King City is a friendly community located in Monterey County, California. Situated on the Salinas River and near the picturesque southern Salinas Valley of the California Central Coast, King City is known for beautiful mountain views, a quaint historical downtown, tree-lined streets, the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds and annual Salinas Valley Fair, and its thriving agriculture area. But that’s not it, as the city is also an attraction for history, literature, and adventure travelers. Living in King City offers a spare suburban feel with spectacular sunsets and gorgeous parks.
The city was initially called “Hog Town” because of the passel of semi-wild hogs roaming the stubble fields. Then, it was named after its founder, Charles King, who came here in 1884, purchased 13,000 acres of the Spanish land grant and founded the city. It was first called Kings, then became known as the City of King, and later simply King City.
King City Population & Demographics
King City, CA is home to a population of 13,845 people, of which 51% are males, followed by 49% females. The city has a population density of 3,646.4 people per square mile, and the median age here is 28.4. Households in King City, CA have an average annual income of $50,174, about two-thirds of the amount in California ($78,672). But its average household income grew at an 18.4% increase in the past 2 years. The racial demographics in King City are diverse, with 88% Hispanic (Whites and Others), 9% Whites (non-Hispanic), and 1% Asians and Blacks each.
King City is a very safe place to live! The crime rate in King City is almost 60% lower than the California crime rate and over 50% lower than the US crime rate. The crime rate is 1,179 total crimes per 100,000 population with a 1 in 85 chance of being a victim of crime. While living in King City, you will be served by the King City Police Department with 17 officers or 1.2 officers per 1,000 population.
Some famous people born in the city include Eldon Dedini, George Taylor Morris, and Jim Mankins.
Cost of Living in King City, CA
The King City cost of living is 10% higher than the national average. However, how affordable the city is depends on multiple factors, including your income, career, the real estate market, and more. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are almost similar to the countrywide average, while healthcare, housing, and goods & services costs are slightly on a higher end.
The average home price in King City is $489,000, about two-thirds of the amount in California. The real estate market is trending up 12.4% year-over-year. To get an idea of what you can get with your budget, check out homes for sale in King City, CA.
Planning to rent an apartment after moving to King City, CA? The city’s average apartment rent is around $1,235/month. But the final rent cost depends on its location, quality, and size.
King City’s Everyday Living Expenses:
- Average Energy Bill per family: $260.15/month
- Doctor’s visit: $148
- 1 gallon of Gas: $3.24
- Carton of Eggs: $1.78
- Loaf of Bread: $3.32
- 1 gallon of Milk: $2.27
- Bunch of Bananas: $3.28
Best Neighborhoods in King City, CA
Where are the best places to live in King City? It depends on your preference and needs. The city has many safe and affordable neighborhoods with gorgeous homes and friendly sub-communities. The residents can enjoy scenic evenings and plenty of greenery since the area is surrounded by mountains and agriculture.
Let’s look at some of the best places to live in King City, CA:
Wondering how far King City, CA is from Salinas, CA? The distance from King City to Salinas is 47 miles, about a 47-minute drive northeast.
King City, CA Weather & Climate
King City has a semi-arid climate, despite bordering on a Mediterranean climate. The weather gets warm and mostly dry in summers, while its winters are cool, wet, and partly cloudy. The temperature typically varies from 41°F to 86°F and is rarely above 93°F or below 33°F throughout the year.
The city offers all four seasons to its residents. The wettest month in King City is February, with an average rainfall of 3.5 inches. So, don’t forget to bring an umbrella if you’re planning to move here during that month.
The city receives no snowfall throughout the year. Still, you should add some warm clothes to your luggage, as there are 16.8 days annually when the nighttime temperature steeps below freezing.
The weather is usually pleasant during summers with spectacular sunsets, while slightly comfortable in winters. So, the best time to visit King City for warm-weather activities is from July to September.
Things to do in King City, CA
King City, CA is home to many tourist attractions, offering a myriad of outdoor and historical fun activities for kids and adults alike. Check out the top things to do in King City that’ll keep you busy and entertained all year long.
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is a geological marvel that offers an ancient volcanic field, hiking, caves, and condors. This exciting park gives hikers a close-up view of the rock formation, making it an increasingly popular destination for residents and tourists worldwide.
California 95043, (831)-389-4485
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Salinas Valley Fairgrounds
There is always something fun going on here, and for a good reason. Salinas Valley Fairgrounds is home to the annual Salinas Valley Fair, the King City Fall Carnival, SVF & MCCA Ranch Rodeo, and several events year-round. They have excellent events for the school kids too!
625 Division St, King City, CA 93930, (831)-385-3243
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King City Cinemas
King City Cinemas is a sure-hit place to take your family on weekends. It features a 3-screen theater with a digital projector and a snack bar filled with foods that kids and adults always want!
200 Broadway St #28, King City, CA 93930, (831)-385-9100
Other Major Attractions in King City, CA
There are plenty of places to go shopping in King City, too, including King City Center, Safeway, and El Pueblo Market.
Get access to the city’s event calendar and stay updated about its far-reaching festivals.
King City, CA Restaurants
Here comes the yummy part of the blog – places to eat in King City, CA!
The Cork & Plough
The Cork & Plough is a local American restaurant featuring excellent food, great drinks, and a pleasant ambiance. Do your taste buds a favor and stop here to eat because this restaurant is a must-try!
200 Broadway St, King City, CA 93930, (831)-386-9491
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Guadalajara Restaurant
Guadalajara Restaurant features quaint outdoor seating in Downtown with authentic Mexican food. You don’t want to miss their carne asada tacos, enchiladas, and tortillas, that’s for sure!
211 Broadway St, King City, CA 93930, (831)-385-4606
Tacos La Potranca De Jalisco
Looking for an affordable but delicious place to eat in King City? Head to Tacos La Potranca De Jalisco and enjoy the mouth watering Mexican street foods served on a small roadside grill!
201 Broadway St, King City, CA 93930, (831)-385-7500
Jobs in King City, CA
What are the top jobs in King City, CA? If you’re looking for employment after moving to King City, you can find a variety of job openings here. The average salary here is $50,174 or $18.29/hour, about two-thirds of the amount in California ($78,672).
Since agriculture is the leading industry in King City, the most common jobs are Farming, Fishing & Forestry Occupations, followed by Sales & Related Occupations and Office & Administrative Support Occupations.
The highest paid jobs held by the residents are Law Enforcement Workers, Healthcare Providers, and Protective Service Occupations. Some of the top employers in King City, CA include AT&T, Safeway, Starbucks, and McDonald’s.
Looking to explore job opportunities before relocating to King City, CA? You can search for jobs in King City on indeed.
King City, CA Schools
King City is home to some of the top-rated public schools based on multiple measures, including equity and academic performance. The city is served by King City Union School District, operating a total of 16 schools, including Santa Lucia Elementary School, Chalone Peaks Middle School, and King City High School.
If you love reading books, you can visit King City Branch Library and enjoy learning in a comfortable environment with friendly staff.
King City, CA Statistics & Information
- County: Monterey
- Monterey zip code: 93930
- Area code: 831
- Time zone: UTC-8 (Pacific)
- Area: 3.95 square miles
- Elevation: 335 feet
- Closest airport: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), 60 miles away
King City, CA Map
Find more fun things to do and yummy restaurants with the city’s map.
Pros and Cons of Living in King City, CA
Pros:
- Vast cultural diversity
- Lots of young population
- Gorgeous outdoor views
- More affordable than other cities in California
Cons:
- Less variety of stores
- Long distance to the nearest major airport
Wondering how living in King City, CA, near the glorious mountains actually feels? Contact the top-rated King City movers and enjoy the stress-free relocation. Call Southbay Movers today to get a free, personalized moving quote!
