San Mateo, CA
Population 103,555 · California
About San Mateo, CA
San Mateo is a major city located in California with a population of 103,555 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $152,669 per year, which is 103% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in San Mateo features a median home value of $1,563,200, which is 538% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Mateo in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,079, 165% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 42,431 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (20,211 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (19,549 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Mateo shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Mateo have an average one-way commute time of 27.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
57.6% of San Mateo 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 13.3% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 12.7% Asian residents, with 36.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in San Mateo, CA
Compared to national averages, San Mateo has a median household income of $152,669 (103% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,563,200, which is 538% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,079 is 165% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Mateo's income is 56% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 139% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $152,669, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 57.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,563,200. However, as a major city, San Mateo provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
San Mateo has a population of 103,555 with a median age of 38 years. Compare San Mateo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Mateo
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rialto | 103,866 | $85,521 | $454,400 | Compare |
| Daly City | 102,560 | $119,570 | $1,092,700 | Compare |
| El Cajon | 104,909 | $66,478 | $632,800 | Compare |
| Vacaville | 102,085 | $108,580 | $596,700 | Compare |
| Chico | 102,032 | $67,929 | $455,300 | Compare |
| Inglewood | 105,575 | $71,029 | $744,300 | Compare |
| Jurupa Valley | 106,244 | $96,190 | $538,700 | Compare |
| Norwalk | 100,713 | $98,709 | $616,600 | 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 Mateo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Mateo
What is the population of San Mateo, CA?
The population of San Mateo, CA is 103,555 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 Mateo?
The median household income in San Mateo, CA is $152,669 per year, which is 103% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Mateo?
The median home value in San Mateo, CA is $1,563,200, which is 538% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Mateo?
The median monthly rent in San Mateo, CA is $3,079, which is 165% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Mateo?
The unemployment rate in San Mateo, CA is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Mateo, CA a good place to live?
San Mateo offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 103,555 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Mateo, CA?
57.6% of residents in San Mateo 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 Mateo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Mateo, CA: median home value is $1,563,200 (538% above national), median rent is $3,079/month, and median household income is $152,669. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Mateo?
The poverty rate in San Mateo, CA is 7.9%, 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 Mateo, CA?
San Mateo's population is 13.3% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 12.7% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 36.6% of residents are foreign-born.