Monterey County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in California
The population of Monterey County, California is 435,834 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in California. The median household income is $94,486, the median home value is $723,100, and the median age is 35.3.
The population of Monterey County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (416,358 → 436,251), a +0.33% annualized rate.
435,834
Population
+0.33%
Annual growth
133
People / sq mi
$94,486
Median Income
$723,100
Median Home Value
Monterey County covers 3,282 sq mi of land at 132.8 people per square mile.
About Monterey County, CA
Monterey County is a county in California with a population of 435,834. It ranks #21 among counties in California by population. The median age is 35.3, younger than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Monterey County is $94,486, above the US median of $74,580. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $723,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,995. The homeownership rate of 52.3% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Monterey County reflects 27.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.4 minutes each way.
Monterey County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Monterey County had a population of 416,358 in 2010 and 436,251 in 2024, a 4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 440,506 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.34%.
436,251
Population (2024)
416,358
Population (2010)
440,506
Peak (2020)
0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 416,358 |
| 2011 | 420,379 |
| 2012 | 424,222 |
| 2013 | 426,163 |
| 2014 | 427,985 |
| 2015 | 430,178 |
| 2016 | 433,436 |
| 2017 | 433,803 |
| 2018 | 433,359 |
| 2019 | 433,380 |
| 2020 | 440,506 |
| 2021 | 439,245 |
| 2022 | 436,427 |
| 2023 | 435,637 |
| 2024 | 436,251 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
35.3
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
14.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.4% · Seniors (65+): 14.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $94,486$-1,848 vs state |
| Mean household income | $128,334 |
| Per-capita income | $39,523 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Monterey County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.2% of workers.
How residents commute
1.3%
Drive alone
2.9%
Carpool
70.0%
Public transit
9.1%
Work from home
25.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$723,100+$27,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,995
Median rent
52.3%
Homeownership rate
144,659
Total housing units
91.3%
Occupied
8.7%
Vacant
47.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.1%
With health insurance
97.1%
With broadband internet
13.5%
Foreign-born
4.5%
Veterans (18+)
9.4%
With a disability
44.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
73.3%
High School+
27.9%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Monterey County, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Monterey County, California has a population of 435,834 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in California. Population density is 133 people per square mile.
The population of Monterey County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (416,358 → 436,251), a +0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Monterey County, California is $94,486, with mean (average) household income of $128,334 and per-capita income of $39,523. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Monterey County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (36.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Black or African American (2.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Monterey County, California is 35.3 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Monterey County is $723,100 and median monthly rent is $1,995. 52.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 144,659 total housing units, 8.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Monterey County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Monterey County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.