South San Francisco, CA
Population 64,487 · California
About South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 64,487 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $135,909 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South San Francisco features a median home value of $1,160,100, which is 374% above the national median of $244,900. This places South San Francisco in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,833, 144% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 23,194 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (13,303 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (8,567 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South San Francisco shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South San Francisco have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.1% of South San Francisco residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 17.1% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 13.0% Asian residents, with 40.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South San Francisco, CA
Compared to national averages, South San Francisco has a median household income of $135,909 (81% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,160,100, which is 374% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,833 is 144% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, South San Francisco's income is 39% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 77% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $135,909, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 40.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,160,100. However, as a mid-sized city, South San Francisco provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
South San Francisco has a population of 64,487 with a median age of 42.4 years. Compare South San Francisco with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near South San Francisco
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brentwood | 64,609 | $139,567 | $791,600 | Compare |
| Laguna Niguel | 64,023 | $140,605 | $1,123,000 | Compare |
| Lynwood | 65,291 | $70,236 | $569,400 | Compare |
| Castro Valley | 65,389 | $138,069 | $1,058,200 | Compare |
| San Clemente | 63,510 | $134,735 | $1,220,500 | Compare |
| Porterville | 62,765 | $59,012 | $273,600 | Compare |
| La Habra | 62,233 | $98,158 | $716,700 | Compare |
| Davis | 66,801 | $87,421 | $829,000 | 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 South San Francisco With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South San Francisco
What is the population of South San Francisco, CA?
The population of South San Francisco, CA is 64,487 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 South San Francisco?
The median household income in South San Francisco, CA is $135,909 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South San Francisco?
The median home value in South San Francisco, CA is $1,160,100, which is 374% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South San Francisco?
The median monthly rent in South San Francisco, CA is $2,833, which is 144% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South San Francisco?
The unemployment rate in South San Francisco, CA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is South San Francisco, CA a good place to live?
South San Francisco offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 64,487 and a median age of 42.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South San Francisco, CA?
40.1% of residents in South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South San Francisco, CA: median home value is $1,160,100 (374% above national), median rent is $2,833/month, and median household income is $135,909. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in South San Francisco?
The poverty rate in South San Francisco, CA is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco's population is 17.1% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 13.0% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 40.2% of residents are foreign-born.