companies, and 23.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,701
-4.5% year-over-year change
White collar
3,903
Blue collar
798
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,903 83% -3.8%
Blue collar 798 17% -7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
14.8%
Private companies
57.6%
Governmental workers
23.2%
Not for profit companies
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 697 14.8% 11.9%
Private companies 2,708 57.6% -8.9%
Governmental workers 1,093 23.2% 7.5%
Not for profit companies 203 4.3% -34.5%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
-9.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Morro Bay stands at 8%, 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 Morro Bay

How people get around in Morro Bay

Commuting methods vary: 75.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 3,469 75.7% -10.5%
Bus or trolleybus 17 0.4% 6.2%
Motorcycle 6 0.1% -57.1%
Bicycle 31 0.7% 29.2%
Walk 58 1.3% -10.8%
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 Morro Bay by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93442 11,571 5,433 $95,623 $133,603

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Morro Bay demographics 

What is the total population of Morro Bay?

Morro Bay has a total population of 10,692 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 Morro Bay?

The gender ratio in Morro Bay is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (5,360 residents)
  • 49.9% females (5,332 residents)

What is the median age in Morro Bay?

The median age in Morro Bay is 54.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Morro Bay?

The age distribution in Morro Bay is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.3% (997 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (1,041 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.7% (1,896 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.6% (3,269 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.6% (3,489 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Morro Bay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Morro Bay is as follows:
  • White: 80.4% (8,591 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (41 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (100 residents)
  • Asian: 2.9% (314 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.7% (1,038 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (608 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.7% of the population in Morro Bay.

How many housing units are there in Morro Bay?

There are 6,531 housing units in Morro Bay, reflecting a +4.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Morro Bay has a total of 5,110 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Morro Bay?

Morro Bay has a median household income of $95,843, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92% in Morro Bay, with a workforce of 4,701 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83% (3,903 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17% (798 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.8% (697 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.6% (2,708 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.2% (1,093 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.3% (203 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