Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salinas, CA
Thinking of moving to Salinas, CA? With a population of 163,542, Salinas offers a vibrant, diverse community and a mild coastal climate with over 70% sunny days each year. Median home prices are around $609,000, and average rents are $1,850, reflecting California's higher cost of living. The city features relatively short commutes (25 minutes on average), two major hospitals, and access to local colleges. While crime rates are higher than average, Salinas is known for its agricultural roots, family-friendly amenities, and convenient access to beautiful Central Coast attractions.
Demographics - Salinas, CA
Demographics - Salinas, CA
Salinas is home to about 163,500 residents, with a youthful median age of 32 and a densely populated urban environment. The city boasts a rich multicultural identity, with over three-quarters of the population identifying as 'Other' and 58% speaking a language other than English at home, making it a dynamic and diverse place to live.
Population:
163,542
Density:
6,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
58.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
14.6%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
6.5%
Others:
77.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salinas, CA?
The cost of living in Salinas is notably higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 146.5 and median home values around $609,000. Residents can expect to pay about $1,850 in monthly rent and face elevated expenses for groceries, housing, and transportation, common to many California cities.
Median House Value:
$609,000
Gross Rent:
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.5
Grocery:
120.8
Housing:
180.6
Utilities:
113.4
Transportation:
126.9
Health Care:
116.2
Miscellaneous:
110.3
Crime
Is Salinas, CA a safe place to live?
Salinas experiences higher crime rates compared to national averages, with residents facing a 1 in 198 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 47 chance of property crime. While safety is a concern, many neighborhoods offer active community programs and resources to support residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
504
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,122
Crime Index:
2,626
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 198
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Salinas, CA year-round?
Salinas enjoys a mild coastal climate with winter lows around 40°F and summer highs in the mid-70s, along with about 71% sunny days each year. The city receives moderate rainfall, making it comfortable for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Salinas is about $74,400, and the community is characterized by a strong working-class presence and a poverty rate of 13.2%. Most residents have a high school diploma, and the average commute is 25 minutes, with limited reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$57,100
Household Income:
$74,419
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,600
Income Male:
$30,900
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
58.3%
Rent:
$1,850
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
60.9%
Bachelors or More:
10.8%
Education
How are the schools in Salinas, CA?
Salinas supports a robust educational infrastructure, featuring several large public high schools and Hartnell College, which enrolls 17,000 students locally. Nearby, California State University Monterey Bay offers additional higher education opportunities just 18 miles away, making the area suitable for families and students alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Salinas High School
Street:
726 S Main St
Phone:
831-796-7400
Students:
2,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1
Name:
Alisal High School
Street:
777 Williams Rd
Phone:
831-796-7600
Students:
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame High School
Street:
455 Palma Dr
Phone:
831-751-1850
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Hartnell College
City:
Salinas
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
California State University Monterey Bay
City:
Seaside
State:
CA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
7,600
Healthcare
Salinas offers accessible healthcare with two major hospitals—Salinas Valley Health Medical Center and Natividad Medical Center—providing emergency and general medical services. The city has a physician-to-population ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 and a high rate of health insurance coverage at over 90%.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Salinas Valley Health Medical Center
Address:
450 E Romie Ln, Salinas, CA 93901
Phone:
(831) 757-4333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Natividad Medical Center
Address:
1441 Constitution Blvd, Salinas, CA 93906
Phone:
(831) 755-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salinas, CA?
The housing market in Salinas is competitive, with a median home price of $609,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,150. Homeownership rates are below half, and rental vacancies are low, reflecting steady demand and continued appreciation in property values.
Median Home Price:
$609,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 260 E Laurel Dr, offering convenient access for licensing and vehicle registration needs. Residents can reach the DMV by phone or online for appointments and information.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
260 E Laurel Dr, Salinas, CA 93906
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.