Redwood City, CA
Population 82,423 · California
About Redwood City, CA
Redwood City is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 82,423 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $150,840 per year, which is 101% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Redwood City features a median home value of $1,838,800, which is 651% above the national median of $244,900. This places Redwood City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,959, 154% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 32,334 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (14,405 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (15,820 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 Redwood City shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Redwood City have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.4% of Redwood City 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 24.7% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 9.7% Asian residents, with 32.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Redwood City, CA
Compared to national averages, Redwood City has a median household income of $150,840 (101% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,838,800, which is 651% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,959 is 154% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Redwood City's income is 54% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 181% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Redwood City, CA?
Redwood City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $150,840, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 54.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,838,800. However, as a mid-sized city, Redwood City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Redwood City has a population of 82,423 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Redwood City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Redwood City
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain View | 82,363 | $179,917 | $1,927,400 | 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 |
| Newport Beach | 84,304 | $158,461 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Lakewood | 80,510 | $116,794 | $774,100 | 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 Redwood City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Redwood City
What is the population of Redwood City, CA?
The population of Redwood City, CA is 82,423 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 Redwood City?
The median household income in Redwood City, CA is $150,840 per year, which is 101% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Redwood City?
The median home value in Redwood City, CA is $1,838,800, which is 651% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Redwood City?
The median monthly rent in Redwood City, CA is $2,959, which is 154% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Redwood City?
The unemployment rate in Redwood City, CA is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Redwood City, CA a good place to live?
Redwood City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 82,423 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Redwood City, CA?
54.4% of residents in Redwood City 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 Redwood City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Redwood City, CA: median home value is $1,838,800 (651% above national), median rent is $2,959/month, and median household income is $150,840. The home-value-to-income ratio is 12.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Redwood City?
The poverty rate in Redwood City, CA is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Redwood City, CA?
Redwood City's population is 24.7% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 9.7% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 32.4% of residents are foreign-born.