Located on the southern end of the Monterey Peninsula, Marina is a city of nearly ten square miles. Most of the waterfront is protected as public parkland, and most development is landward of the coastal dunes and U.S. Highway 1. Marina is adjacent to the former Fort Ord military installation and is planned for infill growth. Located near the beach, the community owns the former military airport.
The Monterey City government takes pride in engaging the community. There are various boards that oversee the city's public affairs, including the Historical Preservation Commission, Board of Library Trustees, Museums and Cultural Arts Commission, Neighborhood Improvement Program (NCIP), and Parks and Recreation Committee. Additionally, the city holds Town Hall meetings and participates in neighborhood meetings. There are over a hundred miles of public streets.
While Monterey, CA has a low poverty rate, the majority of its residents are not considered impoverished. The median age of Monterey residents is 37.8 years, and there is no evidence that the city's population is getting younger. While a few groups are growing older, the median age is still lower than the national average. In 2019, the city's residents accounted for 37.9% of its population. Among the foreign-born population, the most common countries of origin were Mexico, Philippines, China, and Vietnam.
In addition to the number of foreign-born residents, the population in Monterey City has an average percentage of people with a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, there are 131 pilots and 56 other airmen who live in this city. However, the population of the city is lower than the state average, and there are more single-person households than two-person households. The overall population of this city is comprised of diverse populations, with many residents from a wide range of backgrounds.