Santa Monica, CA
Population 91,535 · California
About Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 91,535 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $109,739 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.9 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 Santa Monica features a median home value of $1,810,200, which is 639% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Monica in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,338, 101% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 52,381 total housing units, 29% are owner-occupied (13,361 units) and 71% are renter-occupied (33,096 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 Santa Monica shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Santa Monica have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
68.9% of Santa Monica 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 10.8% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 23.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Santa Monica, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Monica has a median household income of $109,739 (46% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,810,200, which is 639% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,338 is 101% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Monica's income is 12% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 177% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $109,739, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 68.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,810,200. However, as a mid-sized city, Santa Monica provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santa Monica has a population of 91,535 with a median age of 42.9 years. Compare Santa Monica with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Monica
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chino | 91,775 | $103,845 | $641,500 | Compare |
| South Gate | 91,836 | $71,315 | $608,500 | Compare |
| Indio | 90,669 | $78,709 | $424,700 | Compare |
| Mission Viejo | 92,415 | $136,071 | $946,300 | Compare |
| Hemet | 90,646 | $53,623 | $314,200 | Compare |
| Westminster | 90,147 | $82,686 | $820,000 | Compare |
| Redding | 93,268 | $69,443 | $363,800 | Compare |
| Merced | 89,766 | $59,938 | $347,700 | 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 Santa Monica With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Monica
What is the population of Santa Monica, CA?
The population of Santa Monica, CA is 91,535 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 Santa Monica?
The median household income in Santa Monica, CA is $109,739 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Monica?
The median home value in Santa Monica, CA is $1,810,200, which is 639% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Santa Monica?
The median monthly rent in Santa Monica, CA is $2,338, which is 101% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Monica?
The unemployment rate in Santa Monica, CA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Monica, CA a good place to live?
Santa Monica offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 91,535 and a median age of 42.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Santa Monica, CA?
68.9% of residents in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Monica, CA: median home value is $1,810,200 (639% above national), median rent is $2,338/month, and median household income is $109,739. The home-value-to-income ratio is 16.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Monica?
The poverty rate in Santa Monica, CA is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Monica's population is 10.8% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 4.8% two or more races. 23.2% of residents are foreign-born.