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

Total population
67,806
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,286/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
21,706
0.1% year-over-year change

Pajaro Valley population

How many people live in Pajaro Valley

Pajaro Valley is home to 67,806 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Pajaro Valley locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
67,806
-0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
34,771
Female
48.7%
33,035
Value Percent YoY change
Male 34,771 51.3% 1.1%
Female 33,035 48.7% -1.1%
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 Pajaro Valley is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.8% are children under 15, then 15.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
34
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.8%
15 to 24
15.2%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
15.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 14,818 21.8% 0.6%
15 to 24 10,336 15.2% 1.5%
25 to 44 16,261 24% -1.1%
45 to 64 15,960 23.5% -1.2%
Over 65 10,431 15.4% 1.2%
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 Pajaro Valley, 66.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 21.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 34% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. Another 2.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 38.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 22% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
66.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.6%
Non-citizens
21.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 44,819 66.1% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,524 12.6% -9.6%
Non-citizens 14,462 21.3% 7.9%
Racial breakdown
White
34%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.2%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
22%
Other
38.8%
Value Percent
White 23,072 34%
Black or African American 350 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,526 2.2%
Asian 1,577 2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 59 0.1%
Two or more races 14,930 22%
Other 26,292 38.8%

Households in Pajaro Valley

A peek inside Pajaro Valley households

Pajaro Valley has 20,228 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 77% are families, while the remaining 23% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
20,228
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,649
Family households
15,579
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,649 23% -2.0%
Family households 15,579 77% -0.5%
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 Pajaro Valley

The housing landscape of Pajaro Valley

Pajaro Valley's housing consists of 21,706 units, with 63.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7% 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 6.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
21,706
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,694 63.1%
1 unit, attached 1,524 7%
2 units 498 2.3%
3 or 4 units 1,029 4.7%
5 to 9 units 1,014 4.7%
10 to 19 units 589 2.7%
20 to 49 units 987 4.6%
50 or more units 973 4.5%
Mobile home 1,374 6.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 24 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
28
47.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pajaro Valley

In Pajaro Valley, the median construction year is 1978. About 9.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,143 9.9% -1.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,282 5.9% -16.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,000 9.2% -11.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,680 12.4% 4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,699 21.6% 2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,494 16.1% -6.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,870 8.6% 15.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,975 13.7% 7.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 536 2.5% 25.5%
Built in 2020 or later 28 0.1% 47.4%
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.

Pajaro Valley occupancy rates

Out of the 20,228 occupied housing units in Pajaro Valley, 54.3% are owner-occupied, while 45.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
20,228
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,252
Owner occupied
10,976
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,252 45.7% -1.5%
Owner occupied 10,976 54.3% -0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
6.8%
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.

Pajaro Valley housing costs

Housing costs in Pajaro Valley come to a median of $1,794 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,685.

Median housing costs per month
$1,794/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 Pajaro Valley
$1,685/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 Pajaro Valley

Pajaro Valley education at a glance

About 36% of the population in Pajaro Valley went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 11.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9,148 18.5% 3.5%
High school diploma 17,799 36% 3.2%
College diploma 10,432 21.1% -7.7%
Associate degree 3,849 7.8% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 5,607 11.4% 1.8%
Graduate degree 2,569 5.2% -13.2%
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 Pajaro Valley

How much people earn in Pajaro Valley

The average annual household income in Pajaro Valley was $115,548 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $79,286, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pajaro Valley
$115,548/year
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pajaro Valley
$79,286/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Pajaro Valley income by age

In Pajaro Valley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,688. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,616 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,812, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,886 in earnings. Overall, 86.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,812 6.7%
25 - 44 $87,688 -0.2%
45 - 64 $85,616 -2.9%
Over 65 $46,886 -5.4%
Above poverty level
57,339
Below poverty level
9,069
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 57,339 86.3% -1.4%
Below poverty level 9,069 13.7% 9.0%

Employment in Pajaro Valley

Workforce and job types in Pajaro Valley

63.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 13.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
18,625
Blue collar
10,523
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,625 63.9% -3.4%
Blue collar 10,523 36.1% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
13.9%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,510 12% 4.4%
Private companies 19,270 66.1% -3.2%
Governmental workers 4,059 13.9% -5.8%
Not for profit companies 2,309 7.9% 2.0%

Transportation in Pajaro Valley

How people get around in Pajaro Valley

Commuting methods vary: 96% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% 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 23,784 96% -3.8%
Bus or trolleybus 280 1.1% -5.4%
Railroad 4 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 121 0.5% 116.1%
Bicycle 106 0.4% 89.3%
Walk 493 2% 16.6%
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 Pajaro Valley demographics 

What is the total population of Pajaro Valley?

Pajaro Valley has a total population of 67,806 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 -0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pajaro Valley?

The gender ratio in Pajaro Valley is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (34,771 residents)
  • 48.7% females (33,035 residents)

What is the median age in Pajaro Valley?

The median age in Pajaro Valley is 34.

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

The age distribution in Pajaro Valley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.8% (14,818 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.2% (10,336 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (16,261 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (15,960 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.4% (10,431 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pajaro Valley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pajaro Valley is as follows:
  • White: 34% (23,072 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (350 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.2% (1,526 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (1,577 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (59 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 22% (14,930 residents)
  • Other: 38.8% (26,292 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 66.1% of the population in Pajaro Valley.

How many housing units are there in Pajaro Valley?

There are 21,706 housing units in Pajaro Valley, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pajaro Valley has a total of 20,228 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pajaro Valley?

Pajaro Valley has a median household income of $79,286, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Pajaro Valley?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.9% (18,625 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.1% (10,523 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12% (3,510 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (19,270 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.9% (4,059 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (2,309 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