Monterey, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Monterey, California is 29,772 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 271st-largest city in California. The median household income is $104,110, the median home value is $1,003,300, and the median age is 37.1.
The population has grown 4.0% since 2010 (27,908 → 29,015).
29,772
Population
3444
People / sq mi
$104,110
Median Income
$1,003,300
Median Home Value
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Monterey covers 8.6 sq mi of land at 3444 people per square mile.
About Monterey, CA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Monterey: the median home is valued at $1,003,300. Monterey is a city in California with a population of 29,772.
The typical household earns $104,110 a year, above the US median of $78,538. About 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $1,003,300, with typical rent around $2,288.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US cities — 54.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. A solid 20.5% of workers are based at home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Monterey — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Monterey city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Monterey city had a population of 27,908 in 2010 and 29,015 in 2024, a 4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 30,196 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.30%.
29,015
Population (2024)
27,908
Population (2010)
30,196
Peak (2020)
0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,908 |
| 2011 | 28,246 |
| 2012 | 28,750 |
| 2013 | 28,600 |
| 2014 | 28,549 |
| 2015 | 28,496 |
| 2016 | 28,568 |
| 2017 | 28,411 |
| 2018 | 28,170 |
| 2019 | 28,178 |
| 2020 | 30,196 |
| 2021 | 29,885 |
| 2022 | 29,666 |
| 2023 | 29,273 |
| 2024 | 29,015 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.0% |
| Black or African American | 3.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$104,110
Median Household Income
$62,541
Per Capita Income
8.0%
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$1,003,300
Median Home Value
$2,288
Median Rent
37.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
93.9%
High School+
54.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
3.2%
Drive Alone
58.3%
Public Transit
20.5%
Work From Home
18.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
36.3%
Foreign Born
76.1%
Non-English at Home
7.3%
Veterans
10.9%
With Disability
93.9%
Health Insurance
97.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 16.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 15.1% |
| Public Administration | 7.6% |
| Information | 6.9% |
| Construction | 6.0% |
| Manufacturing | 5.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.0% |
| Retail Trade | 2.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.2% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Monterey, California has a population of 29,772 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 271st-largest city in California.
The median household income in Monterey, California is $104,110, with 8.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Monterey, California is $1,003,300, with median monthly rent at $2,288 and a homeownership rate of 37.9%.
The median age in Monterey, California is 37.1 years. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The population has grown 4.0% since 2010 (27,908 → 29,015).
Monterey city, CA Climate
Monterey city, CA has an average annual temperature of 13.4°C (56°F) and receives about 729 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is September and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.4°C
Avg Temp
729
Precip (mm/yr)
Sep
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11° / 51° | 145 mm |
| February | 11° / 53° | 126 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 116 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 53 mm |
| May | 14° / 56° | 11 mm |
| June | 15° / 59° | 5 mm |
| July | 15° / 60° | 3 mm |
| August | 16° / 61° | 2 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 10 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 36 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 106 mm |
| December | 11° / 51° | 116 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Monterey city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Monterey city, CA are typically August, September and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is September (around 21°C high). The coldest is December (near 6°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Monterey
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.