Salinas, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Salinas, California is 161,993 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest city in California. The median household income is $89,150, the median home value is $610,900, and the median age is 32.1.
The population has grown 6.6% since 2010 (150,887 → 160,783).
161,993
Population
6889
People / sq mi
$89,150
Median Income
$610,900
Median Home Value
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Salinas covers 23.5 sq mi of land at 6889 people per square mile.
About Salinas, CA
Salinas is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 5.6% of the population. Salinas is a city in California with a population of 161,993. It ranks #33 among cities in California by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $89,150 — above the US median of $78,538. Roughly 11.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $610,900, with typical rent around $1,923.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 15.5%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 4.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Salinas city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Salinas city had a population of 150,887 in 2010 and 160,783 in 2024, a 6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 163,393 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.46%.
160,783
Population (2024)
150,887
Population (2010)
163,393
Peak (2020)
0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 150,887 |
| 2011 | 152,412 |
| 2012 | 153,815 |
| 2013 | 154,958 |
| 2014 | 155,717 |
| 2015 | 156,244 |
| 2016 | 156,830 |
| 2017 | 156,463 |
| 2018 | 155,647 |
| 2019 | 155,465 |
| 2020 | 163,393 |
| 2021 | 162,859 |
| 2022 | 161,270 |
| 2023 | 160,548 |
| 2024 | 160,783 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 21.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$89,150
Median Household Income
$28,813
Per Capita Income
11.6%
Poverty Rate
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$610,900
Median Home Value
$1,923
Median Rent
47.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
62.4%
High School+
15.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.9%
Drive Alone
72.7%
Public Transit
4.3%
Work From Home
26.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
5.6%
Foreign Born
28.0%
Non-English at Home
2.9%
Veterans
8.8%
With Disability
87.4%
Health Insurance
97.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 19.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.5% |
| Construction | 7.3% |
| Manufacturing | 5.3% |
| Public Administration | 4.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.3% |
| Retail Trade | 4.0% |
| Information | 2.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
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City rankings
Common questions about Salinas, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Salinas, California has a population of 161,993 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest city in California.
The median household income in Salinas, California is $89,150, with 11.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Salinas, California is $610,900, with median monthly rent at $1,923 and a homeownership rate of 47.0%.
The median age in Salinas, California is 32.1 years. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The population has grown 6.6% since 2010 (150,887 → 160,783).
Salinas city, CA Climate
Salinas city, CA has an average annual temperature of 14.4°C (58°F) and receives about 402 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is September and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.4°C
Avg Temp
402
Precip (mm/yr)
Sep
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10° / 51° | 76 mm |
| February | 12° / 53° | 67 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 65 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 31 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 5 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 3 mm |
| July | 17° / 63° | 2 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 2 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 7 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 20 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 60 mm |
| December | 10° / 50° | 64 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 Salinas city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Salinas city, CA are typically September, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is September (around 25°C high). The coldest is December (near 4°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.