Atherton, CA
Population 7,021 · California
About Atherton, CA
Atherton is a small town located in California with a population of 7,021 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Atherton features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Atherton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,673 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (1,980 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (286 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atherton shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Atherton have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
85.9% of Atherton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 7.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 20.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Atherton Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Atherton, CA
Compared to national averages, Atherton has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Atherton's income is 156% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Atherton, CA?
Atherton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and a well-educated community where 85.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Atherton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Atherton has a population of 7,021 with a median age of 49 years. Compare Atherton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Atherton
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyes Hot Springs | 7,031 | $89,568 | $738,800 | Compare |
| Fort Bragg | 7,001 | $53,580 | $481,200 | Compare |
| Alta Sierra CDP (Nevada County), California | 7,061 | $99,576 | $560,600 | Compare |
| Garnet | 6,979 | $63,082 | $237,800 | Compare |
| Mecca | 7,071 | $45,011 | $222,000 | Compare |
| South Monrovia Island | 7,072 | $109,730 | $660,800 | Compare |
| Oceano | 7,098 | $69,448 | $518,500 | Compare |
| Fowler | 6,930 | $61,071 | $352,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Atherton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Atherton
What is the population of Atherton, CA?
The population of Atherton, CA is 7,021 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Atherton?
The median household income in Atherton, CA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atherton?
The median home value in Atherton, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Atherton?
The median monthly rent in Atherton, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atherton?
The unemployment rate in Atherton, CA is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Atherton, CA a good place to live?
Atherton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,021 and a median age of 49, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Atherton, CA?
85.9% of residents in Atherton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Atherton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atherton, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Atherton?
The poverty rate in Atherton, CA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Atherton, CA?
Atherton's population is 7.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 20.7% of residents are foreign-born.