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).
Where to stay in Salinas
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.