Palo Alto, CA Census Data
The 136th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Palo Alto is the 136th largest city in California by population and ranks 2nd of 188 for median household income. With 67,231 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 174 other California cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
67,231
48.5% male · 51.5% female
Median Age
42.5
3.8 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$220,408
$141,870 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
82.4%
47.4% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 97.0%
Poverty Rate
5.4%
7.0% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 2.0%
Broadband Access
98.2%
8.5% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$2,000,001
Median rent: $3,328 · 54% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Labor force participation: 60.5%
Per Capita Income
$128,779
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.3%
Disability rate: 7.1%
How Palo Alto Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 136th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 2nd of 188 | Top 10% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 14th of 188 | Top 10% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 2nd of 188 | Top 10% |
| Highest Home Value | 2nd of 188 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Palo Alto, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Palo Alto, CA?
The population of Palo Alto, CA is 67,231 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 42.5 years.
What is the median household income in Palo Alto?
The median household income in Palo Alto, CA is $220,408, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $128,779.
What is the poverty rate in Palo Alto?
The poverty rate in Palo Alto, CA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 2.0% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Palo Alto residents have a college degree?
82.4% of adults (25+) in Palo Alto hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 97.0% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Palo Alto?
The median home value in Palo Alto, CA is $2,000,001. Median rent is $3,328 per month, with 54% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Palo Alto?
Palo Alto's population is 48.4% White, 2.2% Black, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 36.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Palo Alto rank among California cities?
Palo Alto is the 136th largest city in California by population, the 2nd highest for median household income, the 14th lowest for poverty rate, the 2nd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Palo Alto?
The unemployment rate in Palo Alto, CA is 3.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.5%. Per capita income is $128,779.
Cities Similar to Palo Alto
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.