At a Glance
Median Income
$220,408
$121,565 per capita
Home Value
$2,000,001
Zillow: $3,563,763
Median Rent
$3,328/mo
25.9% of income on rent
Violent Crime
217/100K
3,066/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
82.4%
97.0% high school+
Unemployment
3.7%
3.2% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
20.1%
5.9% smoking rate
How Palo Alto Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Palo Alto's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Palo Alto a Good Place to Live?
B
3.1 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Palo Alto residents earn a median household income of $220,408 , which is 193% above the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $121,565. The unemployment rate stands at 3.7% (3% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 31,186 business establishments, including 2,143 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Palo Alto is $2,000,001 , 609% above the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $3,563,763. Median rent is $3,328/month, with 25.9% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 110.7 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1962.
Safety & Crime
Palo Alto reports 217 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
, which is 43% below the national average of 380/100K.
Property crime is 3,066/100K. The murder rate is 1.5/100K.
Education
82.4% of adults in Palo Alto hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(145% above the national average).
97.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.8/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Palo Alto has an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C).
Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.
Data Overview
People
Population67,231
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density2,795/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Foreign Born36.3%
Veterans2.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$220,408
Per Capita$121,565
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$217,018M
Avg Weekly Wage$3,778
Housing
D
Home Value$2,000,001
Rent$3,328
Ownership54.2%
Zillow$3,563,763
Housing Units29,065
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent217/100K
Property3,066/100K
Murder1.5/100K
Assault120/100K
Burglary226/100K
Health
Obesity20.1%
Diabetes7.6%
Smoking5.9%
Heart Disease3.5%
Premature Death4,006/100K
Climate
Avg Temp60°F
Rain13.4 in/yr
AQI27 (Good)
Elevation174 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+82.4%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+54.7%
School Score5.8/10
Community
2024 VoteR 23% / D 74%
Commute23 min
Broadband95.8%
Internet Speed170 Mbps
EV Stations219
Libraries34
Did You Know?
Palo Alto was founded in 1894.
The median home in Palo Alto was built in 1962.
33.3% work from home.
The nearest airport is Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (12 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.493 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively High" by FEMA.
7.1% of the population has a disability.
36.3% of residents are foreign-born.
Average internet download speed is 170 Mbps.
There are 2,143 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 43 fatal vehicle crashes.