Montara, CA
Population 2,897 · California
About Montara, CA
Montara is a small town located in California with a population of 2,897 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $201,367 per year, which is 168% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56 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 Montara features a median home value of $1,467,400, which is 499% above the national median of $244,900. This places Montara in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,226 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (950 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (111 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Montara shows an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Montara have an average one-way commute time of 30.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
62.1% of Montara 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 12.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 9.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Montara, CA
Compared to national averages, Montara has a median household income of $201,367 (168% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,467,400, which is 499% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Montara's income is 106% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 124% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Montara, CA?
Montara offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $201,367, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 62.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,467,400. However, Montara’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Montara has a population of 2,897 with a median age of 56 years. Compare Montara with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Montara
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amesti | 2,905 | $102,083 | $825,100 | Compare |
| Lake Shastina | 2,908 | $77,645 | $331,900 | Compare |
| San Andreas | 2,884 | $42,231 | $384,300 | Compare |
| North Fork | 2,914 | $68,304 | $331,500 | Compare |
| Burney | 2,921 | $67,097 | $225,000 | Compare |
| Channel Islands Beach | 2,936 | $103,219 | $1,077,600 | Compare |
| Bonny Doon | 2,946 | $163,125 | $1,135,600 | Compare |
| Aromas | 2,846 | $184,667 | $925,800 | 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 Montara With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Montara
What is the population of Montara, CA?
The population of Montara, CA is 2,897 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 Montara?
The median household income in Montara, CA is $201,367 per year, which is 168% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Montara?
The median home value in Montara, CA is $1,467,400, which is 499% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Montara?
The median monthly rent in Montara, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Montara?
The unemployment rate in Montara, CA is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Montara, CA a good place to live?
Montara offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,897 and a median age of 56, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Montara, CA?
62.1% of residents in Montara 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 Montara?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Montara, CA: median home value is $1,467,400 (499% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $201,367. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Montara?
The poverty rate in Montara, CA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Montara, CA?
Montara's population is 12.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 9.9% of residents are foreign-born.