San Mateo city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, San Mateo city, California has a total population of 103,555, the 72nd largest city in California, with a median household income of $152,669, which is 58% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 58% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 10.2x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 71/100).
San Mateo city Quick Facts
How San Mateo city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
San Mateo city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to San Mateo city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daly City city | 102,560 | $119,570 | $1,092,700 | 38.0% | 7.2% |
| Carlsbad city | 114,500 | $139,326 | $1,156,900 | 61.4% | 6.9% |
| Mission Viejo city | 92,415 | $136,071 | $946,300 | 51.1% | 5.0% |
| Vacaville city | 102,085 | $108,580 | $596,700 | 27.6% | 7.5% |
| Livermore city | 85,870 | $153,602 | $1,038,600 | 50.6% | 4.4% |
Population Overview
San Mateo city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 103,555. It ranks as the 72nd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in San Mateo city is 38.0 years. This is 1% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in San Mateo city is $152,669. This is 58% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 94% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%. This is 34% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.3%. This is 33% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,563,200. Housing costs are 125% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.2x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 50.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
San Mateo city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 26.8%. The Black or African American population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (26.8% vs 15.0%).
Education
57.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 58% higher than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.2%. Notably, 26.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for San Mateo city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of San Mateo city, California?
San Mateo city, California has a population of 103,555 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in San Mateo city, CA?
The median household income in San Mateo city is $152,669, which is 94% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in San Mateo city, CA?
The poverty rate in San Mateo city is 7.9%. This means approximately 8,152 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of San Mateo city, California?
San Mateo city's population is 36.7% White, 1.5% Black, 26.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 26.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in San Mateo city, CA?
The median home value in San Mateo city is $1,563,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.2x.
How educated is San Mateo city, California?
57.6% of adults (25+) in San Mateo city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 26.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.