San Carlos, CA
Population 29,797 · California
About San Carlos, CA
San Carlos is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 29,797 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $233,333 per year, which is 210% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in San Carlos features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Carlos in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,802, 141% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,679 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (7,541 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (3,511 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Carlos shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Carlos have an average one-way commute time of 25.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
68.1% of San Carlos 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 4.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 25.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How San Carlos Ranks in California
Cost of Living in San Carlos, CA
Compared to national averages, San Carlos has a median household income of $233,333 (210% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,802 is 141% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Carlos's income is 139% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Carlos, CA?
San Carlos offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $233,333, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 68.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, San Carlos’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
San Carlos has a population of 29,797 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare San Carlos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Carlos
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey | 29,772 | $104,110 | $1,003,300 | Compare |
| Atascadero | 29,735 | $88,830 | $673,400 | Compare |
| San Lorenzo | 29,453 | $110,495 | $833,800 | Compare |
| Eastern Goleta Valley | 29,411 | $136,839 | $1,192,000 | Compare |
| Saratoga | 30,335 | $241,348 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Suisun City | 29,205 | $97,083 | $551,000 | Compare |
| East Palo Alto | 29,143 | $104,832 | $1,124,000 | Compare |
| Burlingame | 30,526 | $168,832 | $2,000,001 | 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 Carlos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Carlos
What is the population of San Carlos, CA?
The population of San Carlos, CA is 29,797 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 Carlos?
The median household income in San Carlos, CA is $233,333 per year, which is 210% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Carlos?
The median home value in San Carlos, 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 San Carlos?
The median monthly rent in San Carlos, CA is $2,802, which is 141% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Carlos?
The unemployment rate in San Carlos, CA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Carlos, CA a good place to live?
San Carlos offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,797 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Carlos, CA?
68.1% of residents in San Carlos 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 Carlos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Carlos, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $2,802/month, and median household income is $233,333. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Carlos?
The poverty rate in San Carlos, CA is 3.2%, 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 Carlos, CA?
San Carlos's population is 4.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 25.0% of residents are foreign-born.