San Carlos, CA
Population 29,797 · California
About San Carlos, CA
San Carlos is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 29,797 residents. The median household income is $233,333 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in San Carlos is 41.6 years.
Housing in San Carlos has a median home value of $2,000,001 and median monthly rent of $2,802. Of the 11,679 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 7,541 owner-occupied and 3,511 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in San Carlos is 4.6% and the poverty rate is 3.2%. 68.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 25.4 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in San Carlos?
The median household income in San Carlos, CA is $233,333 per year.
What is the median home value in San Carlos?
The median home value in San Carlos, CA is $2,000,001.
What is the average rent in San Carlos?
The median monthly rent in San Carlos, CA is $2,802.
What is the unemployment rate in San Carlos?
The unemployment rate in San Carlos, CA is 4.6%.