Salinas is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 151,060. The city developed in the 19th century as an Anglo response to the predominantly Italian fishing community Monterey.
Salinas' economy is largely based upon agriculture. Located in one of California's richest farming regions, the area produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, including lettuce, strawberry, watermelons, broccoli, carrots, cabbages, and spinach.
Salinas was also the birthplace of writer John Steinbeck. The recently revitalized historic downtown is home to the National Steinbeck Center.
Salinas is located at 36°41'2" North, 121°38'35" West (36.683859, -121.643128).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 49.2 km2 (19.0 mi2). 49.2 km2 (19.0 mi2) of it is land and none of it is covered by water. It has some mountains and rivers through it.
As of the census of 2000, there are 151,060 people, 38,298 households, and 30,025 families residing in the city. The population density is 3,068.1/km2 (7,948.4/mi2). There are 39,659 housing units at an average density of 805.5/km2 (2,086.8/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 51% Hispanic, 45.16% White, 3.27% African American, 1.26% Native American out of which 49.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% are married couples living together, 14.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 21.6% are non-families. 17.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.66 and the average family size is 4.07.
In the city the population is spread out with 32.0% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 15.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 28 years. For every 100 females there are 113.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 117.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $43,720, and the median income for a family is $44,667. Males have a median income of $35,641 versus $27,013 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,495. 16.7% of the population and 12.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.1% of those under the age of 18 and 9.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Salinas is known as the "Salad Bowl of the World," and for good reason. Over 80% of the lettuce grown in the United States is grown in the Salinas Valley.
Source:
SalinasCalifornia.com
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