Salinas, CA Census Data
The 33rd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Salinas is the 33rd largest city in California by population and ranks 116th of 188 for median household income. With 161,993 residents, its poverty rate of 14.2% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
161,993
50.7% male · 49.3% female
Median Age
32.1
6.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$89,150
$10,612 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
15.5%
19.5% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 62.4%
Poverty Rate
14.2%
1.8% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.6%
Broadband Access
97.4%
7.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$610,900
Median rent: $1,923 · 47% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Labor force participation: 58.6%
Per Capita Income
$36,445
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.9%
Disability rate: 8.8%
How Salinas Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 33rd of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 116th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 146th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 166th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 121st of 188 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Salinas, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Salinas, CA?
The population of Salinas, CA is 161,993 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 32.1 years.
What is the median household income in Salinas?
The median household income in Salinas, CA is $89,150, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,445.
What is the poverty rate in Salinas?
The poverty rate in Salinas, CA is 14.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Salinas residents have a college degree?
15.5% of adults (25+) in Salinas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 62.4% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Salinas?
The median home value in Salinas, CA is $610,900. Median rent is $1,923 per month, with 47% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Salinas?
Salinas's population is 21.8% White, 1.4% Black, 80.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Salinas rank among California cities?
Salinas is the 33rd largest city in California by population, the 116th highest for median household income, the 146th lowest for poverty rate, the 166th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Salinas?
The unemployment rate in Salinas, CA is 4.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 58.6%. Per capita income is $36,445.
Cities Similar to Salinas
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.