San Mateo, CA Census Data
The 72nd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
San Mateo is the 72nd largest city in California by population and ranks 15th of 188 for median household income. With 103,555 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 132 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
103,555
49.6% male · 50.4% female
Median Age
38.0
0.7 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$152,669
$74,131 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
57.6%
22.6% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.2%
Poverty Rate
7.9%
4.5% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.3%
Broadband Access
97.8%
8.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$1,563,200
Median rent: $3,079 · 51% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Labor force participation: 66.6%
Per Capita Income
$82,877
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.6%
Disability rate: 8.9%
How San Mateo Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 72nd of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 15th of 188 | Top 10% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 56th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 26th of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 8th of 188 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
San Mateo, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of San Mateo, CA?
The population of San Mateo, CA is 103,555 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 38.0 years.
What is the median household income in San Mateo?
The median household income in San Mateo, CA is $152,669, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $82,877.
What is the poverty rate in San Mateo?
The poverty rate in San Mateo, CA is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of San Mateo residents have a college degree?
57.6% of adults (25+) in San Mateo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.2% 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 San Mateo?
The median home value in San Mateo, CA is $1,563,200. Median rent is $3,079 per month, with 51% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of San Mateo?
San Mateo's population is 41.2% White, 1.5% Black, 26.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 27.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does San Mateo rank among California cities?
San Mateo is the 72nd largest city in California by population, the 15th highest for median household income, the 56th lowest for poverty rate, the 26th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in San Mateo?
The unemployment rate in San Mateo, CA is 4.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.6%. Per capita income is $82,877.
Cities Similar to San Mateo
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.