California · Metropolitan Area
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town in California with a population of 3,186. Residents earn $115,729 per year, which is 54% above the national average.
Based on current data, Carmel-by-the-Sea receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $115,729, which is significantly higher than the national average — 54% above $75,149. This places Carmel-by-the-Sea among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $2,000,001, making it a premium housing market at 609% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,933 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 17.3x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a highly educated community — 76.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Carmel-by-the-Sea enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 87.3% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 12.7% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $115,729 |
| 54% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $87,422 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,180 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,133 |
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 15,844 |
| County GDP | $38,345M |
| Restaurants | 1,118 |
| Healthcare | 1,013 |
| Retail | 1,276 |
| Manufacturing | 284 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,044 |
| 158% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.45% |
| Commute Time | 11.2 min |
| Work from Home | 15.7% |
| Census Median | $2,000,001 |
| 609% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $2,325,094 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,933 |
| 152% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $4,292 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,044 |
| 158% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.45% |
| Obesity | 24.3% |
| 24% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 6.3% |
| Heart Disease | 3.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.9% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 3.4% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 12.7% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 9.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,114/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,013 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 49 |
| Annual Average | 56.8°F |
| 5% above US avg | |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 20.4 inches |
| 46% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.3 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 207 ft (63 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,006/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5529°N, 121.9219°W |
| County FIPS | 06053 |
Winner: Democrat by 29.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 76.0% |
| 126% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.8% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 3,006/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 15 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 15 |
| Public Libraries | 28 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,013 |
| Restaurants | 1,118 |
| Retail Stores | 1,276 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 49 |
| Avg Commute | 11.2 min |
| Work from Home | 15.7% |