Santa Clara, CA
Population 129,239 · California
About Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara is a major city located in California with a population of 129,239 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $173,670 per year, which is 131% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Santa Clara features a median home value of $1,527,900, which is 524% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Clara in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,985, 157% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 51,886 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (20,026 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (28,575 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Clara shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, 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 Santa Clara have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
65.3% of Santa Clara 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 11.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 45.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Santa Clara Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Santa Clara, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Clara has a median household income of $173,670 (131% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,527,900, which is 524% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,985 is 157% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Clara's income is 78% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 134% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $173,670, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 65.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,527,900. However, as a major city, Santa Clara provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santa Clara has a population of 129,239 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Santa Clara with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Clara
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simi Valley | 125,769 | $117,703 | $753,500 | Compare |
| Thousand Oaks | 125,676 | $134,367 | $951,200 | Compare |
| Vallejo | 124,637 | $89,496 | $557,500 | Compare |
| Concord | 124,260 | $109,195 | $755,900 | Compare |
| Clovis | 122,719 | $100,360 | $453,300 | Compare |
| Victorville | 135,983 | $70,663 | $342,500 | Compare |
| Pasadena | 136,462 | $103,778 | $1,045,000 | Compare |
| Berkeley | 120,223 | $108,558 | $1,351,100 | 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 Santa Clara With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Clara
What is the population of Santa Clara, CA?
The population of Santa Clara, CA is 129,239 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 Santa Clara?
The median household income in Santa Clara, CA is $173,670 per year, which is 131% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Clara?
The median home value in Santa Clara, CA is $1,527,900, which is 524% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Santa Clara?
The median monthly rent in Santa Clara, CA is $2,985, which is 157% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Clara?
The unemployment rate in Santa Clara, CA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Clara, CA a good place to live?
Santa Clara offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 129,239 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Santa Clara, CA?
65.3% of residents in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Clara, CA: median home value is $1,527,900 (524% above national), median rent is $2,985/month, and median household income is $173,670. 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 Santa Clara?
The poverty rate in Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara's population is 11.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 45.4% of residents are foreign-born.