Santa Monica, CA Census Data
The 88th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Santa Monica is the 88th largest city in California by population and ranks 61st of 188 for median household income. With 91,535 residents, its poverty rate of 11.6% 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
91,535
48.3% male · 51.7% female
Median Age
42.9
4.2 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$109,739
$31,201 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
68.9%
33.9% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 94.8%
Poverty Rate
11.6%
0.8% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.2%
Broadband Access
96.1%
6.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$1,810,200
Median rent: $2,338 · 29% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Labor force participation: 63.5%
Per Capita Income
$82,534
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.6%
Disability rate: 9.7%
How Santa Monica Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 88th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 61st of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 114th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 12th of 188 | Top 10% |
| Highest Home Value | 7th of 188 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Santa Monica, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Santa Monica, CA?
The population of Santa Monica, CA is 91,535 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 42.9 years.
What is the median household income in Santa Monica?
The median household income in Santa Monica, CA is $109,739, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $82,534.
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%. About 4.2% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Santa Monica residents have a college degree?
68.9% of adults (25+) in Santa Monica hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 94.8% 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 Santa Monica?
The median home value in Santa Monica, CA is $1,810,200. Median rent is $2,338 per month, with 29% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Santa Monica?
Santa Monica's population is 66.9% White, 4.9% Black, 16.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 9.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Santa Monica rank among California cities?
Santa Monica is the 88th largest city in California by population, the 61st highest for median household income, the 114th lowest for poverty rate, the 12th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Monica?
The unemployment rate in Santa Monica, CA is 6.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 63.5%. Per capita income is $82,534.
Cities Similar to Santa Monica
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.