California · Metropolitan Area
San Mateo is a large city in California with a population of 103,555. Residents earn $152,669 per year, which is 103% above the national average.
Based on current data, San Mateo receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. San Mateo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in San Mateo is $152,669, which is significantly higher than the national average — 103% above $75,149. This places San Mateo among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
The median home value in San Mateo is $1,563,200, making it a premium housing market at 455% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $3,079 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 10.2x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Violent crime in San Mateo is below the national average at 225 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,904 per 100,000, near the national average.
San Mateo is a highly educated community — 57.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
San Mateo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.
| English Only | 56.5% |
| 28% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 43.5% |
| 225% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $152,669 |
| 103% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $80,312 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $3,778 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $232,794 |
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% 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 | 1.13% |
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Work from Home | 22.3% |
| Census Median | $1,563,200 |
| 455% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,638,485 |
| Median List Price | $1,498,000 |
| Median List Price | $1,498,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $997 |
| Homes Sold | 49 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 105.9% |
| Price Drops | 21.4% |
| Inventory | 98 |
| Census Median Rent | $3,079 |
| 165% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $3,442 |
| Studio | $2,485 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,977 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,604 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,604 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,772 |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $17,586 |
| 402% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.13% |
| Obesity | 22.9% |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.8% |
| Asthma | 8.8% |
| COPD | 3.6% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.0% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,006/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,617 |
| Total Violent | 225.3/100K |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 20.6/100K |
| Robbery | 72.5/100K |
| Assault | 132.3/100K |
| Total Property | 1,904.4/100K |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 398.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,310.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 194.9/100K |
| Arson | 8.8/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 43 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 56.6°F |
| 5% above US avg | |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 62°F (17°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 32.1 inches |
| 15% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.7 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 27.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 88.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 12.1 sq mi (31.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 8,537/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5603°N, 122.3106°W |
| County FIPS | 06081 |
Winner: Democrat by 50.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 57.6% |
| 71% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.84 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 8,537/sq mi |
| Total Area | 12.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 261 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 261 |
| Public Libraries | 34 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,617 |
| Restaurants | 2,143 |
| Retail Stores | 1,916 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 43 |
| Avg Commute | 27.1 min |
| Work from Home | 22.3% |