Pacific Grove, CA
Population 15,003 · California
About Pacific Grove, CA
Pacific Grove is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 15,003 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,568 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.3 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 Pacific Grove features a median home value of $1,129,400, which is 361% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pacific Grove in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,384, 105% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,315 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (3,409 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (3,579 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pacific Grove shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pacific Grove have an average one-way commute time of 21 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.5% of Pacific Grove 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 7.8% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 13.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pacific Grove, CA
Compared to national averages, Pacific Grove has a median household income of $105,568 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,129,400, which is 361% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,384 is 105% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Pacific Grove's income is 8% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 73% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Pacific Grove, CA?
Pacific Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,568, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 58.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,129,400. However, Pacific Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pacific Grove has a population of 15,003 with a median age of 50.3 years. Compare Pacific Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Pacific Grove
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Pendleton South | 15,011 | $66,265 | $0 | Compare |
| Susanville | 14,992 | $57,607 | $234,000 | Compare |
| Los Osos | 15,048 | $103,504 | $728,000 | Compare |
| Lemon Hill | 14,942 | $49,441 | $328,000 | Compare |
| Vincent | 15,151 | $99,157 | $609,900 | Compare |
| California City | 14,821 | $55,271 | $239,600 | Compare |
| Discovery Bay | 15,243 | $154,792 | $789,400 | Compare |
| Coto de Caza | 15,363 | $232,470 | $1,419,400 | 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 Pacific Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Grove
What is the population of Pacific Grove, CA?
The population of Pacific Grove, CA is 15,003 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 Pacific Grove?
The median household income in Pacific Grove, CA is $105,568 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pacific Grove?
The median home value in Pacific Grove, CA is $1,129,400, which is 361% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pacific Grove?
The median monthly rent in Pacific Grove, CA is $2,384, which is 105% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pacific Grove?
The unemployment rate in Pacific Grove, CA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pacific Grove, CA a good place to live?
Pacific Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,003 and a median age of 50.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Pacific Grove, CA?
58.5% of residents in Pacific Grove 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 Pacific Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pacific Grove, CA: median home value is $1,129,400 (361% above national), median rent is $2,384/month, and median household income is $105,568. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Pacific Grove?
The poverty rate in Pacific Grove, CA is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pacific Grove, CA?
Pacific Grove's population is 7.8% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 13.1% of residents are foreign-born.