San Jose, CA
Population 990,054 · California
About San Jose, CA
San Jose is a major city located in California with a population of 990,054 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $141,565 per year, which is 88% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in San Jose features a median home value of $1,187,800, which is 385% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Jose in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,617, 125% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 343,058 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (182,822 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (143,945 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Jose shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Jose have an average one-way commute time of 28.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
46.5% of San Jose 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 25.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 41.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How San Jose Ranks in California
Cost of Living in San Jose, CA
Compared to national averages, San Jose has a median household income of $141,565 (88% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,187,800, which is 385% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,617 is 125% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Jose's income is 45% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 82% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Jose, CA?
San Jose offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $141,565, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 46.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,187,800. However, as a major city, San Jose provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
San Jose has a population of 990,054 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare San Jose with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Jose
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | 836,321 | $141,446 | $1,380,500 | Compare |
| San Diego | 1,385,061 | $104,321 | $848,500 | Compare |
| Fresno | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Sacramento | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | Compare |
| Long Beach | 458,491 | $83,969 | $762,200 | Compare |
| Oakland | 438,072 | $97,369 | $924,700 | Compare |
| Bakersfield | 408,366 | $77,397 | $347,300 | Compare |
| Anaheim | 344,553 | $90,583 | $771,700 | 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 Jose With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose
What is the population of San Jose, CA?
The population of San Jose, CA is 990,054 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in San Jose?
The median household income in San Jose, CA is $141,565 per year, which is 88% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Jose?
The median home value in San Jose, CA is $1,187,800, which is 385% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Jose?
The median monthly rent in San Jose, CA is $2,617, which is 125% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Jose?
The unemployment rate in San Jose, CA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Jose, CA a good place to live?
San Jose offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 990,054 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Jose, CA?
46.5% of residents in San Jose 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 Jose?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Jose, CA: median home value is $1,187,800 (385% above national), median rent is $2,617/month, and median household income is $141,565. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Jose?
The poverty rate in San Jose, CA is 7.8%, 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 Jose, CA?
San Jose's population is 25.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 41.6% of residents are foreign-born.