San Bruno, CA
Population 42,612 · California
About San Bruno, CA
San Bruno is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 42,612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $135,976 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in San Bruno features a median home value of $1,199,400, which is 390% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Bruno in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,696, 132% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,736 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (9,556 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (5,907 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Bruno shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 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 San Bruno have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.8% of San Bruno residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 14.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 14.1% Asian residents, with 36.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in San Bruno, CA
Compared to national averages, San Bruno has a median household income of $135,976 (81% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,199,400, which is 390% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,696 is 132% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Bruno's income is 39% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 83% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Bruno, CA?
San Bruno offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $135,976, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 43.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,199,400. However, San Bruno’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
San Bruno has a population of 42,612 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare San Bruno with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Bruno
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coachella | 42,594 | $67,558 | $341,300 | Compare |
| Vineyard | 42,645 | $108,403 | $552,400 | Compare |
| French Valley | 42,550 | $132,605 | $637,800 | Compare |
| Campbell | 42,848 | $147,128 | $1,550,000 | Compare |
| Hollister | 43,003 | $101,979 | $679,300 | Compare |
| Altadena | 41,921 | $129,123 | $1,073,500 | Compare |
| Danville | 43,426 | $223,206 | $1,583,300 | Compare |
| Lompoc | 43,819 | $70,038 | $433,800 | 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 San Bruno With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Bruno
What is the population of San Bruno, CA?
The population of San Bruno, CA is 42,612 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 San Bruno?
The median household income in San Bruno, CA is $135,976 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Bruno?
The median home value in San Bruno, CA is $1,199,400, which is 390% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Bruno?
The median monthly rent in San Bruno, CA is $2,696, which is 132% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Bruno?
The unemployment rate in San Bruno, CA is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Bruno, CA a good place to live?
San Bruno offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 42,612 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Bruno, CA?
43.8% of residents in San Bruno 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 San Bruno?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Bruno, CA: median home value is $1,199,400 (390% above national), median rent is $2,696/month, and median household income is $135,976. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Bruno?
The poverty rate in San Bruno, 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 San Bruno, CA?
San Bruno's population is 14.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 14.1% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 36.0% of residents are foreign-born.