Monterey County, CA Property Records
Property records in Monterey, California provide important details about real estate, including ownership history, assessed values, parcel numbers, property tax information, legal descriptions, and recorded documents such as deeds or transfers. These records are useful for buyers, sellers, homeowners, researchers, and professionals who need to verify property ownership, review tax assessments, confirm parcel boundaries, or understand a property’s transaction history.
Official Monterey property records are maintained primarily by Monterey County offices, including the Assessor and the Clerk-Recorder. Users can access parcel and assessment information through the county’s online resources, including the official Monterey property records page. For recorded documents such as deeds, liens, and other filings, users may need to contact or search through the Monterey County Clerk-Recorder’s office. These official sources provide the most reliable and current property information for Monterey and surrounding areas within the county.
Monterey County, CA Property Records & Statistics
Monterey County has a median rent of $1,602.50, above the California median of $1,260 and nearly double the national median of $840.25. Renter-occupied housing accounts for 46.42% of occupied homes, well above the state's 33.49% and more than twice the national 21.81%.
The median home value is $642,000, higher than the state median of $403,775 and more than three times the national median of $173,750. The median property tax rate of 0.63% is lower than the state's 0.69% and the national 0.74%, so the rate is light even as values are high.
Median household income is $87,088, above the state's $78,109.75 and the national $65,108. The unemployment rate of 2.46% is below both the state's 3.72% and the national 2.87%.
Altogether, the figures describe a costly, renter-heavy county with strong incomes, low unemployment, and a lower property tax rate than the state and nation.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Monterey
Monterey County property records cover tax assessments, recorded deeds and mortgages, valuations, and foreclosure filings. The county has 134,840 total parcels, with tax records covering 90.27% of the population, plus 550,026 deed records and 429,439 mortgage records. Valuation data is available for 82,252 properties, last updated August 19, 2025.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 134,840 |
| Residential Parcels | 109,188 |
| Commercial Parcels | 7,235 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 90.27% |
| Assessment Year | 2025 |
| Deed Records | 550,026 |
| Mortgage Records | 429,439 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 82,252 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Trustee Sale Records | 147,531 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records show what happens to a mortgage after it is recorded. An assignment documents a loan moving from one lender to another, and a release documents that the loan was satisfied and the lien lifted.
Monterey County has 283,718 assignment and release records, including 47,234 assignment documents, 235,972 release documents, and 512 other documents. Assignments were recorded from August 24, 2000, through September 4, 2025, and releases from October 22, 1986, through September 4, 2025.
The long date range helps researchers study older loans. Buyers, owners, and title researchers can use these records to confirm that earlier mortgages were released, trace loans between lenders, and find liens that may remain open.
How to Search Monterey County, CA Property Records
Monterey County property records are handled by the Monterey County Assessor/Clerk/Recorder, which holds assessment data and recorded documents for the county's 134,840 parcels. Deeds and mortgages are available from January 3, 1989 through September 2, 2025.
The Monterey County official records search is the tool for finding deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents. The Assessor/Clerk/Recorder page describes the office's services, and the forms page provides forms for requests and recording.
To search, have an owner name, property address, or parcel number ready. Accept the terms on the search page, enter your details, and open the document that matches the property, noting the recording date and document type.
The office is at 168 West Alisal Street, Salinas, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call 831-755-5041 for assistance.
Property values can be checked through the Assessor's Property Inquiry search, and tax bills are paid through the Tax Payment Options page.
Monterey Registrar of Deeds
The Monterey County Probate Office is located at 168 West Alisal Street, Salinas, CA, 93901 and can be reached at 831-755-5041. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Records can be accessed through montereycountyca-web.tylerhost.net or the official website co.monterey.ca.us.
Monterey County Assessor/Clerk/Recorder
Monterey County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Monterey County property records by address?
Use the Monterey County official records search to look up recorded documents. If an address search is not productive, try the owner's name, or call the Assessor/Clerk/Recorder at 831-755-5041 for help locating the parcel.
How can I find property owners in Monterey County?
Owners are named on recorded deeds. Search the official records search by name or property and open the latest deed. The county holds 550,026 deed records back to January 3, 1989. For help, call 831-755-5041.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Monterey County?
The Assessor's Property Inquiry search shows ownership, tax rate area, assessed values and exemptions by fee parcel number or assessment number. By statute it cannot be searched by name or address.
Where can I find Monterey County property tax bills and payment records?
The Treasurer-Tax Collector explains how to pay on its Tax Payment Options page, where you will need the 12-digit fee number. If you cannot find it, call the Tax Collector at 831-755-5057.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Monterey County?
Search the official records search for deeds, mortgages, and other recorded instruments. For requests and recording details, see the forms page or the electronic recording page.
Where can I access Monterey County parcel maps and GIS information?
Assessor map pages are explained on the Assessor's Mapping page, and the county's GIS / Maps page hosts the Parcel Report web app, which reports parcel address, land use and zoning from an APN. GIS data can differ from the official assessment roll.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Monterey County?
The Housing and Community Development GIS / Maps page includes the Parcel Report, which shows zoning for an APN, and land use plan maps for each area. For a property inside a city, contact that city's planning or building department.
How can I create a list of property owners in Monterey County?
The county's search tool is built for single-property lookups. Gather owners from deeds one parcel at a time with the official records search. For a bulk request, call the office at 831-755-5041 to ask what is available and what fees apply.