Census ACS · #124 MSA
Salinas Metro Area
The Salinas, Ca Metropolitan Statistical Area has 435,834 residents. The median household income is $94,486 and the median home value is $723,100.
435,834
Population
133
People / sq mi
$94,486
Median Income
$723,100
Median Home Value
The Salinas CBSA covers 3,282 sq mi of land at 132.8 people per square mile.
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 36.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
Economy & Income
$94,486
Median Household Income
$39,523
Per Capita Income
9.2%
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Unemployment
Cost of Living
The Salinas metro's price level is 109.0 on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (US average = 100), meaning prices are 9.0% higher the US average. The local median income of $94,486 has the buying power of $86,651 in average-priced US metros.
109.0
Price Level (US = 100)
$86,651
COL-Adjusted Median Income
$94,486
Nominal Median Income
Housing
$723,100
Median Home Value
$1,995
Median Rent
52.3%
Homeownership
Education
73.3%
High School+
27.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.3%
Drive Alone
9.1%
Work From Home
25.4 min
Avg Commute
13.5%
Foreign Born
Salinas spans this state
Nearby metros
Largest cities in California
Largest counties in California
Part of California
Other metros
Metro areas in California
Metro rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
The Salinas, Ca Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of 435,834 according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates, making it the #124 largest CBSA in the US.
The median household income in the Salinas metro area is $94,486, with a per capita income of $39,523.
The Salinas, Ca CBSA spans the state of California.
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More from California
Data for the Salinas, Ca CBSA (41500) from the American Community Survey 5-Year estimates. Core-Based Statistical Areas combine cities, suburbs, and surrounding counties tied together by commuting patterns.
Homeownership is the standout figure in Salinas: 52.3% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 435,834 residents, Salinas is a metro area in CA.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US metro areas: median income is $94,486, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $723,100, with typical rent around $1,995.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US metro areas: 27.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.