East Palo Alto, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
29,069
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$113,493/yr
8.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,160
-0.9% year-over-year change

East Palo Alto population

How many people live in East Palo Alto

East Palo Alto is home to 29,069 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of East Palo Alto locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
29,069
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
13,929
Female
52.1%
15,140
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,929 47.9% -1.3%
Female 15,140 52.1% 0.8%
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 East Palo Alto is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 15.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.9% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
15.2%
25 to 44
32.9%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,639 16% -8.0%
15 to 24 4,426 15.2% 0.5%
25 to 44 9,561 32.9% 1.0%
45 to 64 7,435 25.6% 0.2%
Over 65 3,008 10.4% 7.2%
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 East Palo Alto, 52.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 22.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 25.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 18.5% of locals are Caucasian, 9.5% are African American and 7.1% have Asian roots. Another 2.8% are Indigenous American, 7.8% are Pacific Islanders, while 36.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
52.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
22.4%
Non-citizens
25.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,175 52.2% -4.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,522 22.4% -1.9%
Non-citizens 7,372 25.4% 10.4%
Racial breakdown
White
18.5%
Black or African American
9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.8%
Asian
7.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
7.8%
Two or more races
18.1%
Other
36.2%
Value Percent
White 5,382 18.5%
Black or African American 2,762 9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 822 2.8%
Asian 2,053 7.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2,275 7.8%
Two or more races 5,267 18.1%
Other 10,508 36.2%

Households in East Palo Alto

A peek inside East Palo Alto households

East Palo Alto has 8,267 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71% are families, while the remaining 29% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,267
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,399
Family households
5,868
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,399 29% 3.2%
Family households 5,868 71% -1.6%
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 East Palo Alto

The housing landscape of East Palo Alto

East Palo Alto's housing consists of 9,160 units, with 59.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.3% 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 1.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,160
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,436 59.3%
1 unit, attached 299 3.3%
2 units 92 1%
3 or 4 units 158 1.7%
5 to 9 units 321 3.5%
10 to 19 units 655 7.2%
20 to 49 units 1,287 14%
50 or more units 798 8.7%
Mobile home 114 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
49
600.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Palo Alto

In East Palo Alto, the median construction year is 1963. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 380 4.2% 5.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 718 7.8% -18.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,096 33.8% 7.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,524 16.6% -7.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 726 7.9% -6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 513 5.6% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 431 4.7% 1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,291 14.1% -3.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 432 4.7% 17.7%
Built in 2020 or later 49 0.5% 600.0%
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.

East Palo Alto occupancy rates

Out of the 8,267 occupied housing units in East Palo Alto, 49.1% are owner-occupied, while 50.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,267
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,211
Owner occupied
4,056
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,211 50.9% -2.6%
Owner occupied 4,056 49.1% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
9.7%
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.

East Palo Alto housing costs

Housing costs in East Palo Alto come to a median of $2,430 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,244.

Median housing costs per month
$2,430/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 East Palo Alto
$2,244/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 East Palo Alto

East Palo Alto education at a glance

About 35.7% of the population in East Palo Alto went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 14.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,896 12.5% -3.5%
High school diploma 8,256 35.7% 9.6%
College diploma 4,815 20.8% -6.2%
Associate degree 1,541 6.7% -4.1%
Bachelor's degree 3,403 14.7% 17.2%
Graduate degree 2,215 9.6% -5.5%
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 East Palo Alto

How much people earn in East Palo Alto

The average annual household income in East Palo Alto was $144,799 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $113,493, reflecting a +8.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Palo Alto
$144,799/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Palo Alto
$113,493/year
8.3% year-over-year change

East Palo Alto income by age

In East Palo Alto, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $120,048. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $115,505 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $86,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $85,417 in earnings. Overall, 89.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $86,250 N/A
25 - 44 $120,048 5.9%
45 - 64 $115,505 5.5%
Over 65 $85,417 9.2%
Above poverty level
25,549
Below poverty level
2,934
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 25,549 89.7% -0.8%
Below poverty level 2,934 10.3% 8.2%

Average renter income in East Palo Alto

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in East Palo Alto, their median household income was $69,683 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$69,683
Rent-to-income ratio
38.6%
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 East Palo Alto

Workforce and job types in East Palo Alto

The job market in East Palo Alto is powered by 16,204 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 72.8% are employed by private companies, and 10.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,204
3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
13,237
Blue collar
2,967
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,237 81.7% 6.7%
Blue collar 2,967 18.3% -9.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
72.8%
Governmental workers
10.7%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,298 8% -1.7%
Private companies 11,798 72.8% 4.4%
Governmental workers 1,727 10.7% -0.7%
Not for profit companies 1,381 8.5% 3.5%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
1.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto

How people get around in East Palo Alto

In East Palo Alto, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
-6.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 12,187 76.5% 1.9%
Taxicab 24 0.2% -7.7%
Bus or trolleybus 200 1.3% 15.6%
Railroad 96 0.6% -31.9%
Motorcycle 45 0.3% 12.5%
Bicycle 320 2% 43.5%
Walk 264 1.7% -9.3%
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 East Palo Alto by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94303 46,879 14,466 $151,609 $230,694

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FAQs about East Palo Alto demographics 

What is the total population of East Palo Alto?

East Palo Alto has a total population of 29,069 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Palo Alto?

The gender ratio in East Palo Alto is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (13,929 residents)
  • 52.1% females (15,140 residents)

What is the median age in East Palo Alto?

The median age in East Palo Alto is 36.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Palo Alto?

The age distribution in East Palo Alto is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (4,639 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.2% (4,426 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.9% (9,561 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (7,435 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.4% (3,008 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Palo Alto?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Palo Alto is as follows:
  • White: 18.5% (5,382 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.5% (2,762 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.8% (822 residents)
  • Asian: 7.1% (2,053 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 7.8% (2,275 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.1% (5,267 residents)
  • Other: 36.2% (10,508 residents)

What percentage of the population in East Palo Alto are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 52.2% of the population in East Palo Alto.

How many housing units are there in East Palo Alto?

There are 9,160 housing units in East Palo Alto, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in East Palo Alto and what is the average household size?

East Palo Alto has a total of 8,267 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Palo Alto?

East Palo Alto has a median household income of $113,493, representing a +8.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for East Palo Alto?

The employment rate is 94.9% in East Palo Alto, with a workforce of 16,204 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.7% (13,237 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.3% (2,967 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (1,298 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.8% (11,798 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.7% (1,727 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (1,381 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