Salinas, CA—93901
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 $759,000, with a year-over-year change of -1.0%. This indicates that home prices in Salinas, CA are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.1%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $759,000 | -1.0% |
| Single Family | $771,000 | -1.0% |
| Condos | $477,000 | -1.6% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $617,000 | -0.8% |
3 Bed | $767,000 | -1.3% |
4 Bed | $851,000 | -1.2% |
| 5 Bed | $921,000 | -1.4% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Salinas, CA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Salinas, CA is $2,730, with a year-over-year rent change of 12.8%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Salinas, CA is studios: $1,690, 1-bedrooms: $1,970, 2-bedrooms: $2,680, 3-bedrooms: $3,840, 4-bedrooms: $4,300. The most common rental property sizes in Salinas, CA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 41.8% and 27.6% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,500 | $2,730 |
| Studio Rent | $1,600 | $1,690 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,950 | $1,970 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,650 | $2,680 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $3,800 | $3,840 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $4,200 | $4,300 |
% 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 37. This is a decrease of -12.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 21.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $799,000 | -7.0% |
Listing Count | 38 | 1.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 1.0% |
Days on Market | 37 | -12.0% |
Demographics — Salinas, CA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Salinas, CA has a population of 29,500, which has increased by 6.0% over the past 5 years. Salinas, CA is a popular place for families, as children make up 25.6% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 28.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 6.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 29,500 | 6.0% |
% Under 18 | 25.6% | 1.2% |
% Seniors | 16.1% | 16.7% |
% WFH | 6.1% | 74.3% |
% w/ College Degree | 28.7% | 18.6% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Salinas, CA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 61.8% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has grown by 6.6% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Salinas, CA is white, making up 29.9% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 22.0% of the population in Salinas, CA, and this percentage has decreased by 9.1% 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 | 29.9% | -8.6% |
% Black | 1.6% | 0.0% |
% Hispanic | 61.8% | 6.6% |
% Asian | 5.7% | 7.5% |
% Foreign Born | 22.0% | -9.1% |
Mortgage and Risk — Salinas, CA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 240 mortgage originations in Salinas, CA, of which 82.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 59.0%, with 26.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Salinas, CA. Investor activity is low, as 3.0% of loans were by investors. 15.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 240 |
% Conventional Loans | 82.0% |
% Government Loans | 18.0% |
% Investor Loans | 3.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 15.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Salinas, CA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Salinas, CA under the Section 8 program is 19.6%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Salinas, CA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,106 |
Total Units Section 8 | 1,086 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 19.6% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 76.5% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $390 | $1,950 | $2,340 |
| 2 Bedroom | $170 | $2,650 | $2,820 |
| 3 Bedroom | $10 | $3,800 | $3,810 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$50 | $4,200 | $4,150 |
Affordability — Salinas, CA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 7.7 |
| Median Home Price | $759,000 |
| Median Household Income | $91,600 |