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Soledad, California | |
|---|---|
| City of Soledad | |
.jpg) .jpg) .JPG) Clockwise:Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad; Soledad High School; Mission Soledad. | |
 Location inMonterey County and the state ofCalifornia | |
  Soledad Location in the United States Show map of the United States Soledad Soledad (California) Show map of California | |
| Coordinates:36°25′29″N121°19′35″W / 36.42472°N 121.32639°W /36.42472; -121.32639 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Monterey |
| Incorporated | March 9, 1921[1] |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Anna Velazquez[2] |
| • State senator | John Laird (D)[3] |
| • Assemblymember | Robert Rivas (D)[3] |
| • U. S. rep. | Zoe Lofgren (D)[4] |
| Area | |
• Total | 4.65 sq mi (12.0 km2) |
| • Land | 4.46 sq mi (11.6 km2) |
| • Water | 0.19 sq mi (0.49 km2) 4.09% |
| Elevation | 190 ft (58 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 24,925 |
| • Density | 5,588.6/sq mi (2,157.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code | 93960 |
| Area code | 831 |
| FIPS code | 06-72520 |
| Website | cityofsoledad |
Soledad (Spanish for "Solitude") is a city inMonterey County, California, United States. It is in theSalinas Valley, 21 miles (34 km) southeast ofSalinas, thecounty seat.[6][8] Soledad's population was 24,925 at the2020 census,[7] down from 25,738 in2010. Soledad's origins started withMission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, founded by the Spanish in 1791, under the leadership ofFermín de Lasuén. Catalina Munrás began developing the town of Soledad on herRancho San Vicente in the 1860s, which eventually incorporated as a city in 1921. Today, Soledad is a notable tourist destination, owing to the heavily restored mission, its proximity toPinnacles National Park, and its numerous vineyards, as part of theMonterey wine region.
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TheChalon tribe of theOhlone nation ofindigenous Californians have inhabited the area around Soledad for thousands of years. The Paraíso Hot Springs, west of Soledad, had long been used by the Chalon.
Soledad's history as a settlement began in 1791, when the Spanish foundedMission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, under the leadership of PadreFermín de Lasuén. Alongside the Spanish and the Chalon, theEsselen andYokuts people eventually came to reside in Soledad as well. However, unlike many othermissions in California, Soledad did not initially develop into a town outside of the mission.
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Noted artistEsteban Munrás came to the area in the 1820s, along with his wife Catalina Munrás. He was grantedRancho San Vicente in 1835 by GovernorJosé Castro, although he and his family resided inMonterey until his death in 1850. On his deathbed, Munrás told his dying wishes to his wife Catalina: that she should not sell Rancho San Vicente, but instead hold on to it and develop a town there when the right time came.
Catalina Munrás began to subdivide the rancho and develop a town in the 1860s, and donated land for the construction of a school, a church, and a cemetery. She later granted the right-of-way to theSouthern Pacific Railroad in 1872, which established a station in Soledad, allowing the town to emerge as an agricultural center.
Los Coches Adobe, built in the 1840s, became a popular stopover for people traveling on Southern Pacific trains between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The Soledad post office opened in 1869.[8] The Township of Soledad was created on February 6, 1876, by the Board of Supervisors of Monterey County, upgrading the settlement to an official town. In 1921, Soledad incorporated as a city.[8]
In 1898Fort Romie was founded just west of Soledad, but is today part of the community of Soledad. In the early 1900s, the Paraíso Hot Springs became a popular resort for travelers on Southern Pacific trains.[9]
Soledad is used as a backdrop inJohn Steinbeck's 1937 novelOf Mice and Men, a novella about the friendship of two men who find work on a farm in theSalinas Valley.
Soledad is located in central Monterey County at36°25′29″N121°19′35″W / 36.42472°N 121.32639°W /36.42472; -121.32639.[6] It is 8 miles (13 km) southeast ofGonzales and 9 miles (14 km) northwest ofGreenfield, both viaU.S. Route 101.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.65 square miles (12.0 km2), of which 4.46 square miles (11.6 km2) are land and 0.19 square miles (0.49 km2), or 4.09%, are water.[5] TheSalinas River flows to the northwest past the southernmost part of the city.
Soledad is 10 miles (16 km) by road southwest ofPinnacles National Park, nestled among the nearbyGabilan Range.
According to theKöppen Climate Classification system, Soledad has acool semi-arid climate (BSk) characterised by very warm, virtually rainless summers with cool mornings, and pleasant, wetter winters with occasional freezing mornings.[10]
| Climate data for Soledad, California | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 61.6 (16.4) | 63.5 (17.5) | 66.2 (19.0) | 70.0 (21.1) | 73.5 (23.1) | 76.5 (24.7) | 77.4 (25.2) | 78.4 (25.8) | 79.0 (26.1) | 75.3 (24.1) | 67.0 (19.4) | 61.2 (16.2) | 70.8 (21.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 40.6 (4.8) | 42.1 (5.6) | 43.4 (6.3) | 44.4 (6.9) | 47.8 (8.8) | 50.7 (10.4) | 52.9 (11.6) | 53.0 (11.7) | 51.9 (11.1) | 47.9 (8.8) | 43.3 (6.3) | 39.8 (4.3) | 46.5 (8.1) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 2.05 (52) | 1.92 (49) | 2.11 (54) | 0.57 (14) | 0.10 (2.5) | 0.05 (1.3) | 0.04 (1.0) | 0.06 (1.5) | 0.22 (5.6) | 0.46 (12) | 1.11 (28) | 1.40 (36) | 10.09 (256) |
| Source 1:[11] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2:[12] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 136 | — | |
| 1890 | 217 | 59.6% | |
| 1930 | 594 | — | |
| 1940 | 861 | 44.9% | |
| 1950 | 2,441 | 183.5% | |
| 1960 | 2,837 | 16.2% | |
| 1970 | 4,222 | 48.8% | |
| 1980 | 5,928 | 40.4% | |
| 1990 | 7,146 | 20.5% | |
| 2000 | 11,263 | 57.6% | |
| 2010 | 25,738 | 128.5% | |
| 2020 | 24,925 | −3.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[13] | |||
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The2020 United States census reported that Soledad had a population of 24,925. The population density was 5,588.6 inhabitants per square mile (2,157.8/km2). The racial makeup of Soledad was 19.0%White, 8.1%African American, 3.5%Native American, 2.4%Asian, 0.4%Pacific Islander, 52.0% fromother races, and 14.7% from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 79.4% of the population.[14]
The census reported that 76.1% of the population lived in households and 23.9% were institutionalized.[14]
There were 4,447 households, out of which 61.5% included children under the age of 18, 57.9% were married-couple households, 8.2% werecohabiting couple households, 22.1% had a female householder with no partner present, and 11.8% had a male householder with no partner present. 7.7% of households were one person, and 3.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 4.27.[14] There were 3,924families (88.2% of all households).[15]
The age distribution was 24.5% under the age of 18, 10.1% aged 18 to 24, 37.4% aged 25 to 44, 22.2% aged 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 161.1 males.[14]
There were 4,524 housing units at an average density of 1,014.3 units per square mile (391.6 units/km2), of which 4,447 (98.3%) were occupied. Of these, 57.7% were owner-occupied, and 42.3% were occupied by renters.[14]
In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $93,204, and theper capita income was $21,221. About 13.2% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line.[16]
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The2010 United States census[17] reported that Soledad had a population of 25,738. The population density was 5,637.5 inhabitants per square mile (2,176.7/km2). The racial makeup of Soledad was 12,625 (49.1%)White, 2,945 (11.4%)African American, 367 (1.4%)Native American, 757 (2.9%)Asian, 103 (0.4%)Pacific Islander, 8,189 (31.8%) fromother races, and 752 (2.9%) from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 18,308 persons (71.1%).
The Census reported that 15,635 people (60.7% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 10,103 (39.3%) were institutionalized.
There were 3,664 households, out of which 2,471 (67.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,387 (65.1%) wereopposite-sex married couples living together, 586 (16.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 291 (7.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 224 (6.1%)unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 30 (0.8%)same-sex married couples or partnerships. 301 households (8.2%) were made up of individuals, and 123 (3.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.27. There were 3,264families (89.1% of all households); the average family size was 4.41.
The population was spread out, with 5,674 people (22.0%) under the age of 18, 2,455 people (9.5%) aged 18 to 24, 10,126 people (39.3%) aged 25 to 44, 6,296 people (24.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,187 people (4.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 235.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 301.8 males.
There were 3,876 housing units at an average density of 849.0 units per square mile (327.8 units/km2), of which 2,092 (57.1%) were owner-occupied, and 1,572 (42.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.1%. 8,642 people (33.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 6,993 people (27.2%) lived in rental housing units.
The mean household income within the Soledad city limits was $58,841, and the median household income was $44,343. Roughly 7.8% of households were below the poverty line.
Socioeconomically, 31.8% of Soledad's households were considered upper middle income to upper income while 45.8% were considered lower middle income to upper middle income. Roughly 22.4% of households were considered lower income.
Soledad is seated at the heart of one of the most economically productive and technologically advanced agricultural regions in the world; hence, theSalinas Valley name, "Salad Bowl of the World." Agricultural companies working out of this region includeDole Fresh Vegetables,Tanimura & Antle Fresh Foods,Taylor Farms,D'Arrigo Brothers Inc.,Mann Packing Inc., Merrill Farms and Braga Farms.
Soledad's farmland is considered "Prime Farmland", meaning that the soils around and near the city have some of the best physical and chemical characteristics for farming. Due to this fact great efforts in conserving farmland are a very high priority for the city. Prime farmland is the backbone of the Soledad economy. Future planning will consider the effect ofurban sprawl amongst the farmlands. The climate also allows for year-round crops.
Dole Food Company maintains a plant in Soledad. Opened in 1994, it is touted as being the "world's largest pre-cut salad plant."[18]
As of 2007, Soledad features a weekly certifiedFarmers' Market on Soledad St.[19]
Soledad is located in one of the primary wine grape-growing regions of California with over twenty vineyards and wineries within a thirty-mile radius, several of which have tasting rooms and offer a wide selection of wines for sale. Some of the vineyards and wineries located nearby areChalone, Scheid, Paraiso Vineyards,Pisoni Vineyards, Hahn Estate, San Saba,J. Lohr,Kendall-Jackson, Ventana, Hess Select, Estancia, The Michaud Vineyard and Graff Family Vineyards.
Other notable wineries includeChalone Vineyard,Paraiso Springs Vineyards, Hahn Estate Winery, Zabala Vineyards, Richard Boyer Wines, and Ventana Vineyards. It was once the home of thePaul Masson Winery which is now closed.
Soledad is home to the Soledad Energy Partnership, operators of a wood-waste burning electric power plant. This 13.5 megawatt facility was restarted in July 2001 after a six-year shut-down due to termination of aPG&E purchase agreement. The plant was recommissioned during theCalifornia electricity crisis.
As of mid-2006, the plant was again closed. Several violations at the plant have been issued by theCalifornia Integrated Water Quality System Project. The plant was issued violations from 2002 to 2006 for various reporting and pollution allegations.
Television service for the community comes from the Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz designated market area (DMA). Radio stations Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz area of dominant influence (ADI) or continuous measurement market (CMM). Local newspapers include theMonterey County Herald,Salinas Californian andSoledad Bee.
In a 2013 Safe Cities report, Soledad was rated California's eleventh-safest city. Soledad was highly regarded for its sense of community and high amount of volunteerism.The 50 Safest Cities in California
Soledad was also rated the ninety-fourth-safest city out of one hundred cities nationwide in a 2014 Neighborhood Scout Report.[20]
Soledad Unified School District serves all of the Soledad city limits.[21] A large portion of unincorporated Soledad is also served byMission Union School District.[citation needed] Mission Union School District has a school with a Soledad address but outside of the city limits.[22]
Soledad High School is the primary high school in the area, there is also a continuation school known as Pinnacles High School. Soledad Main Street Middle School is the only middle school in the city and there are five different elementary schools in the area: Rose Ferrero Elementary School, Jack Franscioni Elementary School, Gabilan Elementary School, Frank Ledesma Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School.
Soledad is located onU.S. Route 101 and is accessible via northbound and southbound exit ramps on Front Street, at the north and south ends of town. It is the western terminus ofCalifornia State Route 146, which connects the city to nearbyPinnacles National Park.
Soledad is serviced by the Monterey-Salinas Transit line 23 (Salinas – King City). As of September 5, 2009, the bus stops in Soledad are located at the correctional facility, Front & San Vicente and Monterey & East.[23]
36825 Foothill Road Soledad, CA 93960
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| Counties | ||
| Major cities | ||
| Cities and towns 50k-100k | ||
| Cities and towns 25k-50k | ||
| Cities, towns, and census-designated places <25k | ||
| Ghost towns | ||
Municipalities and communities ofMonterey County, California,United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
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| Unincorporated communities |
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| CCDs | ||
| Ghost towns | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county | |
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| Other | |
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