San Jose, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
990,138
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$146,427/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
345,066
0.6% year-over-year change

San Jose population

How many people live in San Jose

San Jose is home to 990,138 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of San Jose locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
990,138
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
503,670
Female
49.1%
486,468
Value Percent YoY change
Male 503,670 50.9% -0.1%
Female 486,468 49.1% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in San Jose is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.3% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
30.3%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 164,422 16.6% -2.9%
15 to 24 128,129 12.9% -0.3%
25 to 44 299,709 30.3% 1.1%
45 to 64 254,042 25.7% -0.7%
Over 65 143,836 14.5% 2.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In San Jose, 56.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 18.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.1% of locals are Caucasian, 2.9% are African American and 39.5% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 14.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
56.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.8%
Non-citizens
18.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 559,074 56.5% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 245,171 24.8% -0.9%
Non-citizens 185,893 18.8% 3.3%
Racial breakdown
White
25.1%
Black or African American
2.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
39.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
16.7%
Other
14.2%
Value Percent
White 248,813 25.1%
Black or African American 28,832 2.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10,929 1.1%
Asian 390,790 39.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4,840 0.5%
Two or more races 165,124 16.7%
Other 140,810 14.2%

Households in San Jose

A peek inside San Jose households

San Jose has 328,550 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.2% are families, while the remaining 28.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
328,550
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
94,680
Family households
233,870
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 94,680 28.8% 1.1%
Family households 233,870 71.2% 0.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in San Jose

The housing landscape of San Jose

San Jose's housing consists of 345,066 units, with 51.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
345,066
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 176,932 51.3%
1 unit, attached 38,495 11.2%
2 units 4,409 1.3%
3 or 4 units 18,458 5.4%
5 to 9 units 15,240 4.4%
10 to 19 units 15,063 4.4%
20 to 49 units 14,812 4.3%
50 or more units 49,643 14.4%
Mobile home 11,707 3.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 307 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
3,551
71.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in San Jose

In San Jose, the median construction year is 1976. About 5.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 17,827 5.2% 0.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8,838 2.6% -4.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 37,545 10.9% 0.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 63,835 18.5% 0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 80,473 23.3% -0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 40,575 11.8% -2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 31,769 9.2% -3.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 33,624 9.7% 2.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27,029 7.8% 7.5%
Built in 2020 or later 3,551 1% 71.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

San Jose occupancy rates

Out of the 328,550 occupied housing units in San Jose, 55.8% are owner-occupied, while 44.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
328,550
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
145,219
Owner occupied
183,331
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 145,219 44.2% 0.9%
Owner occupied 183,331 55.8% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
4.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

San Jose housing costs

Housing costs in San Jose come to a median of $2,838 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,669.

Median housing costs per month
$2,838/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in San Jose
$2,669/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in San Jose

San Jose education at a glance

About 23.6% of the population in San Jose went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 25.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 62,530 7.9% 0.6%
High school diploma 185,560 23.6% 0.2%
College diploma 138,131 17.5% -3.4%
Associate degree 55,123 7% 1.5%
Bachelor's degree 198,774 25.2% 1.4%
Graduate degree 147,452 18.7% 3.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in San Jose

How much people earn in San Jose

The average annual household income in San Jose was $194,463 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $146,427, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in San Jose
$194,463/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in San Jose
$146,427/year
3.4% year-over-year change

San Jose income by age

In San Jose, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $180,104. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $168,157 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $78,286, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $82,270 in earnings. Overall, 91.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $78,286 1.1%
25 - 44 $180,104 3.6%
45 - 64 $168,157 4.3%
Over 65 $82,270 1.6%
Above poverty level
891,709
Below poverty level
79,029
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 891,709 91.9% -0.3%
Below poverty level 79,029 8.1% 3.5%

Average renter income in San Jose

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in San Jose, their median household income was $96,359 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$96,359
Rent-to-income ratio
33.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in San Jose

Workforce and job types in San Jose

The job market in San Jose is powered by 522,283 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 74.5% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
522,283
0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
439,573
Blue collar
82,710
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 439,573 84.2% 0.3%
Blue collar 82,710 15.8% -1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
74.5%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 42,358 8.1% 0.8%
Private companies 389,227 74.5% -0.7%
Governmental workers 57,601 11% 1.6%
Not for profit companies 33,097 6.3% 5.5%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
9.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in San Jose stands at 5.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in San Jose

How people get around in San Jose

In San Jose, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-2.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 371,456 73.6% -2.0%
Taxicab 981 0.2% 20.8%
Bus or trolleybus 7,054 1.4% -12.4%
Subway or elevated 792 0.2% N/A
Railroad 2,108 0.4% -21.2%
Ferryboat 21 0% 200.0%
Motorcycle 813 0.2% -8.8%
Bicycle 2,558 0.5% -6.2%
Walk 8,871 1.8% -0.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in San Jose by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95110 19,963 6,791 $131,491 $169,632
95111 57,202 15,578 $101,435 $131,855
95112 57,373 21,574 $89,103 $126,684
95113 2,640 1,421 $151,685 $171,081
95116 48,042 13,394 $85,818 $119,918
95117 26,953 10,422 $116,348 $173,874
95118 32,015 11,404 $152,682 $206,538
95119 10,841 3,649 $174,375 $205,081
95120 36,967 12,660 $250,001 $323,918
95121 36,463 9,828 $150,605 $174,050

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about San Jose demographics 

What is the total population of San Jose?

San Jose has a total population of 990,138 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in San Jose?

The gender ratio in San Jose is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (503,670 residents)
  • 49.1% females (486,468 residents)

What is the median age in San Jose?

The median age in San Jose is 38.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in San Jose?

The age distribution in San Jose is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (164,422 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (128,129 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.3% (299,709 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (254,042 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.5% (143,836 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of San Jose?

The racial and ethnic makeup of San Jose is as follows:
  • White: 25.1% (248,813 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.9% (28,832 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (10,929 residents)
  • Asian: 39.5% (390,790 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (4,840 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.7% (165,124 residents)
  • Other: 14.2% (140,810 residents)

What percentage of the population in San Jose are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 56.5% of the population in San Jose.

How many housing units are there in San Jose?

There are 345,066 housing units in San Jose, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in San Jose and what is the average household size?

San Jose has a total of 328,550 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in San Jose?

San Jose has a median household income of $146,427, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for San Jose?

The employment rate is 94.9% in San Jose, with a workforce of 522,283 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.2% (439,573 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.8% (82,710 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (42,358 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.5% (389,227 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (57,601 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (33,097 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025