On this page
This page is a reference sheet. It collects the numbers people most often look up about Palo Alto and puts each next to its source and year. For context, method notes and longer tables, follow the link at the top of each section to the full page.
A few ground rules apply throughout. "ACS" means the Census Bureau's American Community Survey 2020 to 2024 5-year estimates, the newest 5-year release, unless a line says otherwise. Survey figures carry margins of error. Dollar amounts from the ACS are in 2024 dollars. Where two official sources disagree, both appear. We update this sheet when new data comes out; the date at the top shows the last check.
People
Full page: Palo Alto demographics.
| Measure | Value | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| Population, census count | 68,572 | 2020 census, April 1, 2020 |
| Population estimate (federal) | 67,609 | Census Bureau, July 1, 2025 |
| Population estimate (state) | 69,004 | California Department of Finance, Jan. 1, 2026 |
| Median age | 43.6 | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Under 18 | 22.2% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| 65 and older | 19.9% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Non-Hispanic white | 45.0% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Non-Hispanic Asian | 38.1% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7.9% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Born outside the U.S. | 37.0% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Speak a language other than English at home (5+) | 42.3% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (25+) | 82.3% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Graduate or professional degree (25+) | 55.0% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Households | 26,021 | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Average household size | 2.56 | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
The federal and state estimates point in opposite directions since 2020. The Census Bureau shows a small decline. The state, which leans on new housing counts, shows a small rise.
Income and poverty
Full page: income, poverty and wealth.
| Measure | Value | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $231,101 | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Per capita income | $123,939 | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Households earning $200,000 or more | 55.0% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| People below the poverty line | 6.0% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Gini index of inequality | 0.49 | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Area median income, family of four (county) | $205,500 | HCD state income limits, 2026 |
| Low-income limit, family of four (county) | $162,400 | HCD state income limits, 2026 |
| Assessment roll | $51.9 billion | City financial report, fiscal 2025 |
Housing
Full page: housing statistics. Sale prices: home prices and the market.
| Measure | Value | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| Housing units | 29,876 | Department of Finance, Jan. 1, 2026 |
| Units added since April 2020 | 972 | Department of Finance, 2020 to 2026 |
| Owner-occupied | 54.6% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Renter-occupied | 45.4% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Median gross rent | $3,484 a month | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Median home value | $2,000,000 or more (top-coded) | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Median single-family sale price | $3.8 million | MLSListings via The Almanac, 2025 |
| Median year built | 1963 | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Renters paying 30% or more of income | 42.0% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Housing target, 2023 to 2031 | 6,086 homes | Regional Housing Needs Allocation |
The state certified the city's Housing Element on August 20, 2024. Our Housing Element guide explains the target.
Economy and jobs
Full page: economy and jobs.
| Measure | Value | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| Jobs located in Palo Alto | 99,977 | City Housing Element (undated in text) |
| Jobs per employed resident | 3.19 | City Housing Element |
| Employed residents | 32,617 | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Resident unemployment rate | 3.9% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Santa Clara County unemployment | 3.7% | EDD, April 2026, not seasonally adjusted |
| Largest resident industry | Professional, scientific and technical services, 28.4% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Minimum wage | $18.70; $19.25 from Jan. 1, 2027 | City of Palo Alto |
The city's fiscal 2025 financial report names Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford Health Care, Stanford University, the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Palo Alto Medical Foundation among its major employers. For the research and tech side, see Stanford Research Park.
City budget
Full page: city budget for fiscal 2027.
| Measure | Value | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| Total budget | $1.04 billion | FY 2027 adopted, June 15, 2026 |
| General Fund | $311.96 million | FY 2027 adopted |
| Police budget | $62.2 million | FY 2027 Budget in Brief |
| Fire and emergency services budget | $62.7 million | FY 2027 Budget in Brief |
| Enterprise fund expenses (utilities and refuse) | $627.4 million | FY 2027 Budget in Brief |
| Capital budget | $316.8 million | FY 2027 adopted |
| City staff | 1,089.10 full-time equivalents | FY 2027 adopted |
| Property tax to the General Fund | $76.1 million | FY 2027 adopted operating budget |
| Sales tax rate | 9.75% | CDTFA, from Oct. 1, 2026 |
For how the council works, see how city government works. For your own tax bill, see property taxes and city fees.
Cost of living
Full page: cost of living.
| Item | Value | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| Median city utility bill, residential | $476.74 a month | City Budget in Brief, FY 2027 |
| Infant care at a center, county median | $2,284 a month | National Database of Childcare Prices, 2019 to 2022 |
| Preschool at a center, county median | $1,777 a month | Same |
| Food at home, family of four, moderate plan | About $1,387 a month (U.S. average) | USDA, May 2026 |
| Caltrain monthly pass, two zones | $150; $156 from Jan. 1, 2027 | Caltrain fare chart |
Public safety
Full page: crime statistics. Contacts: police, fire and emergency alerts.
| Measure | Value | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| Reported offenses (NIBRS) | 3,176 | Palo Alto Police, 2025 |
| Larceny-theft | 1,685 | Palo Alto Police, 2025 |
| Murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault combined | 101 | Palo Alto Police, 2025 |
| Calls for service | 44,129 | Palo Alto Police, 2025 |
| Fire stations | 6 full-time plus a seasonal foothills station | Palo Alto Fire, 2026 |
Commuting
Full page: commute statistics. Riding the train: our Caltrain guide.
| Measure | Value | Source and year |
|---|---|---|
| Worked from home | 35.4% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Drove alone to work | 44.2% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Biked to work | 7.9% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Mean one-way commute | 21.4 minutes | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Households with no vehicle | 8.5% | ACS 2020 to 2024 |
| Palo Alto station, average midweek riders | 4,486 (2nd busiest) | Caltrain, fiscal 2026 |
| California Avenue station, average midweek riders | 1,201 | Caltrain, fiscal 2026 |
City basics
- County. Santa Clara County, on the San Mateo County line. See towns near Palo Alto.
- Incorporated. 1894. The story is on our founding of Palo Alto page.
- Government. Council and city manager since 1950, with seven council members elected at large. The 2026 mayor is Vicki Veenker.
- City-owned utilities. Water since 1896, electricity since 1900 and gas since 1917, run today by City of Palo Alto Utilities.
- Climate. About 15.1 inches of rain a year; average July high 79.4°F and January low 39.0°F (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals). See weather and the best time to visit.
- Schools. Palo Alto Unified School District; see public schools.
- Sister cities. Eight, from Palo, Philippines (1963) to Yangpu, China (2018).
- Eichler homes. About 2,700, by the city's count. See Eichler homes in Palo Alto.
Good to know
- The Census Bureau released 2025 1-year ACS estimates on October 29, 2026. The 2021 to 2025 5-year set follows; this page will switch when it is out.
- ACS income and value figures above $250,000 or $2,000,000 are top-coded, so the true numbers are higher.
- Employer head counts and the jobs ratio come from older city reports and are approximate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Palo Alto in 2026?
The California Department of Finance estimated 69,004 residents on January 1, 2026. The Census Bureau's estimate for July 1, 2025 is lower at 67,609. The 2020 census counted 68,572.
What is Palo Alto known for?
Palo Alto is known as a birthplace of Silicon Valley, home to the HP Garage and Stanford Research Park. It is also Stanford University's neighbor. In official data it stands out for high incomes, a highly educated population and about three jobs for every working resident.
What county is Palo Alto in?
Palo Alto is in Santa Clara County, at the county's northwest corner on the San Mateo County line. Neighboring cities include Menlo Park and East Palo Alto to the north and Mountain View and Los Altos to the south.
How much of Palo Alto rents versus owns?
In the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 survey, 54.6 percent of occupied homes were owner-occupied and 45.4 percent were rented. Median gross rent was $3,484 a month.
Where do these Palo Alto numbers come from?
Mainly from the U.S. Census Bureau, the California Department of Finance, the City of Palo Alto's budget and financial reports, the Palo Alto Police Department, the state Employment Development Department and Caltrain. Each line on this page names its source and year.