Menlo Park, CA
Population 32,775 · California
About Menlo Park, CA
Menlo Park is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 32,775 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $206,588 per year, which is 175% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Menlo Park features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Menlo Park in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,156, 171% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,136 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (6,425 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (5,199 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Menlo Park shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Menlo Park have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
72.7% of Menlo Park 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 12.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 7.6% Asian residents, with 29.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Menlo Park, CA
Compared to national averages, Menlo Park has a median household income of $206,588 (175% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,156 is 171% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Menlo Park's income is 111% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Menlo Park, CA?
Menlo Park offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $206,588, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 72.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Menlo Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Menlo Park has a population of 32,775 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Menlo Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Menlo Park
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Gatos | 32,773 | $207,891 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Desert Hot Springs | 32,786 | $50,349 | $309,300 | Compare |
| Bell | 32,830 | $60,641 | $561,400 | Compare |
| Lathrop | 32,696 | $118,605 | $605,000 | Compare |
| Goleta | 32,693 | $118,039 | $1,002,500 | Compare |
| Dana Point | 32,883 | $127,246 | $1,200,900 | Compare |
| Foster City | 32,964 | $193,633 | $1,774,500 | 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 Menlo Park With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Menlo Park
What is the population of Menlo Park, CA?
The population of Menlo Park, CA is 32,775 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 Menlo Park?
The median household income in Menlo Park, CA is $206,588 per year, which is 175% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Menlo Park?
The median home value in Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park?
The median monthly rent in Menlo Park, CA is $3,156, which is 171% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Menlo Park?
The unemployment rate in Menlo Park, CA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Menlo Park, CA a good place to live?
Menlo Park offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,775 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Menlo Park, CA?
72.7% of residents in Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Menlo Park, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,156/month, and median household income is $206,588. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Menlo Park?
The poverty rate in Menlo Park, CA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Menlo Park, CA?
Menlo Park's population is 12.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 7.6% Asian, and 3.4% two or more races. 29.4% of residents are foreign-born.