Salinas, CA

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

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    2024 Population
    437,613
    US Senator
    Alex Padilla
    Democratic Party
    US Senator
    Adam Schiff
    Democratic Party
    2024 Median Age
    35.5
    0.567% 1-year increase
    2024 Poverty Rate
    12.7%
    1.2% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $97,230
    2.9% 1-year growth
    2024 Median Property Value
    $781,000
    8.01% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    186,765
    0.384% 1-year growth

    About

    None of the households in Salinas, CA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    79.5% of the residents in Salinas, CA are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in Salinas, CA are Naval Postgraduate School (2,422 degrees awarded in 2024), Hartnell College (2,164 degrees), and California State University-Monterey Bay (2,115 degrees).

    In 2024, the median property value in Salinas, CA was $781,000, and the homeownership rate was 52.1%.

    Most people in Salinas, CA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 25.4 minutes. The average car ownership in Salinas, CA was 2 cars per household.

    About the photo: Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur
    Photo by Greg Balzer
    United StatesCalifornia

    Population & Diversity

    Salinas, CA is home to a population of 438k people, from which 79.5% are citizens. As of 2024, 29.6% of Salinas, CA residents were born outside of the country (130k people).

    In 2024, there were 1.42 times more Other (Hispanic) residents (167k people) in Salinas, CA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 118k White (Non-Hispanic) and 50.7k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    79.5%
    2024 Citizenship
    80%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 79.5% of Salinas, CA residents were US citizens, which is lower than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Salinas, CA was 80%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Salinas, CA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Diversity

    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Salinas, CA
    1. Other (Hispanic)
      167k ± 3.83k
    2. White (Non-Hispanic)
      118k ± 484
    3. Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)
      50.7k ± 3.58k
    61.6%
    Hispanic Population
    269k people

    In 2024, there were 1.42 times more Other (Hispanic) residents (167k people) in Salinas, CA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 118k White (Non-Hispanic) and 50.7k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    61.6% of the people in Salinas, CA are hispanic (269k people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Salinas, CA as a share of the total population.

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    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the MSA level, so we are showing data for California.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Mexico
      3,877,888 ± 45,899 people
    2. Philippines
      827,719 ± 22,100 people
    3. China
      695,724 ± 20,296 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of California was Mexico, the natal country of 3,877,888 California residents, followed by Philippines with 827,719 and China with 695,724.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    29.6%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    130k people
    28.8%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    125k people

    As of 2024, 29.6% of Salinas, CA residents (130k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Salinas, CA was 28.8%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Salinas, CA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      4,127 ± 343
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      3,360 ± 461
    3. Gulf War (1990s)
      1,921 ± 358

    Salinas, CA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.23 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Salinas, CA.

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    Health

    90.4% of the population of Salinas, CA has health coverage, with 38.3% on employee plans, 29.6% on Medicaid, 9.81% on Medicare, 11.3% on non-group plans, and 1.42% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in California see 1,233 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,233 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1076 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 213 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.7% were men and 50.3% were women.

    Coverage

    Patient to Clinician Ratios

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for California.
    1,233 to 1
    Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in California

    Primary care physicians in California see an average of 1,233 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,233 patients).

    The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in California in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

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    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 28% under 18 years, 21.1% between 18 and 34 years, 35.7% between 35 and 64 years, and 15.2% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.7% were men and 50.3% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    9.57%
    Uninsured
    38.3%
    Employer Coverage
    29.6%
    Medicaid
    9.81%
    Medicare
    11.3%
    Non-Group
    1.42%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Salinas, CA declined by 3.77% from 9.94% to 9.57%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Salinas, CA changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Economy

    The economy of Salinas, CA employs 187k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Salinas, CA were Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (26,627 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (21,968 people), and Educational Services (18,232 people), and the highest paying industries were Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($116,250), Finance & Insurance ($102,798), and Public Administration ($86,733).

    Employment

    Occupations

    187k
    2024 Value
    ± 3,628
    0.384%
    1 Year growth
    ± 2.76%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Salinas, CA grew at a rate of 0.384%, from 186k employees to 187k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Salinas, CA, are Farming, Fishing, & Forestry Occupations (19,378 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (17,023 people), and Management Occupations (16,486 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Salinas, CA.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for California.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in California (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    187k
    2024 Value
    ± 3,628
    0.384%
    1 Year growth
    ± 2.76%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Salinas, CA grew at a rate of 0.384%, from 186k employees to 187k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Salinas, CA, are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (26,627 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (21,968 people), and Educational Services (18,232 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Salinas, CA, though some of these residents may live in Salinas, CA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $50,454
    Median earning men ± $1,073
    $40,108
    Median earning women ± $1,124

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($101,381), Public Administration ($96,917), and Information ($81,439).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Public Administration ($77,718), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($62,854), and Information ($61,808).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for California.
    Y-Axis
    2.57%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 17.9M people employed in California. This represents a 2.57% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 14%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in California.

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    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 690
      Construction
    2. 589
      Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
    3. 536
      Retail Trade

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $1.44M
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    2. $722k
      Accommodation and Food Services
    3. $691k
      Retail Trade

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in California went to Kamala Harris with 58.5% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (38.3%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1.25%).

    Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff are the senators currently representing the state of California. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    California is currently represented by 51 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for Salinas, CA. Showing the available data for California.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Kamala Harris (58.5%)
      Democratic Party
    2. Donald J. Trump (38.3%)
      Republican Party
    3. Robert Kennedy (1.25%)
      Independent Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in California went to Kamala Harris with 58.5% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (38.3%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1.25%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in California for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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    Senator Elections

    US Senators from California

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for California.
    Alex Padilla
    Senator from California3
    Assumed office on January 20, 2021
    Appointed to the seat following the resignation of Kamala Harris, who had become Vice President of the United States.
    Adam Schiff
    Senator from California1
    Assumed office on December 8, 2024
    Elected to the seat to succeed Laphonza Butler, who had been appointed to the seat following the death of Dianne Feinstein.

    Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff are the senators currently representing California.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in California over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in Salinas, CA awarded 8,652 degrees. The student population of Salinas, CA in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 14,612 male students and 15,517 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in Salinas, CA are Hispanic or Latino (4,367 and 52.5%), White (2,736 and 32.9%), Asian (403 and 4.84%), and Two or More Races (296 and 3.56%).

    The largest universities in Salinas, CA by number of degrees awarded are Naval Postgraduate School (2,422 and 28%), Hartnell College (2,164 and 25%), and California State University-Monterey Bay (2,115 and 24.4%).

    The most popular majors in Salinas, CA are Liberal Arts & Sciences (1,501 and 17.3%), General Business Administration & Management (638 and 7.37%), and General Psychology (420 and 4.85%).

    The median tuition costs are $48,184 for private four year colleges, and $6,084 and $18,684 respectively, for public four year colleges for in-state students and out-of-state students.

    Admissions & Enrollments

    Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

    University
    Measure

    In 2024 in Salinas, CA, the percentage of applicants admitted was 97.4%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 9.76%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 30,129 (48.5% men and 51.5% women).

    The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    Universities

    In 2024 there were 30,129 students enrolled in Salinas, CA, 48.5% men and 51.5% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in Hispanic or Latino with 17,676 records, of which 57% were women and 43% men.

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    Completions

    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. Liberal Arts & Sciences
      449 degrees awarded
    2. General Business Administration & Management
      197 degrees awarded
    3. General Psychology
      170 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Associates Degree recipients in Salinas, CA was Liberal Arts & Sciences with 449 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Associates Degree from schools in Salinas, CA according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    1. Naval Postgraduate School
      2,422 degrees awarded
    2. Hartnell College
      2,164 degrees awarded
    3. California State University-Monterey Bay
      2,115 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Naval Postgraduate School with 2,422 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    University

    In 2024, 4,266 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Salinas, CA, which is 0.973 times less than the 4,386 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was Hispanic or Latino students. These 4,367 degrees mean that there were 1.6 times more degrees awarded to Hispanic or Latino students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, White, with 2,736 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Tuition

    Average Net Price by Sector

    Universities

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($48,184) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Public, 4-year or above ($1,695) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Public, 2-year ($938) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Salinas, CA was $781,000 in 2024, which is 2.35 times larger than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $723,100 to $781,000, a 8.01% increase. The homeownership rate in Salinas, CA is 52.1%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Salinas, CA have an average commute time of 25.4 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Salinas, CA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    Housing

    Property

    $781,000
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$13,801
    $68,993
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$1,767

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Salinas, CA the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Salinas, CA compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    52.1%
    Homeownership
    2024
    70.1%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 52.1% of the housing units in Salinas, CA were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 52.3%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Salinas, CA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $97,230
    Median Household Income
    ± $1,883
    132k
    Number of Households
    ± 2,877

    In 2024, the median household income of the 132k households in Salinas, CA grew to $97,230 from the previous year's value of $94,486.

    The following chart displays the households in Salinas, CA distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $200k+ range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Salinas, CA is from California.
    0.493
    2024 Wage GINI in California
    0.495
    2023 Wage GINI in California

    In 2024, the income inequality in California was 0.493 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.424% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for California was higher than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed less evenly in California in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in California across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (70.3%)
    2. Carpooled (9.87%)
    3. Worked At Home (9.85%)

    In 2024, 70.3% of workers in Salinas, CA drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (9.87%) and those who worked at home (9.85%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    25.4 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Salinas, CA have a shorter commute time (25.4 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.94% of the workforce in Salinas, CA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Salinas, CA compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Salinas, CA distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Salinas, CA have 2 cars.

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    Poverty

    Poverty & Diversity

    12.7% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Salinas, CA (53.6k out of 421k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 25 - 34, followed by Females 35 - 44 and then Males 6 - 11.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Salinas, CA is Hispanic, followed by Other and White.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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