Half Moon Bay, CA
Population 11,454 · California
About Half Moon Bay, CA
Half Moon Bay is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 11,454 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $153,199 per year, which is 104% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.5 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 Half Moon Bay features a median home value of $1,467,000, which is 499% above the national median of $244,900. This places Half Moon Bay in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,299, 98% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,559 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (3,022 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (1,129 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Half Moon Bay shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Half Moon Bay have an average one-way commute time of 31.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.2% of Half Moon Bay 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 24.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 20.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Half Moon Bay, CA
Compared to national averages, Half Moon Bay has a median household income of $153,199 (104% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,467,000, which is 499% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,299 is 98% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Half Moon Bay's income is 57% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 124% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Half Moon Bay, CA?
Half Moon Bay offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $153,199, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 53.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,467,000. However, Half Moon Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Half Moon Bay has a population of 11,454 with a median age of 46.5 years. Compare Half Moon Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Half Moon Bay
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Gardens | 11,430 | $92,344 | $498,800 | Compare |
| Winton | 11,429 | $58,884 | $296,800 | Compare |
| La Riviera | 11,503 | $91,111 | $433,400 | Compare |
| Muscoy | 11,402 | $57,726 | $379,200 | Compare |
| Rancho Mission Viejo | 11,355 | $181,111 | $1,039,300 | Compare |
| Signal Hill | 11,563 | $102,303 | $725,500 | Compare |
| Lakeland Village | 11,587 | $83,371 | $429,000 | Compare |
| Alum Rock | 11,619 | $111,976 | $880,000 | 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 Half Moon Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Half Moon Bay
What is the population of Half Moon Bay, CA?
The population of Half Moon Bay, CA is 11,454 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Half Moon Bay?
The median household income in Half Moon Bay, CA is $153,199 per year, which is 104% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Half Moon Bay?
The median home value in Half Moon Bay, CA is $1,467,000, which is 499% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Half Moon Bay?
The median monthly rent in Half Moon Bay, CA is $2,299, which is 98% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Half Moon Bay?
The unemployment rate in Half Moon Bay, CA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Half Moon Bay, CA a good place to live?
Half Moon Bay offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,454 and a median age of 46.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Half Moon Bay, CA?
53.2% of residents in Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Half Moon Bay, CA: median home value is $1,467,000 (499% above national), median rent is $2,299/month, and median household income is $153,199. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Half Moon Bay?
The poverty rate in Half Moon Bay, CA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Half Moon Bay, CA?
Half Moon Bay's population is 24.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 20.8% of residents are foreign-born.