Salinas, CA
Population 161,993 · California
About Salinas, CA
Salinas is a major city located in California with a population of 161,993 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,150 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salinas features a median home value of $610,900, which is 149% above the national median of $244,900. This places Salinas in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,923, 65% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 45,206 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (20,518 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (23,106 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 Salinas shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salinas have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.5% of Salinas residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 74.1% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 36.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Salinas Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Salinas, CA
Compared to national averages, Salinas has a median household income of $89,150 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $610,900, which is 149% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,923 is 65% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Salinas's income is 9% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 7% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Salinas, CA?
Salinas offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,150, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $610,900. However, as a major city, Salinas provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Salinas has a population of 161,993 with a median age of 32.1 years. Compare Salinas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Salinas
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward | 159,201 | $113,775 | $820,700 | Compare |
| Corona | 158,839 | $106,438 | $656,500 | Compare |
| Palmdale | 165,487 | $81,151 | $435,300 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 170,013 | $76,083 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Sunnyvale | 153,455 | $181,862 | $1,816,600 | Compare |
| Garden Grove | 170,603 | $90,166 | $765,500 | Compare |
| Roseville | 152,438 | $117,354 | $630,600 | Compare |
| Oceanside | 172,542 | $93,724 | $702,000 | 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 Salinas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salinas
What is the population of Salinas, CA?
The population of Salinas, CA is 161,993 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Salinas?
The median household income in Salinas, CA is $89,150 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salinas?
The median home value in Salinas, CA is $610,900, which is 149% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Salinas?
The median monthly rent in Salinas, CA is $1,923, which is 65% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salinas?
The unemployment rate in Salinas, CA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salinas, CA a good place to live?
Salinas offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 161,993 and a median age of 32.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Salinas, CA?
15.5% of residents in Salinas aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Salinas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salinas, CA: median home value is $610,900 (149% above national), median rent is $1,923/month, and median household income is $89,150. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Salinas?
The poverty rate in Salinas, CA is 14.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Salinas, CA?
Salinas's population is 74.1% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 36.3% of residents are foreign-born.