Palo Alto, CA
Population 67,231 · California
About Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 67,231 residents. The median household income is $220,408 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Palo Alto is 42.5 years.
Housing in Palo Alto has a median home value of $2,000,001 and median monthly rent of $3,328. Of the 29,104 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 14,115 owner-occupied and 11,939 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Palo Alto is 3.7% and the poverty rate is 5.4%. 82.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.9 minutes.
How Palo Alto Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Palo Alto, CA
Compared to national averages, Palo Alto has a median household income of $220,408 (193% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,328 is 186% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Palo Alto's income is 125% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Palo Alto, CA?
Palo Alto offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $220,408, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 82.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.4%, 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, as a mid-sized city, Palo Alto provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Palo Alto has a population of 67,231 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Palo Alto with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Palo Alto
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madera | 67,133 | $63,619 | $335,900 | Compare |
| Yorba Linda | 67,407 | $152,060 | $1,091,700 | Compare |
| Lodi | 67,008 | $84,402 | $468,800 | Compare |
| Davis | 66,801 | $87,421 | $829,000 | Compare |
| Union City | 68,141 | $137,194 | $1,058,200 | Compare |
| Castro Valley | 65,389 | $138,069 | $1,058,200 | Compare |
| Lynwood | 65,291 | $70,236 | $569,400 | Compare |
| Yuba City | 69,545 | $72,322 | $405,900 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Palo Alto
What is the population of Palo Alto, CA?
The population of Palo Alto, CA is 67,231 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Palo Alto?
The median household income in Palo Alto, CA is $220,408 per year.
What is the median home value in Palo Alto?
The median home value in Palo Alto, CA is $2,000,001.
What is the average rent in Palo Alto?
The median monthly rent in Palo Alto, CA is $3,328.
What is the unemployment rate in Palo Alto?
The unemployment rate in Palo Alto, CA is 3.7%.