Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Population 3,186 · California
About Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town located in California with a population of 3,186 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $115,729 per year, which is 54% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 68.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carmel-by-the-Sea features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Carmel-by-the-Sea in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,933, 152% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,250 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (977 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (710 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carmel-by-the-Sea shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carmel-by-the-Sea have an average one-way commute time of 11.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
76.0% of Carmel-by-the-Sea residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 14.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Compared to national averages, Carmel-by-the-Sea has a median household income of $115,729 (54% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,933 is 152% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Carmel-by-the-Sea's income is 18% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?
Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $115,729, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 76.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a population of 3,186 with a median age of 68.9 years. Compare Carmel-by-the-Sea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Carmel-by-the-Sea
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogtown | 3,180 | $126,042 | $696,700 | Compare |
| Hayfork | 3,198 | $45,918 | $291,300 | Compare |
| Weaverville | 3,198 | $73,670 | $342,500 | Compare |
| Pine Hills | 3,200 | $83,791 | $451,500 | Compare |
| Nevada City | 3,168 | $69,552 | $607,300 | Compare |
| Mount Shasta | 3,208 | $48,157 | $283,100 | Compare |
| Arbuckle | 3,209 | $83,677 | $388,600 | Compare |
| Freedom | 3,211 | $139,722 | $664,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Carmel-by-the-Sea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carmel-by-the-Sea
What is the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?
The population of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is 3,186 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The median household income in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is $115,729 per year, which is 54% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The median home value in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The median monthly rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is $2,933, which is 152% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The unemployment rate in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA a good place to live?
Carmel-by-the-Sea offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,186 and a median age of 68.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?
76.0% of residents in Carmel-by-the-Sea aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $2,933/month, and median household income is $115,729. The home-value-to-income ratio is 17.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The poverty rate in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?
Carmel-by-the-Sea's population is 0.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 14.7% of residents are foreign-born.