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

Total population
5,501
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$110,385/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,145
5.6% year-over-year change

Downtown Santa Monica population

How many people live in Downtown Santa Monica

Downtown Santa Monica is home to 5,501 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Downtown Santa Monica locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
5,501
2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
2,703
Female
50.9%
2,798
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,703 49.1% -3.6%
Female 2,798 50.9% 8.6%
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 Downtown Santa Monica is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.7% are children under 15, then 8.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 54% of the population, while another 20.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.7%
15 to 24
8.2%
25 to 44
54%
45 to 64
20.6%
Over 65
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 257 4.7% 2.0%
15 to 24 453 8.2% -9.8%
25 to 44 2,968 54% 11.8%
45 to 64 1,133 20.6% -11.2%
Over 65 689 12.5% -1.1%
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 Downtown Santa Monica, 69.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.8% of locals are Caucasian, 3.8% are African American and 10% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.6%
Non-citizens
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,799 69.1% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 911 16.6% 1.0%
Non-citizens 791 14.4% 23.2%
Racial breakdown
White
67.8%
Black or African American
3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
10%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.4%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 3,729 67.8%
Black or African American 207 3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 20 0.4%
Asian 548 10%
Two or more races 790 14.4%
Other 206 3.8%

Households in Downtown Santa Monica

A peek inside Downtown Santa Monica households

Downtown Santa Monica has 3,569 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 23.3% are families, while the remaining 76.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,569
6.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
2,737
Family households
832
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,737 76.7% 8.9%
Family households 832 23.3% -1.3%
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 Downtown Santa Monica

The housing landscape of Downtown Santa Monica

Downtown Santa Monica's housing consists of 4,145 units, with 3.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,145
5.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 132 3.2%
1 unit, attached 9 0.2%
2 units 16 0.4%
3 or 4 units 103 2.5%
5 to 9 units 554 13.4%
10 to 19 units 763 18.4%
20 to 49 units 894 21.6%
50 or more units 1,675 40.4%
Homes built since 2020
128
106.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Santa Monica

In Downtown Santa Monica, the median construction year is 1994. About 7.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 24% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 321 7.8% 2.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 0.3% -36.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 438 10.6% 10.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 463 11.2% -21.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 392 9.5% -18.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 331 8% 32.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 268 6.5% -17.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 796 19.2% 40.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 993 24% 7.3%
Built in 2020 or later 128 3.1% 106.5%
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.

Downtown Santa Monica occupancy rates

Out of the 3,569 occupied housing units in Downtown Santa Monica, 5.2% are owner-occupied, while 94.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,569
6.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,384
Owner occupied
185
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,384 94.8% 5.9%
Owner occupied 185 5.2% 15.6%
Unoccupied housing units
13.9%
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.

Downtown Santa Monica housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Santa Monica come to a median of $2,495 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,477.

Median housing costs per month
$2,495/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 Downtown Santa Monica
$2,477/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 Downtown Santa Monica

Downtown Santa Monica education at a glance

About 10% of the population in Downtown Santa Monica went to high school, while 9.5% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 54.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 53 1% 130.4%
High school diploma 520 10% -1.5%
College diploma 495 9.5% -13.6%
Associate degree 203 3.9% -21.6%
Bachelor's degree 2,821 54.2% 7.8%
Graduate degree 1,110 21.3% 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 Downtown Santa Monica

How much people earn in Downtown Santa Monica

The average annual household income in Downtown Santa Monica was $153,785 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $110,385, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Santa Monica
$153,785/year
-4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Santa Monica
$110,385/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Downtown Santa Monica income by age

In Downtown 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 $149,107. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,162 overall. Overall, 82.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $149,107 0.5%
45 - 64 $100,162 -4.7%
Over 65 $25,273 0.5%
Above poverty level
4,450
Below poverty level
966
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,450 82.2% 3.7%
Below poverty level 966 17.8% -6.1%

Employment in Downtown Santa Monica

Workforce and job types in Downtown Santa Monica

98.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.1% run their own businesses, 72.1% are employed by private companies, and 3.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,666
Blue collar
44
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,666 98.8% 5.6%
Blue collar 44 1.2% 2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
16.1%
Private companies
72.1%
Governmental workers
3.4%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 598 16.1% 3.3%
Private companies 2,674 72.1% 8.0%
Governmental workers 128 3.4% -45.8%
Not for profit companies 310 8.4% 39.0%

Transportation in Downtown Santa Monica

How people get around in Downtown Santa Monica

Commuting methods vary: 82.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 11.8% 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 1,748 82.1% 7.8%
Bus or trolleybus 45 2.1% -60.2%
Bicycle 85 4% 14.9%
Walk 250 11.8% -36.5%
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 Downtown Santa Monica by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90401 8,101 5,256 $110,385 $157,482

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FAQs about Downtown Santa Monica demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Santa Monica?

Downtown Santa Monica has a total population of 5,501 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 +2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Santa Monica?

The gender ratio in Downtown Santa Monica is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (2,703 residents)
  • 50.9% females (2,798 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Santa Monica?

The median age in Downtown Santa Monica is 36.9.

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

The age distribution in Downtown Santa Monica is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.7% (257 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.2% (453 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 54% (2,968 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.6% (1,133 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.5% (689 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Santa Monica?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Santa Monica is as follows:
  • White: 67.8% (3,729 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.8% (207 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (20 residents)
  • Asian: 10% (548 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.4% (790 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (206 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.1% of the population in Downtown Santa Monica.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Santa Monica?

There are 4,145 housing units in Downtown Santa Monica, reflecting a +5.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Downtown Santa Monica has a total of 3,569 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Santa Monica?

Downtown Santa Monica has a median household income of $110,385, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Santa Monica?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.8% (3,666 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.2% (44 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.1% (598 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.1% (2,674 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3.4% (128 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (310 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