Are you moving to Pajaro, CA? Pajaro is a small town about 3 miles east of Monterey Bay. It got its name from Spanish explorers in the 1700s who named the river that borders Pajaro the Rio Del Pájaro (River of the Bird). The river is now called the Pajaro River. Pajaro has long been an agricultural and farming town with friendly residents, local wineries, and nearby beaches.
Where Is Pajaro, CA?
Pajaro is a census-designated place (CDP) in Monterey County, California, situated along the southern bank of the Pajaro River. Pajaro is about 50 miles south of downtown San Jose and 110 miles south of San Francisco. Pajaro is bordered by Watsonville to the northwest. Las Lomas is about 5 miles south.
Bus service in Pajaro is provided by the Monterey-Salinas Transit system. The Monterey County Rail Extension project is expected to add a Pajaro/Watsonville hub in Watsonville that will serve Pajaro and Watsonville. This station will connect to the existing rail line between Salinas and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pajaro CA Map
Check out this map of Pajara CA for more info.
Pajaro Population & Demographics
If you’re looking for a family-friendly city, you’ll find it in Pajaro. Over 70% of the population here has children living in their home, so the streets are filled with kids running around and parents pushing strollers. It’s considered a small town that’s close-knit, and there are many immigrants and migrant farm workers. In 2023, the levee of the river broke, which flooded the town, putting the entire town underwater. They have since recovered.
Pajaro has seen a lot of growth. The population of Pajaro CA is 8,882 as of the 2020 census, up from 3,070 in 2010. The population density is 3100/sq mi.
Pajaro CA Demographics
- Female vs male population: 47.3% female, 52.7% male
- Median age: 26.5
- Racial and ethnic composition:
-
- White 36.0% (3% White, Non-Hispanic)
- Black or African American 2.6%
- American Indian and Alaska Native 3.4%
- Two or More Races 9.5%
- Other 48.5%
- Hispanic or Latino 95.2%
- Median household income: $58,529
- Educational attainment: high school graduate, 61.43%, bachelor’s degree or higher, 7.0%.
- Foreign-born population: 35.0%
Is Pajaro CA Safe?
The violent crime rate in Pajaro is 13% higher than the national average, and the property crime rate is 25% higher. However, this is concentrated in certain areas. Those living in Pajaro say it is a safe place to live. Pajaro is served by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Things to Do in Pajaro CA
You can find some fun and interesting things to do in the area surrounding Pajaro, CA. You’ll also find convenient shopping at Pajaro Plaza and local shops in downtown Pajaro. Here are the best things to do in Pajaro:
Sunset State Beach
Most are looking for Pajaro dunes CA, and this is where you find them! Just 6 miles west of Pajaro is Sunset State Beach. The park features a wooded campground, a picnic area, a group campground, and 200-foot-high dunes. The beach is one of the best family friendly activities in Pajaro.
Sunset State Beach, Sunset Beach Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, (831) 763-7063
Pajaro Park
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Pajaro, check out this park! With a ton of space to run, a beautiful playground, and benches and tables to sit on, your entire family will be entertained.
Pajaro Park, 24 San Juan Rd, Pajaro, CA 95076, (831) 722-1389
Corralitos Brewing Company
Less than 5 miles northeast of Pajaro is Corralitos Brewing Company, where you can get a taste of local, fruited beer. All the beers created at Corralitos are locally sourced from handpicked, ripe fruit that is processed by hand to create beers with a unique and satisfying taste. Some of the favorites include apricot, raspberry, and wild honey.
Corralitos Brewing Company, 2536 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076, 831-728-2311
Additional Attractions Near Pajaro:
Still looking for things to do near Pajaro? The Watsonville Parks and Recreation team manages all of Pajaro. There are several parks in and around Pajaro, including Pajaro Park, Rodriguez Park, Berlanga Park, and Pajaro River Park, where locals enjoy biking and walking trails, baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more.
Pajaro Restaurants
Here are the top places to eat near Pajaro CA:
El Nopal Bakery
If you’re looking for delicious bread and other Mexican pastries, you won’t want to miss out on El Nopal Bakery. This is a local favorite with countless 5-star reviews.
El Nopal Bakery, 103 Salinas Rd, Pajaro, CA 95076, (831) 722-2233
Miyuki Japanese Restaurant
View this post on Instagram
Miyuki has featured authentic Japanese cuisine since 1982. The extensive sushi menu offers a wide array of skillfully made sushi, including nigiri, maki, spicy, oshi, and vegetable rolls, as well as savory sashimi.
Miyuki Japanese Restaurant, 452 E Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076, (831) 728-1620
Average Rent & Homes for Sale in Pajaro CA
Renters make up about 74% of the residents in Pajaro CA. Rentcafe estimates average rent is $2,215 a month, and the average apartment size is 672 square feet. By comparison, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,313.
The median price of a home in Pajaro is $653,000, down 34.7% since last year, which means it’s a great time to buy one of the Pajara CA homes for sale! Check out homes for sale Pajaro Dunes CA.
Jobs in Pajaro, CA
The average salary in Pajaro CA is $49,632. You’ll find that most work in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, health care and social assistance, and accommodation and food services.
Largest employers in Monterey County CA:
Pajaro CA Schools
Pajaro is served by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. The nearest schools are J W Linscott Elementary, Pajaro Middle, and Oasis High. Private schools in the area include Potters House Community Christian, and Green Valley Christian.
The nearest and most affordable college is Gavilan College in Gilroy. The tuition at the school is $1,104 per year. Gavilan College is about 11 miles from Pajaro. The top-rated college in the area is Stanford University in Stanford.
The Pajaro Branch Library serves the Pajaro area.
Pajaro CA Statistics & Information
- County: Monterey
- Area: 0.929 square miles
- Summit zip code: 95076
- Area code: 831
- Elevation: 26 feet
- Time zone: UTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
- Closest airport: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY / KMRY), 26 miles away
Are you prepared for moving to Pajaro? Give our movers in Pajaro a call at 831-786-5537 today for a free moving quote!
