California · Metropolitan Area
Pismo Beach is a small city in California with a population of 8,024. Residents earn $112,913 per year, which is 50% above the national average.
Based on current data, Pismo Beach receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Pismo Beach offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Pismo Beach is $112,913, which is significantly higher than the national average — 50% above $75,149. This places Pismo Beach among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
The median home value in Pismo Beach is $992,900, making it a premium housing market at 252% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,298 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.8x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Violent crime in Pismo Beach is below the national average at 329 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,893 per 100,000, 150% above the national average.
Pismo Beach is a highly educated community — 50.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Pismo Beach enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 89.5% |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 10.5% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $112,913 |
| 50% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $74,035 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,179 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $98,019 |
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% 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 | 0.77% |
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Work from Home | 16.9% |
| Census Median | $992,900 |
| 252% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,094,397 |
| Median List Price | $1,774,000 |
| Median List Price | $1,774,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $687 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.5% |
| Price Drops | 27.3% |
| Inventory | 33 |
| Census Median Rent | $2,298 |
| 98% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,286 |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.77% |
| Obesity | 25.0% |
| 22% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.1% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.5% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,206/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,220 |
| Total Violent | 328.7/100K |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 25.3/100K |
| Robbery | 101.1/100K |
| Assault | 202.3/100K |
| Total Property | 4,892.5/100K |
| 150% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 2,048.0/100K |
| Theft | 2,680.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 164.4/100K |
| Arson | 25.3/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 59.1°F |
| 9% above US avg | |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 62°F (17°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 17.9 inches |
| 53% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 51 ft (16 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,293/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.1532°N, 120.6739°W |
| County FIPS | 06079 |
Winner: Democrat by 10.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 50.1% |
| 49% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.6% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 2,293/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.5 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 24 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 25 |
| 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 | 20.2 min |
| Work from Home | 16.9% |