CaliforniaPop. 161,761Mid-size cities
Is Salinas a Good Place to Live? Salinas, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Salinas ranks #1206 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #233 of 256 mid-size cities and #167 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (9.7%, #240 of 241) and a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241).
Salinas by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Salinas's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Salinas?
Salinas's cost of living index is 109, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1098 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,991/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $748,418, 2% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Salinas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 109#1098 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $748,418#1031 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,501/mo#916 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $654,100#1124 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,991/mo#1089 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 7.1x#1158 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26%#1088 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Salinas housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Salinas is in the Salinas, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Salinas safe?
Salinas recorded 516 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% above the US rate of 373 and 17% above California's 440. That ranks #855 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #169 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Salinas Police Department. Property crime runs 1,490 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Salinas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 516#855 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,490#470 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Salinas?
The median household in Salinas earns $91,908, 20% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with California ($91,905). Unemployment is 9.7% (US 4.2%). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Salinas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $91,908#439 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 9.7%#1051 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.6%#772 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Salinas?
The median resident of Salinas is 32.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 16.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Salinas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 16.5%#1236 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 47% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Salinas's schools and health?
Salinas's 42 public schools graduate 81.6% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.5 students per teacher and $19,400 spent per pupil. 32.8% of adults are obese and 12.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Salinas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81.6%#841 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 22.5#1057 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,400#237 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.8%#596 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.4%#854 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 22.4%#1241 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 33,981 students are enrolled in Salinas's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Salinas?
The average commute in Salinas is 26.6 minutes (California 25.2); 0.7% of workers take transit and 4.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Salinas scores 14 of 20 (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 62.8°F and winters 52°F, with 12.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Salinas | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26.6 min#898 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.8%#903 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.2% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 4.3% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14#162 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62.3 | 41.6 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 63.3 | 42.9 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 65.5 | 44.5 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 67.1 | 46.4 | 1 |
| May | 68.3 | 50.3 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 70.3 | 52.9 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 70.7 | 55 | 0 |
| Aug | 72.4 | 55.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 54 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 73.7 | 49.6 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 67.7 | 44.4 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 61.6 | 40.6 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Salinas Airport.
| Measure | Salinas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 62.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 12.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Salinas Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Salinas?
Monterey County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Monterey County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | Salinas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.34%#1142 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Monterey County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Monterey County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.15% | 99% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0037% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.019% | 90% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 84% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Salinas compare with similar-size cities?
Salinas is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #233 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 161,761.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salinas, CAPop. 161,761 | #1206 | 44.7 | $91,908 | $1,991/mo | 516 | 26.6 min |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #563 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 | 26.7 min |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #1239 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 | 22.6 min |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #1168 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 | 25.5 min |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #82 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 | 28.4 min |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #775 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 | 25.5 min |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Salinas compare with the rest of California?
Salinas ranks #167 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 44.7 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn in line with the California median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | … #163 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 |
| Fresno, CAPop. 545,970 | #164 | 45.5 | $70,991 | $1,421/mo | 720 |
| Vallejo, CAPop. 124,268 | #165 | 45.3 | $90,171 | $2,073/mo | 778 |
| Watsonville, CAPop. 51,712 | #166 | 44.9 | $78,393 | $1,889/mo | 415 |
| Salinas, CAPop. 161,761 | #167 | 44.7 | $91,908 | $1,991/mo | 516 |
| El Cajon, CAPop. 104,449 | #168 | 44.0 | $67,511 | $1,856/mo | 457 |
| Antioch, CAPop. 116,477 | #169 | 43.8 | $97,465 | $2,278/mo | 762 |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #170 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 |
| Delano, CAPop. 51,679 | #171 | 43.4 | $67,010 | $1,199/mo | 331 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Salinas among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Salinas's score calculated?
Salinas scores 44.7 out of 100, #1206 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Salinas. Similar-size median 52.9.
26.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Salinas's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
63.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Salinas. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Salinas's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
47.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Salinas's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
40.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Salinas. Similar-size median 51.2.
55.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Salinas. Similar-size median 42.1.
17.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Salinas. Similar-size median 50.1.
37.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Salinas's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
36.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Salinas's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Salinas has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Salinas
Is Salinas, CA a good place to live?
Salinas ranks #1206 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #233 of 256 mid-size cities and #167 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (9.7%, #240 of 241) and a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Salinas?
Salinas's cost of living index is 109, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1098 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,991/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $748,418, 2% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Salinas?
Salinas recorded 516 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% above the US rate of 373 and 17% above California's 440. That ranks #855 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #169 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Salinas Police Department. Property crime runs 1,490 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Salinas?
The median household in Salinas earns $91,908, 20% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with California ($91,905). Unemployment is 9.7% (US 4.2%). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Salinas?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,991/mo (Census), #1089 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,501/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Salinas?
Zillow's typical home value in Salinas is $748,418, up 1.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $654,100.
How are the public schools in Salinas?
Salinas's 42 public schools graduate 81.6% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.5 students per teacher and $19,400 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Salinas?
The average commute is 26.6 minutes, #898 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Salinas?
Salinas averages 58.1°F over the year, 62.8°F in summer and 52°F in winter, with 12.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Salinas walkable?
Salinas scores 14 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Salinas at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Monterey County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Salinas?
Monterey County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Salinas?
Salinas has 161,761 residents. The median resident of Salinas is 32.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 16.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Salinas compare with the rest of California?
Salinas ranks #167 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 44.7 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn in line with the California median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Salinas?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Salinas's population of 161,761 are Murfreesboro, TN (#563 overall), Paterson, NJ (#1239 overall), Killeen, TX (#1168 overall), Alexandria, VA (#82 overall), and Lakewood, CO (#775 overall). Salinas is #1206.