Monterey County becomes first Blue Zone county in California

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) - Monterey County has become the first county within California to achieve the certified Blue Zones community designation.

The project aims to optimize environments in ways that make healthy choices more accessible for people to live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Monterey County's overall community well-being score improved by 3.7 points since 20-19

Also, residents who report they are thriving in their daily life rose 13%.

In 2025, Monterey County experienced 7.4% fewer health and well-being risks per capita than expected if the community had followed state trends since the project's launch. 

The risk reduction equates to over $392 million in avoided medical and lost productivity costs over six years.

While the county is the first in California to receive this distinction, the city of Salinas reached this milestone in 2024.