California · Metropolitan Area
Morro Bay is a small city in California with a population of 10,717. Residents earn $92,553 per year, which is 23% above the national average.
Based on current data, Morro Bay receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Morro Bay has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Morro Bay is $92,553, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Morro Bay is $864,900, making it a premium housing market at 207% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,820 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.3x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
The violent crime rate of 475 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,225 per 100,000, near the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Morro Bay enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 86.9% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 13.1% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $92,553 |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $59,411 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,179 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $98,019 |
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 11,662 |
| County GDP | $24,505M |
| Restaurants | 1,072 |
| Healthcare | 1,220 |
| Retail | 1,084 |
| Manufacturing | 473 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.88% |
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |
| Census Median | $864,900 |
| 207% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $937,491 |
| Median List Price | $822,450 |
| Median List Price | $822,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $677 |
| Homes Sold | 18 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.6% |
| Price Drops | 23.8% |
| Inventory | 21 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,820 |
| 56% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,502 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.88% |
| Obesity | 26.1% |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.1% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 69.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,206/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,220 |
| Total Violent | 475.5/100K |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Murder | 9.5/100K |
| 51% above US avg | |
| Rape | 19.0/100K |
| Robbery | 9.5/100K |
| Assault | 437.4/100K |
| Total Property | 2,225.2/100K |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 475.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,645.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 104.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 59.5°F |
| 10% above US avg | |
| January Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 62°F (17°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 17.0 inches |
| 55% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1 ft (0 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,007/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3668°N, 120.8683°W |
| County FIPS | 06079 |
Winner: Democrat by 10.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 46.4% |
| 38% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.9% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 2,007/sq mi |
| Total Area | 5.3 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 17 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,220 |
| Restaurants | 1,072 |
| Retail Stores | 1,084 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 20.8 min |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |