Foster City, CA
Population 32,964 · California
About Foster City, CA
Foster City is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 32,964 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $193,633 per year, which is 158% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Foster City features a median home value of $1,774,500, which is 625% above the national median of $244,900. This places Foster City 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 13,408 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (6,581 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (6,284 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Foster City shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Foster City have an average one-way commute time of 30.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
74.1% of Foster City 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 3.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 48.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Foster City, CA
Compared to national averages, Foster City has a median household income of $193,633 (158% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,774,500, which is 625% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Foster City's income is 98% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 171% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Foster City, CA?
Foster City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $193,633, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 74.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,774,500. However, Foster City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Foster City has a population of 32,964 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Foster City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Foster City
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dana Point | 32,883 | $127,246 | $1,200,900 | Compare |
| Bell | 32,830 | $60,641 | $561,400 | Compare |
| Desert Hot Springs | 32,786 | $50,349 | $309,300 | Compare |
| Menlo Park | 32,775 | $206,588 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Los Gatos | 32,773 | $207,891 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Lathrop | 32,696 | $118,605 | $605,000 | Compare |
| Goleta | 32,693 | $118,039 | $1,002,500 | Compare |
| Fallbrook | 32,467 | $87,293 | $713,000 | 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 Foster City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Foster City
What is the population of Foster City, CA?
The population of Foster City, CA is 32,964 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Foster City?
The median household income in Foster City, CA is $193,633 per year, which is 158% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Foster City?
The median home value in Foster City, CA is $1,774,500, which is 625% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Foster City?
The median monthly rent in Foster City, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Foster City?
The unemployment rate in Foster City, CA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Foster City, CA a good place to live?
Foster City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,964 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Foster City, CA?
74.1% of residents in Foster City 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 Foster City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Foster City, CA: median home value is $1,774,500 (625% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $193,633. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Foster City?
The poverty rate in Foster City, CA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Foster City, CA?
Foster City's population is 3.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 48.2% of residents are foreign-born.