Portola, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,441
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,492/yr
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,201
-7.0% year-over-year change

Portola population

How many people live in Portola

Portola is home to 2,441 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44% of Portola locals are male, and 56% are female.

Total population
2,441
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44%
1,075
Female
56%
1,366
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,075 44% 3.5%
Female 1,366 56% -4.0%
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 Portola is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.1% are children under 15, then 9.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 16.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.1%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
16.6%
Over 65
27.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 516 21.1% -11.0%
15 to 24 231 9.5% 8.4%
25 to 44 618 25.3% -8.4%
45 to 64 404 16.6% -12.6%
Over 65 672 27.5% 26.3%
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 Portola, 85.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 8.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.8%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,080 85.2% -9.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 215 8.8% 102.8%
Non-citizens 146 6% 160.7%
Racial breakdown
White
81.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
7.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.3%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 1,981 81.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 23 0.9%
Asian 180 7.4%
Two or more races 203 8.3%
Other 54 2.2%

Households in Portola

A peek inside Portola households

Portola has 1,008 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51% are families, while the remaining 49% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,008
-4.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
494
Family households
514
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 494 49% 6.5%
Family households 514 51% -13.5%
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 Portola

The housing landscape of Portola

Portola's housing consists of 1,201 units, with 78.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,201
-7.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 947 78.8%
1 unit, attached 8 0.7%
2 units 10 0.8%
3 or 4 units 52 4.3%
5 to 9 units 43 3.6%
10 to 19 units 21 1.8%
20 to 49 units 19 1.6%
50 or more units 74 6.2%
Mobile home 21 1.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Portola

In Portola, the median construction year is 1967. About 15.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 190 15.8% -3.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 121 10.1% 2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 169 14.1% 0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 163 13.6% 8.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 153 12.7% -12.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 237 19.7% 17.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 65 5.4% -65.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 90 7.5% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 1.1% 85.7%
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.

Portola occupancy rates

Out of the 1,008 occupied housing units in Portola, 55.5% are owner-occupied, while 44.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,008
-4.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
449
Owner occupied
559
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 449 44.5% -18.7%
Owner occupied 559 55.5% 10.5%
Unoccupied housing units
16.1%
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.

Portola housing costs

Housing costs in Portola come to a median of $803 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $819.

Median housing costs per month
$803/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 Portola
$819/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 Portola

Portola education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Portola went to high school, while 34.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 38 2.1% 18.8%
High school diploma 744 41% 6.7%
College diploma 631 34.7% -6.8%
Associate degree 148 8.2% 4.2%
Bachelor's degree 210 11.6% 1.0%
Graduate degree 46 2.5% 12.2%
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 Portola

How much people earn in Portola

The average annual household income in Portola was $55,109 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +16% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,492, reflecting a +5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Portola
$55,109/year
16.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Portola
$44,492/year
5.0% year-over-year change

Portola income by age

In Portola, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,031. Overall, 78.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $85,031 88.1%
Over 65 $36,031 1.9%
Above poverty level
1,888
Below poverty level
526
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,888 78.2% 7.6%
Below poverty level 526 21.8% -15.2%

Average renter income in Portola

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Portola, their median household income was $31,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,250
Rent-to-income ratio
31.4%
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 Portola

Workforce and job types in Portola

The job market in Portola is powered by 741 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 64.4% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
741
-6.9% year-over-year change
White collar
553
Blue collar
188
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 553 74.6% -5.2%
Blue collar 188 25.4% -11.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
64.4%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 64 8.6% -17.9%
Private companies 477 64.4% 16.9%
Governmental workers 111 15% -55.1%
Not for profit companies 89 12% 41.3%
Unemployment rate
12.4%
-37.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Portola stands at 12.4%, 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 Portola

How people get around in Portola

Commuting methods vary: 77.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 12.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 511 77.4% -15.3%
Bicycle 49 7.4% 172.2%
Walk 83 12.6% -36.1%
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 Portola by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96122 4,447 1,806 $54,205 $76,688

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FAQs about Portola demographics 

What is the total population of Portola?

Portola has a total population of 2,441 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 Portola?

The gender ratio in Portola is as follows:
  • 44% males (1,075 residents)
  • 56% females (1,366 residents)

What is the median age in Portola?

The median age in Portola is 40.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Portola?

The age distribution in Portola is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.1% (516 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.5% (231 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (618 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.6% (404 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.5% (672 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Portola?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portola is as follows:
  • White: 81.2% (1,981 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (23 residents)
  • Asian: 7.4% (180 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.3% (203 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (54 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.2% of the population in Portola.

How many housing units are there in Portola?

There are 1,201 housing units in Portola, reflecting a -7.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Portola has a total of 1,008 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Portola?

Portola has a median household income of $44,492, representing a +5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Portola?

The employment rate is 87.6% in Portola, with a workforce of 741 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.6% (553 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.4% (188 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (64 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.4% (477 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (111 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12% (89 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