Salinas, CA—93908
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Salinas, CA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Salinas, CA is $1,151,000, with a year-over-year change of -0.7%. This indicates that home prices in Salinas, CA are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.5%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $1,151,000 | -0.7% |
| Single Family | $1,167,000 | -0.5% |
| Condos | $785,000 | -2.4% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $852,000 | -2.2% |
3 Bed | $1,072,000 | -0.5% |
4 Bed | $1,250,000 | -0.2% |
| 5 Bed | $1,437,000 | -0.5% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Salinas, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Salinas, CA is $4,170, with a year-over-year rent change of 3.5%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Salinas, CA is 1-bedrooms: $2,000, 2-bedrooms: $3,580, 3-bedrooms: $4,250, 4-bedrooms: $5,750. The most common rental property sizes in Salinas, CA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 36.5% and 33.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $4,000 | $4,170 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $3,300 | $3,580 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $4,000 | $4,250 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $5,000 | $5,750 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Salinas, CA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Salinas, CA is 68. This is a increase of 1.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market about the same amount of time than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 9.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $1,260,000 | -2.0% |
Listing Count | 43 | 13.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.7% | 13.0% |
Days on Market | 68 | 1.0% |
Demographics — Salinas, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Salinas, CA has a population of 12,500, which has increased by 3.5% over the past 5 years. Salinas, CA is a popular place for families, as children make up 25.8% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 56.3% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 14.6% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 12,500 | 3.5% |
% Under 18 | 25.8% | 29.6% |
% Seniors | 19.4% | -20.5% |
% WFH | 14.6% | 82.5% |
% w/ College Degree | 56.3% | 18.0% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Salinas, CA is a predominantly white area, with 58.3% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 11.1% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Salinas, CA is hispanic, making up 29.4% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 12.1% of the population in Salinas, CA, and this percentage has decreased by 10.4% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 58.3% | -11.1% |
% Black | 0.2% | -60.0% |
% Hispanic | 29.4% | 13.5% |
% Asian | 7.6% | 18.8% |
% Foreign Born | 12.1% | -10.4% |
Mortgage and Risk — Salinas, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 136 mortgage originations in Salinas, CA, of which 93.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 47.0%, with 5.0% above 90% LTV (normal). This implies small mortgage risk in Salinas, CA. Investor activity is low, as 1.0% of loans were by investors. 12.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 136 |
% Conventional Loans | 93.0% |
% Government Loans | 7.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 12.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Salinas, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Salinas, CA under the Section 8 program is 1.4%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. In Salinas, CA, all tracked home sizes have HUD payment amounts above market rent, suggesting strong Section 8 opportunity across the board.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 17 |
Total Units Section 8 | 17 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 1.4% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 74.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,200 |
| 2 Bedroom | $590 | $3,300 | $3,890 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,400 | $4,000 | $5,400 |
| 4 Bedroom | $940 | $5,000 | $5,940 |
Affordability — Salinas, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 6.5 |
| Median Home Price | $1,151,000 |
| Median Household Income | $165,000 |