California · Metropolitan Area
Portola Valley is a small town in California with a population of 4,329. Residents earn $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national average.
Based on current data, Portola Valley receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Portola Valley stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Portola Valley is $250,001, which is significantly higher than the national average — 233% above $75,149. This places Portola Valley among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Portola Valley is $2,000,001, making it a premium housing market at 609% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $3,501 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Portola Valley is a highly educated community — 82.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Portola Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
| English Only | 86.2% |
| 10% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 13.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $250,001 |
| 233% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $192,605 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $3,778 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $232,794 |
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 31,186 |
| County GDP | $217,018M |
| Restaurants | 2,143 |
| Healthcare | 2,617 |
| Retail | 1,916 |
| Manufacturing | 487 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $17,586 |
| 402% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.88% |
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Work from Home | 51.1% |
| Census Median | $2,000,001 |
| 609% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $4,142,298 |
| Median List Price | $5,625,000 |
| Median List Price | $5,625,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $1,563 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
| Census Median Rent | $3,501 |
| 201% above US avg |
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $17,586 |
| 402% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 0.88% |
| Obesity | 21.9% |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 6.3% |
| Heart Disease | 3.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 23.7% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 3.3% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 13.1% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 9.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 69.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,006/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,617 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 43 |
| Annual Average | 57.1°F |
| 6% above US avg | |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 42.2 inches |
| 11% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,015 ft (309 m) |
| Area | 9.1 sq mi (23.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 477/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3652°N, 122.2327°W |
| County FIPS | 06081 |
Winner: Democrat by 50.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 82.8% |
| 146% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 98.6% |
| School Test Score | 4.69 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 477/sq mi |
| Total Area | 9.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 5 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 5 |
| Public Libraries | 34 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,617 |
| Restaurants | 2,143 |
| Retail Stores | 1,916 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 43 |
| Avg Commute | 27.5 min |
| Work from Home | 51.1% |