Santa Monica, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
91,169
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$114,885/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
53,274
1.7% year-over-year change

Santa Monica population

How many people live in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is home to 91,169 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Santa Monica locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
91,169
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
42,732
Female
53.1%
48,437
Value Percent YoY change
Male 42,732 46.9% -3.2%
Female 48,437 53.1% 2.3%
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 Santa Monica is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.6% are children under 15, then 7.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35% of the population, while another 26.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.6%
15 to 24
7.1%
25 to 44
35%
45 to 64
26.7%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,588 11.6% -1.7%
15 to 24 6,505 7.1% -8.6%
25 to 44 31,933 35% 4.6%
45 to 64 24,327 26.7% -4.7%
Over 65 17,816 19.5% 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 Santa Monica, 73.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.1% of locals are Caucasian, 5.3% are African American and 10.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
73.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18.1%
Non-citizens
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 67,095 73.6% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16,527 18.1% -3.2%
Non-citizens 7,547 8.3% 10.2%
Racial breakdown
White
65.1%
Black or African American
5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
10.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
13.7%
Other
5%
Value Percent
White 59,334 65.1%
Black or African American 4,828 5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 494 0.5%
Asian 9,230 10.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 225 0.2%
Two or more races 12,456 13.7%
Other 4,602 5%

Households in Santa Monica

A peek inside Santa Monica households

Santa Monica has 47,297 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 40.5% are families, while the remaining 59.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
47,297
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
28,134
Family households
19,163
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 28,134 59.5% 5.2%
Family households 19,163 40.5% -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 Santa Monica

The housing landscape of Santa Monica

Santa Monica's housing consists of 53,274 units, with 19.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
53,274
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,282 19.3%
1 unit, attached 1,793 3.4%
2 units 901 1.7%
3 or 4 units 4,995 9.4%
5 to 9 units 11,017 20.7%
10 to 19 units 9,558 17.9%
20 to 49 units 7,953 14.9%
50 or more units 6,639 12.5%
Mobile home 136 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
592
99.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, the median construction year is 1968. About 13.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,190 13.5% 6.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,967 9.3% 1.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,373 13.8% -5.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,364 17.6% -0.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,196 19.1% -2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,265 8% 4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,382 6.4% 1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,985 5.6% 18.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,960 5.6% 2.6%
Built in 2020 or later 592 1.1% 99.3%
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.

Santa Monica occupancy rates

Out of the 47,297 occupied housing units in Santa Monica, 27.9% are owner-occupied, while 72.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
47,297
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
34,107
Owner occupied
13,190
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 34,107 72.1% 3.0%
Owner occupied 13,190 27.9% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
11.2%
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.

Santa Monica housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Monica come to a median of $2,551 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,402.

Median housing costs per month
$2,551/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 Santa Monica
$2,402/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 Santa Monica

Santa Monica education at a glance

About 11.4% of the population in Santa Monica went to high school, while 11.2% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 39.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,161 2.8% -1.6%
High school diploma 8,982 11.4% -5.6%
College diploma 8,792 11.2% -9.3%
Associate degree 4,598 5.8% 1.0%
Bachelor's degree 31,359 39.9% 1.6%
Graduate degree 22,688 28.9% 4.2%
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 Santa Monica

How much people earn in Santa Monica

The average annual household income in Santa Monica was $180,293 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $114,885, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Monica
$180,293/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Monica
$114,885/year
4.7% year-over-year change

Santa Monica income by age

In Santa Monica, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $156,364. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $118,621 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $62,172, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,836 in earnings. Overall, 88.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $62,172 -6.4%
25 - 44 $156,364 0.9%
45 - 64 $118,621 6.2%
Over 65 $66,836 12.9%
Above poverty level
79,326
Below poverty level
10,010
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 79,326 88.8% -0.0%
Below poverty level 10,010 11.2% -3.9%

Average renter income in Santa Monica

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Santa Monica, their median household income was $90,476 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$90,476
Rent-to-income ratio
31.9%
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 Santa Monica

Workforce and job types in Santa Monica

The job market in Santa Monica is powered by 51,486 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 95.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.3% run their own businesses, 63.8% are employed by private companies, and 9.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
51,486
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
49,230
Blue collar
2,256
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 49,230 95.6% 1.8%
Blue collar 2,256 4.4% -4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
18.3%
Private companies
63.8%
Governmental workers
9.2%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9,427 18.3% -3.5%
Private companies 32,850 63.8% 3.9%
Governmental workers 4,763 9.2% -9.3%
Not for profit companies 4,446 8.6% 8.1%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
12.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Santa Monica stands at 6.7%, 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 Santa Monica

How people get around in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 49.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 25,091 49.8% -6.0%
Taxicab 76 0.2% 58.3%
Bus or trolleybus 930 1.8% -13.1%
Subway or elevated 79 0.2% N/A
Motorcycle 144 0.3% -8.9%
Bicycle 963 1.9% -27.4%
Walk 2,422 4.8% -9.9%
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 Santa Monica by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90401 8,101 5,256 $110,385 $157,482
90402 11,337 5,016 $159,100 $317,381
90403 23,867 13,165 $121,925 $173,518
90404 22,978 10,714 $95,139 $134,407
90405 27,298 14,312 $121,241 $192,151

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FAQs about Santa Monica demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a total population of 91,169 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Monica?

The gender ratio in Santa Monica is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (42,732 residents)
  • 53.1% females (48,437 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Monica?

The median age in Santa Monica is 42.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Monica?

The age distribution in Santa Monica is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.6% (10,588 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.1% (6,505 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35% (31,933 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.7% (24,327 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (17,816 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Monica?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Monica is as follows:
  • White: 65.1% (59,334 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.3% (4,828 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (494 residents)
  • Asian: 10.1% (9,230 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (225 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.7% (12,456 residents)
  • Other: 5% (4,602 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 73.6% of the population in Santa Monica.

How many housing units are there in Santa Monica?

There are 53,274 housing units in Santa Monica, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Santa Monica has a total of 47,297 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a median household income of $114,885, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Santa Monica?

The employment rate is 93.3% in Santa Monica, with a workforce of 51,486 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.6% (49,230 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.4% (2,256 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.3% (9,427 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.8% (32,850 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.2% (4,763 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (4,446 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