Santa Clara, Santa Clara County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
130,256
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$178,958/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
53,021
2.2% year-over-year change

Santa Clara population

How many people live in Santa Clara

Santa Clara is home to 130,256 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52% of Santa Clara locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
130,256
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52%
67,684
Female
48%
62,572
Value Percent YoY change
Male 67,684 52% 0.5%
Female 62,572 48% 1.1%
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 Santa Clara is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.4% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 39.3% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
39.3%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,808 14.4% -4.0%
15 to 24 16,490 12.7% -0.7%
25 to 44 51,215 39.3% 1.5%
45 to 64 28,880 22.2% 2.1%
Over 65 14,863 11.4% 3.9%
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 Santa Clara, 52% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 28.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 50.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
52%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.2%
Non-citizens
28.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 67,742 52% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24,985 19.2% 2.5%
Non-citizens 37,529 28.8% 3.6%
Racial breakdown
White
29.6%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
50.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
8.1%
Value Percent
White 38,502 29.6%
Black or African American 2,245 1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 760 0.6%
Asian 65,658 50.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 280 0.2%
Two or more races 12,313 9.4%
Other 10,498 8.1%

Households in Santa Clara

A peek inside Santa Clara households

Santa Clara has 50,088 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.1% are families, while the remaining 37.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
50,088
3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
18,997
Family households
31,091
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 18,997 37.9% 6.7%
Family households 31,091 62.1% 1.0%
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 Santa Clara

The housing landscape of Santa Clara

Santa Clara's housing consists of 53,021 units, with 37.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
53,021
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 19,685 37.1%
1 unit, attached 5,538 10.4%
2 units 422 0.8%
3 or 4 units 3,452 6.5%
5 to 9 units 3,800 7.2%
10 to 19 units 4,048 7.6%
20 to 49 units 3,956 7.5%
50 or more units 12,020 22.7%
Mobile home 100 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
1,132
34.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Clara

In Santa Clara, the median construction year is 1974. About 3.6% 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, 12.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,884 3.6% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,403 2.6% -17.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11,144 21% 2.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,216 17.4% 3.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,510 14.2% -2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,575 8.6% -9.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,756 5.2% -5.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,594 12.4% 10.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,807 12.8% 13.1%
Built in 2020 or later 1,132 2.1% 34.1%
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.

Santa Clara occupancy rates

Out of the 50,088 occupied housing units in Santa Clara, 40.8% are owner-occupied, while 59.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
50,088
3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
29,632
Owner occupied
20,456
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 29,632 59.2% 3.7%
Owner occupied 20,456 40.8% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
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.

Santa Clara housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Clara come to a median of $3,096 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,016.

Median housing costs per month
$3,096/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 Santa Clara
$3,016/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 Santa Clara

Santa Clara education at a glance

About 15.1% of the population in Santa Clara went to high school, while 14.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 29.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 31.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,483 3.2% 17.7%
High school diploma 16,354 15.1% -1.2%
College diploma 15,656 14.5% -0.7%
Associate degree 6,262 5.8% -6.5%
Bachelor's degree 32,228 29.8% 0.3%
Graduate degree 34,073 31.5% 6.2%
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 Santa Clara

How much people earn in Santa Clara

The average annual household income in Santa Clara was $229,149 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $178,958, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Clara
$229,149/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Clara
$178,958/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Santa Clara income by age

In Santa Clara, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $219,698. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $180,901 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $54,744, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $89,816 in earnings. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $54,744 2.0%
25 - 44 $219,698 3.5%
45 - 64 $180,901 -1.0%
Over 65 $89,816 5.7%
Above poverty level
114,772
Below poverty level
10,601
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 114,772 91.5% 0.4%
Below poverty level 10,601 8.5% 8.4%

Average renter income in Santa Clara

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Santa Clara, their median household income was $135,627 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$135,627
Rent-to-income ratio
26.7%
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 Santa Clara

Workforce and job types in Santa Clara

The job market in Santa Clara is powered by 75,657 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 77.4% are employed by private companies, and 9.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
75,657
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
69,105
Blue collar
6,552
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 69,105 91.3% 2.4%
Blue collar 6,552 8.7% -3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
77.4%
Governmental workers
9.4%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,442 5.9% 24.4%
Private companies 58,586 77.4% -0.7%
Governmental workers 7,097 9.4% 4.9%
Not for profit companies 5,532 7.3% 11.4%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
20.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara

How people get around in Santa Clara

In Santa Clara, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 65.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 48,490 65.6% -3.0%
Taxicab 758 1% 60.6%
Bus or trolleybus 1,310 1.8% -2.5%
Subway or elevated 169 0.2% N/A
Railroad 276 0.4% -23.6%
Motorcycle 99 0.1% -36.9%
Bicycle 958 1.3% 40.9%
Walk 2,070 2.8% 4.8%
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 Santa Clara by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95051 62,054 24,240 $196,690 $246,229
95053 3,049 42 $0 $0
95054 25,704 9,963 $207,895 $248,423
95050 39,834 15,831 $138,466 $191,400

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FAQs about Santa Clara demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Clara?

Santa Clara has a total population of 130,256 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Clara?

The gender ratio in Santa Clara is as follows:
  • 52% males (67,684 residents)
  • 48% females (62,572 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Clara?

The median age in Santa Clara is 34.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Clara?

The age distribution in Santa Clara is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.4% (18,808 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (16,490 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 39.3% (51,215 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (28,880 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.4% (14,863 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Clara?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Clara is as follows:
  • White: 29.6% (38,502 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (2,245 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (760 residents)
  • Asian: 50.4% (65,658 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (280 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (12,313 residents)
  • Other: 8.1% (10,498 residents)

What percentage of the population in Santa Clara are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 52% of the population in Santa Clara.

How many housing units are there in Santa Clara?

There are 53,021 housing units in Santa Clara, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Santa Clara and what is the average household size?

Santa Clara has a total of 50,088 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Clara?

Santa Clara has a median household income of $178,958, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Santa Clara?

The employment rate is 94.9% in Santa Clara, with a workforce of 75,657 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.3% (69,105 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.7% (6,552 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (4,442 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.4% (58,586 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.4% (7,097 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (5,532 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