Portola Valley, CA
Population 4,329 · California
About Portola Valley, CA
Portola Valley is a small town located in California with a population of 4,329 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 58 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 Portola Valley features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Portola Valley 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 1,840 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (1,448 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (282 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Portola Valley shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Portola Valley have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
82.8% of Portola Valley 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 8.6% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 14.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portola Valley Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Portola Valley, CA
Compared to national averages, Portola Valley 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, Portola Valley'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 Portola Valley, CA?
Portola Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a well-educated community where 82.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Portola Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Portola Valley has a population of 4,329 with a median age of 58 years. Compare Portola Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Portola Valley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford City | 4,310 | $45,976 | $197,500 | Compare |
| Bonsall | 4,308 | $110,316 | $938,100 | Compare |
| Coarsegold | 4,301 | $82,574 | $315,000 | Compare |
| Clearlake Riviera | 4,287 | $94,167 | $313,600 | Compare |
| Brooktrails | 4,394 | $120,099 | $382,000 | Compare |
| Emerald Lake Hills | 4,396 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Ivanhoe | 4,397 | $55,108 | $234,200 | Compare |
| Elverta | 4,252 | $91,563 | $455,500 | 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 Portola Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Portola Valley
What is the population of Portola Valley, CA?
The population of Portola Valley, CA is 4,329 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Portola Valley?
The median household income in Portola Valley, CA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portola Valley?
The median home value in Portola Valley, 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 Portola Valley?
The median monthly rent in Portola Valley, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portola Valley?
The unemployment rate in Portola Valley, CA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Portola Valley, CA a good place to live?
Portola Valley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,329 and a median age of 58, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Portola Valley, CA?
82.8% of residents in Portola Valley 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 Portola Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portola Valley, 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 Portola Valley?
The poverty rate in Portola Valley, CA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Portola Valley, CA?
Portola Valley's population is 8.6% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 14.1% of residents are foreign-born.