Salinas Municipality, PR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,356
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$21,426/yr
-3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,679
5.0% year-over-year change

Salinas population

How many people live in Salinas

Salinas is home to 19,356 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Salinas locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
19,356
-1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
9,334
Female
51.8%
10,022
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,334 48.2% -1.7%
Female 10,022 51.8% -1.6%
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 Salinas is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.5% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.5%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
23%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,609 13.5% -8.1%
15 to 24 2,413 12.5% -5.7%
25 to 44 4,895 25.3% 0.5%
45 to 64 4,994 25.8% -1.2%
Over 65 4,444 23% 1.9%
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.

Households in Salinas

A peek inside Salinas households

Salinas has 8,334 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.9% are families, while the remaining 36.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,334
6.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,007
Family households
5,327
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,007 36.1% 10.5%
Family households 5,327 63.9% 5.0%
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 Salinas

The housing landscape of Salinas

Salinas's housing consists of 10,679 units, with 87.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,679
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,388 87.9%
1 unit, attached 728 6.8%
2 units 47 0.4%
3 or 4 units 14 0.1%
5 to 9 units 213 2%
10 to 19 units 153 1.4%
20 to 49 units 13 0.1%
50 or more units 57 0.5%
Mobile home 66 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
19
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salinas

In Salinas, the median construction year is 1984. About 4.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 477 4.5% 9.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 498 4.7% 1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 706 6.6% 15.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,096 10.3% -4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,067 19.4% 3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,767 16.6% -2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,900 17.8% 9.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,814 17% 8.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 335 3.1% 16.3%
Built in 2020 or later 19 0.2% N/A
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.

Salinas occupancy rates

Out of the 8,334 occupied housing units in Salinas, 77.5% are owner-occupied, while 22.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,334
6.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,876
Owner occupied
6,458
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,876 22.5% 6.5%
Owner occupied 6,458 77.5% 7.0%
Unoccupied housing units
22.0%
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.

Salinas housing costs

Housing costs in Salinas come to a median of $268 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $569.

Median housing costs per month
$268/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 Salinas
$569/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 Salinas

Salinas education at a glance

About 47.9% of the population in Salinas went to high school, while 13.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 15.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,625 10.1% -17.3%
High school diploma 7,672 47.9% -1.4%
College diploma 2,138 13.3% 13.6%
Associate degree 1,636 10.2% 12.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,475 15.4% 2.1%
Graduate degree 480 3% -10.3%
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 Salinas

How much people earn in Salinas

The average annual household income in Salinas was $23,400 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $21,426, reflecting a -3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salinas
$23,400/year
12.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salinas
$21,426/year
-3.2% year-over-year change

Salinas income by age

In Salinas, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $26,710. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $24,576 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $20,122, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $18,649 in earnings.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $20,122 N/A
25 - 44 $26,710 0.5%
45 - 64 $24,576 -4.8%
Over 65 $18,649 3.6%

Employment in Salinas

Workforce and job types in Salinas

65.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.8% run their own businesses, 64.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,180
Blue collar
2,197
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,180 65.6% 4.8%
Blue collar 2,197 34.4% 0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
13.8%
Private companies
64.8%
Governmental workers
19.9%
Not for profit companies
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 882 13.8% 25.8%
Private companies 4,135 64.8% 4.5%
Governmental workers 1,268 19.9% -9.2%
Not for profit companies 92 1.4% -20.7%

Transportation in Salinas

How people get around in Salinas

Commuting methods vary: 96.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% 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 5,442 96.4% 1.5%
Bicycle 52 0.9% -14.8%
Walk 152 2.7% 253.5%
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 Salinas by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
00704 6,256 2,618 $20,899 $28,023
00751 19,343 8,406 $21,952 $32,769

Explore more communities

FAQs about Salinas demographics 

What is the total population of Salinas?

Salinas has a total population of 19,356 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 -1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salinas?

The gender ratio in Salinas is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (9,334 residents)
  • 51.8% females (10,022 residents)

What is the median age in Salinas?

The median age in Salinas is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salinas?

The age distribution in Salinas is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.5% (2,609 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (2,413 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (4,895 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (4,994 residents)
  • Over 65: 23% (4,444 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salinas?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salinas is as follows:
  • White: 4.9% (945 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.6% (883 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (30 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 84.5% (16,350 residents)
  • Other: 5.9% (1,148 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 0% of the population in Salinas.

How many housing units are there in Salinas?

There are 10,679 housing units in Salinas, reflecting a +5.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Salinas has a total of 8,334 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salinas?

Salinas has a median household income of $21,426, representing a -3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Salinas?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.6% (4,180 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.4% (2,197 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.8% (882 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.8% (4,135 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.9% (1,268 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.4% (92 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