South San Francisco city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, South San Francisco city, California has a total population of 64,487, the 143rd largest city in California, with a median household income of $135,909, which is 41% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 41% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.5x the median household income.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%.
South San Francisco city Quick Facts
How South San Francisco city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South San Francisco city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to South San Francisco city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brentwood city | 64,609 | $139,567 | $791,600 | 38.8% | 7.8% |
| San Clemente city | 63,510 | $134,735 | $1,220,500 | 51.7% | 5.7% |
| Castro Valley CDP | 65,389 | $138,069 | $1,058,200 | 43.9% | 7.5% |
| Laguna Niguel city | 64,023 | $140,605 | $1,123,000 | 59.3% | 5.9% |
| Union City city | 68,141 | $137,194 | $1,058,200 | 45.3% | 7.0% |
Population Overview
South San Francisco city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 64,487. It ranks as the 143rd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in South San Francisco city is 42.4 years. This is 13% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South San Francisco city is $135,909. This is 41% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 73% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%. This is 41% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.5%. This is 61% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,160,100. Housing costs are 67% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 60.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
South San Francisco city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 30.8%. The Black or African American population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (42.4% vs 15.0%).
Education
40.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% 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 86.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco city, California?
South San Francisco city, California has a population of 64,487 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South San Francisco city, CA?
The median household income in South San Francisco city is $135,909, which is 73% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in South San Francisco city, CA?
The poverty rate in South San Francisco city is 7.1%. This means approximately 4,562 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South San Francisco city, California?
South San Francisco city's population is 20.6% White, 1.7% Black, 30.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 42.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in South San Francisco city, CA?
The median home value in South San Francisco city is $1,160,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x.
How educated is South San Francisco city, California?
40.1% of adults (25+) in South San Francisco city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.