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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Monterey County: the median home is valued at $723,100. Monterey County is a county in California with a population of 435,834. It ranks #21 among counties in California by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $94,486, above the US median of $78,538. About 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $723,100, with typical rent around $1,995.
College attainment is above the local norm at 27.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.1%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Monterey County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
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.