Los Altos, CA
Population 30,736 · California
About Los Altos, CA
Los Altos is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 30,736 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 46 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 Los Altos features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Los Altos 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 11,620 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (8,695 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (2,061 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Los Altos shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Los Altos have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
87.2% of Los Altos 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 2.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 34.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Los Altos Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Los Altos, CA
Compared to national averages, Los Altos 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, Los Altos'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 Los Altos, CA?
Los Altos offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 87.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Los Altos’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Los Altos has a population of 30,736 with a median age of 46 years. Compare Los Altos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Los Altos
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banning | 30,680 | $57,699 | $322,900 | Compare |
| La Verne | 30,804 | $104,565 | $793,900 | Compare |
| Laguna Hills | 30,921 | $122,778 | $944,000 | Compare |
| Burlingame | 30,526 | $168,832 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Lawndale | 31,113 | $83,538 | $726,000 | Compare |
| Saratoga | 30,335 | $241,348 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Santa Paula | 31,202 | $77,130 | $559,300 | Compare |
| Orcutt | 31,284 | $108,682 | $587,000 | 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 Los Altos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Los Altos
What is the population of Los Altos, CA?
The population of Los Altos, CA is 30,736 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 Los Altos?
The median household income in Los Altos, CA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Los Altos?
The median home value in Los Altos, 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 Los Altos?
The median monthly rent in Los Altos, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Los Altos?
The unemployment rate in Los Altos, CA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Los Altos, CA a good place to live?
Los Altos offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 30,736 and a median age of 46, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Los Altos, CA?
87.2% of residents in Los Altos 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 Los Altos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Los Altos, 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 Los Altos?
The poverty rate in Los Altos, CA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Los Altos, CA?
Los Altos's population is 2.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 34.6% of residents are foreign-born.