Morro Bay, CA
Population 10,717 · California
About Morro Bay, CA
Morro Bay is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 10,717 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $92,553 per year, which is 23% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.9 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 Morro Bay features a median home value of $864,900, which is 253% above the national median of $244,900. This places Morro Bay in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,820, 56% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,271 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (3,020 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,969 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Morro Bay shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Morro Bay have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
46.4% of Morro 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 11.5% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Morro Bay, CA
Compared to national averages, Morro Bay has a median household income of $92,553 (23% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $864,900, which is 253% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,820 is 56% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Morro Bay's income is 5% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 32% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Morro Bay, CA?
Morro Bay offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $92,553, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 46.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $864,900. However, Morro Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Morro Bay has a population of 10,717 with a median age of 52.9 years. Compare Morro Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Morro Bay
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoma | 10,726 | $101,281 | $954,300 | Compare |
| Placerville | 10,730 | $70,602 | $450,600 | Compare |
| Soquel | 10,691 | $114,991 | $908,500 | Compare |
| Lake Arrowhead | 10,746 | $88,147 | $545,100 | Compare |
| Calimesa | 10,680 | $90,313 | $423,300 | Compare |
| Potomac Park | 10,634 | $45,617 | $201,200 | Compare |
| Citrus | 10,813 | $101,179 | $614,200 | Compare |
| Delhi | 10,525 | $66,306 | $338,800 | 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 Morro Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Morro Bay
What is the population of Morro Bay, CA?
The population of Morro Bay, CA is 10,717 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 Morro Bay?
The median household income in Morro Bay, CA is $92,553 per year, which is 23% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Morro Bay?
The median home value in Morro Bay, CA is $864,900, which is 253% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Morro Bay?
The median monthly rent in Morro Bay, CA is $1,820, which is 56% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Morro Bay?
The unemployment rate in Morro Bay, CA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Morro Bay, CA a good place to live?
Morro Bay offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,717 and a median age of 52.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Morro Bay, CA?
46.4% of residents in Morro 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 Morro Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Morro Bay, CA: median home value is $864,900 (253% above national), median rent is $1,820/month, and median household income is $92,553. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Morro Bay?
The poverty rate in Morro Bay, CA is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Morro Bay, CA?
Morro Bay's population is 11.5% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.