Pajaro is an unincorporated community in Monterey County, California, United States. It is located on the south bank of the Pajaro River 5 miles (8 km) northeast of its mouth, at an elevation of 26 feet (7.9 m). For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined that community as a census-designated place (CDP). The population was 2,882 at the 2020 census, down from 3,070 in 2010. The school district is in Santa Cruz County.