| City: | Carmel By The Sea, California |
| City Alias: | Carmel, Carmel By The |
| County: | Monterey County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:51:19 PM |
| Population: | 2,956 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 831 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.5547, -121.9217 |
| Land Area: | 0.952 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a compact coastal village covering just 0.11 square miles along California's Monterey Peninsula. With a population of 2,956 and a median age of 62.9, this is one of the state's most affluent retirement communities. Median home values reach $2 million. The village's 2,844 housing units include 1,049 seasonal or occasional-use properties, making up 37% of all homes. This vacation-home character, combined with the aging population, creates unique postal patterns.
The post office maintains 2,362 PO Boxes for just 1,610 occupied housing units. That's 1.47 boxes per household. The PO Box adoption rate exceeds local need because seasonal homeowners maintain year-round boxes, and the village's status as a regional arts and tourism center draws box holders from nearby communities. Many of Carmel's historic cottages and courtyards lack conventional street addresses, making PO Boxes the practical choice.
Despite its PO Box classification, the village does have street delivery. Two city carrier routes and one rural route serve parts of the community, though 616 ZIP+4 records remain designated as PO Box type. The postal data shows only a single street name (5th St) with 370 delivery records, many of which include secondary units (LOT, UNIT designators) typical of the village's cottage courts and small-lot subdivisions.
Carmel's demographics tell the story of wealth and education. Among residents 25 and older, 75.2% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. Per capita income is $74,610, with median household income at $87,457. The population is 89% White, with smaller percentages of Hispanic (29% of total), Asian (3%), and other backgrounds. Only 30 residents are under 18. This isn't a place where families raise children. It's where successful professionals retire to a coastal enclave they've visited for decades.
Addresses may use "CARMEL BY THE SEA," "CARMEL BY THE," or simply "CARMEL" as the city name. All three are valid mailing aliases. Given the high PO Box adoption and the village's unique addressing, a PO Box is often the most reliable option, though street delivery is available for some locations.
Postal data shows only 5th St with 370 records, many including LOT and UNIT designators typical of cottage courts.
ZIP Code 93921 has 2,956 residents and 1,610 households (average 1.82 persons per household). The median age is 62.9 years, significantly older than the state (37.5) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 44.8% male and 55.2% female, which is lower than the state male share (49.4%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (88.8%, much higher than the state average of 41.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 6.0%, which is much lower than the state average (39.4%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 2,956Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,459Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 3,105.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $87,457Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,610Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $2,000,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.82Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.22Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 3,118 | 2,864 | 3,169 | 3,164 | 3,355 | 3,407 | 3,485 | 3,379 | 3,316 | 2,951 | 2,564 | 2,469 | 2,459 |
| Decennial Census | 3,281 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2,956 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 62.9
Male Median Age: 62.9
Female Median Age: 62.9
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 30 | 24 | 32 | 71 | 31 | 37 | 39 | 45 | 42 | 50 | 82 | 117 | 108 | 136 | 155 | 127 | 97 | 100 |
| Female | 29 | 39 | 53 | 66 | 40 | 31 | 57 | 50 | 51 | 62 | 110 | 130 | 172 | 191 | 187 | 156 | 121 | 88 |
| Total | 59 | 63 | 85 | 137 | 71 | 68 | 96 | 95 | 93 | 112 | 192 | 247 | 280 | 327 | 342 | 283 | 218 | 188 |
| White: | 2,626 | 88.21% |
| Black: | 13 | 0.44% |
| Hispanic:* | 176 | 5.91% |
| Asian: | 93 | 3.12% |
| American Indian: | 16 | 0.54% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.07% |
| Other: | 51 | 1.71% |
| Total: | 2,977 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,323 | 44.76% | 62.9 years |
| Females: | 1,633 | 55.24% | 62.9 years |
| Total: | 2,956 | 100% | 62.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 2,000 | 81.33% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 40 | 1.63% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 173 | 7.04% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 246 | 17.04% |
| Total Population: | 2,459 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 2,040 | 82.96% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 419 | 17.04% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $87,457, which is considerably higher than the national median ($78,538), is up $10,890 (14.2%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $10,856. Family households earn a median of $142,763 versus $58,080 for nonfamily households (a difference of $84,683). By gender, male median income is $155,476 and female is $76,250, which is considerably higher than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $79,226 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 41.7%, which is markedly below the state rate (63.9%). The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is much lower than the state rate (6.4%). The largest occupation group is Management (65.3%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $76,567 | $59,803 | $66,231 | $62,230 | $76,058 | $81,875 | $88,065 | $91,313 | $98,313 | $93,234 | $93,693 | $118,472 | $87,457 |
| Median Family Income | $98,889 | $98,393 | $107,094 | $90,887 | $103,720 | $102,321 | $109,667 | $131,364 | $145,714 | $154,365 | $159,737 | $180,417 | $142,763 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $31,898 | $34,667 | $24,702 | $26,000 | $31,417 | $44,901 | $46,833 | $51,774 | $53,063 | $51,477 | $53,633 | $57,064 | $58,080 |
| Median Male Income | $60,078 | $72,554 | $73,333 | $65,216 | $62,050 | $70,288 | $63,636 | $87,862 | $90,000 | $78,816 | $94,489 | $152,823 | $155,476 |
| Median Female Income | $57,337 | $58,231 | $58,125 | $50,494 | $50,625 | $52,475 | $59,063 | $54,756 | $54,869 | $104,726 | $76,447 | $83,750 | $76,250 |
| Employed: | 946 | 39.97% |
| Unemployed: | 40 | 1.69% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 1,381 | 58.34% |
| Total: | 2,367 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 618 | 65.33% |
| Service: | 118 | 12.47% |
| Sales and Office: | 191 | 20.19% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 19 | 2.01% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 946 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $2,000,001, which is much higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $1,000,000 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $457,301. The median gross rent is $2,980, which is far above the national median ($1,348), is up $1,308 (78.23%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $774. Of occupied housing, owners make up 52.65% (30.94% with a mortgage, 69.06% free-and-clear) and renters 47.35% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 50.00%, which is considerably higher than the state rate (7.55%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $1,000,001 | $1,000,001 | $1,000,001 | $1,000,001 | $1,165,800 | $1,221,200 | $1,317,200 | $1,370,100 | $1,542,700 | $1,617,500 | $1,646,400 | $1,966,500 | $2,000,001 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 14 | 2.03% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 81 | 11.76% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 48 | 6.97% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 94 | 13.64% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 112 | 16.26% |
| $3,000 or more: | 340 | 49.35% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 689 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,672 | $1,190 | $1,616 | $1,622 | $1,745 | $1,998 | $2,040 | $2,083 | $2,206 | $2,230 | $2,285 | $2,705 | $2,980 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 237 | 16.29% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 529 | 36.36% |
| Renter Occupied: | 689 | 47.35% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,455 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,455 | 50.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 1,455 | 50.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,910 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 2,552 | 87.70% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 327 | 11.24% |
| Other Units: | 31 | 1.07% |
| Total Housing Units: | 2,910 | 100% |
In 2023, 75.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.00%), well above both the state and national averages. High school or higher is 99.70%, which is markedly above the state rate (84.60%). The uninsured rate is 0.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 61.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.70%), down 5.50 percentage points since 2011. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (48.33%). College enrollment is 11.67%, which is on par with the state rate (30.00%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 1 | 0.04% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 7 | 0.30% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 138 | 5.88% |
| Some college, no degree: | 298 | 12.71% |
| Associate's degree: | 138 | 5.88% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 1,061 | 45.25% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 702 | 29.94% |
| Total: | 2,345 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 2,337 | 99.66% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 1,763 | 75.18% |
| Private Insurance: | 1,643 | 51.96% |
| Public Insurance: | 1,500 | 47.44% |
| No Insurance: | 19 | 0.60% |
| Total: | 3,162 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 3,143 | 99.40% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 5.5% | 7.3% | 4.9% | 5.1% | 4.1% | 2.7% | 3.2% | 3.9% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 23 | 19.17% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 25 | 20.83% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 58 | 48.33% |
| College or graduate school: | 14 | 11.67% |
| Total: | 120 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 23 | 19.17% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 83 | 69.17% |
ZIP Code 93921 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 304 business establishments, employing about 2,871 people with an annual payroll of $144,196,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 2,932Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 304Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $37,234,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $144,196,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 2,871Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 93921 is located in Monterey County, California, within the Salinas, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 41500) and California's 19th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 435,834 people, about 0.68% of whom live in ZIP Code 93921. It covers 0.952 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Salinas, CASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 41500Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 435,834Source: Census |
| MSA: | Salinas, CA MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 0.952 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 19Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 915.34 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | --Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 93921 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on January 1, 2026.