Monterey at a Glance
| Region |
California Central Coast |
| Residents |
28,285 |
| Parks |
35 |
| Beaches |
3 |
| Golf Courses |
2 |
| Sports Center |
1 |
| Community Centers |
4 |
| Trees |
15 landmark trees, Tree City USA 30+ years |
| Libraries |
2 |
| Schools |
K-12, College, Graduate 10 + |
| Conference Center |
1 |
| Discovered and Named |
1602 |
| Founded |
1770 |
| First Incorporated |
1850 |
| Adopted Present Charter |
1925 |
| Elevation |
0 to 683 feet |
| Land Area |
8.62 square miles |
| Water Area |
3.47 square miles |
| Average Mean Temperature |
56.5º F |
| Miles of City Streets |
106 |
Community Profile
Location
Monterey is approximately 115 miles south of San Francisco and 350 miles north of Los Angeles. Monterey is on the central California coast, just minutes away from Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach.
History
Monterey was founded on June 3, 1770 and incorporated on May 30, 1850. Monterey served as California's first capital and hosted California's first Constitutional Convention in historic Colton Hall, where on October 13, 1849, our original state constitution was signed. In the 1930's and 40's, Monterey became the center of a thriving fishing industry and the sardine capital of the world. Today, a smaller commercial fishing fleet continues to operate from the City's harbor marina at Wharf 2.
Military Presence
Due to its strategic location, Monterey has historically been a key military outpost. While military needs have changed since the Presidio of Monterey was first established, the presence of the Defense Language Institute, the Naval Postgraduate School and Fleet Numerical continues Monterey's legacy of military tradition.
Form of Government
Monterey is a Charter City which operates under a City Council/City Manager governmental structure.
Size
Monterey covers 8.62 square miles and has a population of 27,810; population increases to nearly 70,000 during the tourist season. Visit the Area Statistics tab for details.
Area Statistics
Monterey is a small residential city with a diverse population. Monterey's first residents were Native Americans and later Spanish explorers, Mexican settlers, American merchants, Japanese and Italian fisherman.
Population: 28,285
Median Age: 36.9
Source: US Census 2015 data
Median Household Income: $66,166
Education: 50.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Source: Housing Programs Office research
Employment
Labor Force:16,100
Employed: 14,800
Unemployed: 1,800
Unemployment Rate: 8.1%;
Source: State of California Employment Development Department 2011
Housing
Housing: 13,584
Own Home: 35.8%
Rentals: 64.2%
Source: US Census 2010 data
While housing costs tend to be slightly higher in Monterey than other areas, the City of Monterey also has several affordable housing programs which aim to meet the needs of low, moderate, and workforce-income level households.For more information regarding these programs, please contact Housing and Property Management at (831) 646-3995.
Additional Resources
Monterey County website
US Census Bureau
State of California website
Weather
Monterey's mild year-round climate and beautiful scenery attract tourists to the area throughout the year.
- mild, temperate weather year round
- cool summer months
- warm "Indian Summer" weather in the fall
- average summer temperature is 59.5 degrees
- average yearly rainfall is 18.33 inches
Weather Resources