Mountain View, CA
Population 82,363 · California
About Mountain View, CA
Mountain View is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 82,363 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $179,917 per year, which is 139% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mountain View features a median home value of $1,927,400, which is 687% above the national median of $244,900. This places Mountain View in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,975, 156% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 38,770 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (13,550 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (21,383 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mountain View shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mountain View have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
74.3% of Mountain View 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 12.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 42.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mountain View, CA
Compared to national averages, Mountain View has a median household income of $179,917 (139% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,927,400, which is 687% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,975 is 156% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Mountain View's income is 84% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 195% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Mountain View, CA?
Mountain View offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $179,917, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 74.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,927,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Mountain View provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Mountain View has a population of 82,363 with a median age of 35.3 years. Compare Mountain View with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Mountain View
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood City | 82,423 | $150,840 | $1,838,800 | Compare |
| Folsom | 82,140 | $139,263 | $702,200 | Compare |
| Buena Park | 83,052 | $108,187 | $771,900 | Compare |
| Alhambra | 81,483 | $85,189 | $812,700 | Compare |
| Rancho Cordova | 80,656 | $89,120 | $451,400 | Compare |
| Lakewood | 80,510 | $116,794 | $774,100 | Compare |
| Newport Beach | 84,304 | $158,461 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Perris | 79,349 | $82,523 | $431,900 | 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 Mountain View With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain View
What is the population of Mountain View, CA?
The population of Mountain View, CA is 82,363 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 Mountain View?
The median household income in Mountain View, CA is $179,917 per year, which is 139% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mountain View?
The median home value in Mountain View, CA is $1,927,400, which is 687% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Mountain View?
The median monthly rent in Mountain View, CA is $2,975, which is 156% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mountain View?
The unemployment rate in Mountain View, CA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mountain View, CA a good place to live?
Mountain View offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 82,363 and a median age of 35.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mountain View, CA?
74.3% of residents in Mountain View 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 Mountain View?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mountain View, CA: median home value is $1,927,400 (687% above national), median rent is $2,975/month, and median household income is $179,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Mountain View?
The poverty rate in Mountain View, CA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mountain View, CA?
Mountain View's population is 12.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 42.8% of residents are foreign-born.