San Mateo, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, San Mateo, California had a total population of 103,105, the 72nd largest city in California, with a median household income of $153,504, which is 55% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 55% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 10.5x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 72/100).
San Mateo Quick Facts
How San Mateo Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,555 | 103,105 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $152,669 | $153,504 | +0.5% |
| Median home value | $1,563,200 | $1,618,700 | +3.6% |
How San Mateo Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
San Mateo Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in San Mateo County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daly City | 101,964 | $123,547 | 7.7% | $1,115,000 |
| Redwood City | 82,447 | $157,814 | 6.3% | $1,801,700 |
| South San Francisco | 64,305 | $136,578 | 6.7% | $1,188,800 |
| San Bruno | 42,307 | $141,272 | 6.0% | $1,207,500 |
| Pacifica | 37,261 | $160,523 | 5.8% | $1,249,800 |
| Foster City | 32,792 | $199,143 | 4.1% | $1,838,200 |
| Menlo Park | 32,727 | $210,025 | 5.8% | $2,000,000+ |
| Burlingame | 30,525 | $174,000 | 7.1% | $2,000,000+ |
| San Carlos | 29,614 | $237,470 | 3.3% | $2,000,000+ |
| East Palo Alto | 29,069 | $113,493 | 10.3% | $1,102,600 |
Cities Similar to San Mateo
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daly City | 101,964 | $123,547 | $1,115,000 | 38.9% | 7.7% |
| Carlsbad | 114,373 | $142,748 | $1,257,000 | 62.1% | 6.9% |
| Vacaville | 102,596 | $111,126 | $620,900 | 28.0% | 8.2% |
| Mission Viejo | 92,151 | $136,123 | $1,009,600 | 52.1% | 5.6% |
| Tracy | 96,966 | $121,119 | $699,000 | 28.5% | 7.8% |
Population Overview
San Mateo is a major urban center located in California, within San Mateo County. The total population is 103,105. It ranks as the 72nd most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in San Mateo is 38.3 years. This is 1% higher than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in San Mateo is $153,504. This is 55% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 90% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%. This is 32% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.6%. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $1,618,700. Housing costs are 120% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 49.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
San Mateo is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 28.0%. The Black or African American population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (28.0% vs 15.3%).
Education
57.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 56% higher than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.8%. Notably, 26.5% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for San Mateo, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of San Mateo, California?
San Mateo, California has a population of 103,105 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in San Mateo, CA?
The median household income in San Mateo is $153,504, which is 90% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in San Mateo, CA?
The poverty rate in San Mateo is 8.2%. This means approximately 8,429 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of San Mateo, California?
San Mateo's population is 34.4% White, 1.4% Black, 27.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 28.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in San Mateo, CA?
The median home value in San Mateo is $1,618,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.5x.
How educated is San Mateo, California?
57.8% of adults (25+) in San Mateo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 26.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.