Sunnyvale, CA
Population 153,455 · California
About Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale is a major city located in California with a population of 153,455 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $181,862 per year, which is 142% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 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 Sunnyvale features a median home value of $1,816,600, which is 642% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sunnyvale in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,065, 164% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 61,808 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (25,767 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (33,024 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 Sunnyvale shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sunnyvale have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
69.2% of Sunnyvale 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 11.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 49.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sunnyvale Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Sunnyvale, CA
Compared to national averages, Sunnyvale has a median household income of $181,862 (142% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,816,600, which is 642% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,065 is 164% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Sunnyvale's income is 86% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 178% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $181,862, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 69.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,816,600. However, as a major city, Sunnyvale provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Sunnyvale has a population of 153,455 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Sunnyvale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Sunnyvale
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roseville | 152,438 | $117,354 | $630,600 | Compare |
| Escondido | 149,913 | $84,477 | $663,500 | Compare |
| Pomona | 148,391 | $78,869 | $569,600 | Compare |
| Corona | 158,839 | $106,438 | $656,500 | Compare |
| Hayward | 159,201 | $113,775 | $820,700 | Compare |
| Salinas | 161,993 | $89,150 | $610,900 | Compare |
| Torrance | 143,499 | $113,105 | $1,036,600 | Compare |
| Visalia | 142,649 | $79,952 | $340,600 | 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 Sunnyvale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sunnyvale
What is the population of Sunnyvale, CA?
The population of Sunnyvale, CA is 153,455 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 Sunnyvale?
The median household income in Sunnyvale, CA is $181,862 per year, which is 142% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sunnyvale?
The median home value in Sunnyvale, CA is $1,816,600, which is 642% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Sunnyvale?
The median monthly rent in Sunnyvale, CA is $3,065, which is 164% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sunnyvale?
The unemployment rate in Sunnyvale, CA is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sunnyvale, CA a good place to live?
Sunnyvale offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 153,455 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sunnyvale, CA?
69.2% of residents in Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sunnyvale, CA: median home value is $1,816,600 (642% above national), median rent is $3,065/month, and median household income is $181,862. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Sunnyvale?
The poverty rate in Sunnyvale, CA is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale's population is 11.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 49.4% of residents are foreign-born.