Portola Valley, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,305
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$250,001/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,894
2.9% year-over-year change

Portola Valley population

How many people live in Portola Valley

Portola Valley is home to 4,305 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Portola Valley locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
4,305
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
2,040
Female
52.6%
2,265
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,040 47.4% 2.9%
Female 2,265 52.6% -3.5%
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 Valley is 61, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 7.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 10.2% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 43.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
60.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
7.1%
25 to 44
10.2%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
43.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 654 15.2% -4.2%
15 to 24 305 7.1% -7.0%
25 to 44 438 10.2% -11.0%
45 to 64 1,019 23.7% 3.0%
Over 65 1,889 43.9% 2.8%
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 Valley, 85.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 9.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.2%
Non-citizens
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,669 85.2% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 351 8.2% -3.3%
Non-citizens 285 6.6% -10.9%
Racial breakdown
White
78.2%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
9.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.7%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 3,366 78.2%
Black or African American 8 0.2%
Asian 422 9.8%
Two or more races 461 10.7%
Other 48 1.1%

Households in Portola Valley

A peek inside Portola Valley households

Portola Valley has 1,767 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.3% are families, while the remaining 29.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,767
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
525
Family households
1,242
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 525 29.7% -1.5%
Family households 1,242 70.3% 3.8%
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 Valley

The housing landscape of Portola Valley

Portola Valley's housing consists of 1,894 units, with 84.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,894
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,601 84.5%
1 unit, attached 30 1.6%
3 or 4 units 15 0.8%
5 to 9 units 155 8.2%
10 to 19 units 79 4.2%
20 to 49 units 14 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
35
133.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Portola Valley

In Portola Valley, the median construction year is 1966. About 8.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 166 8.8% 21.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 16 0.8% 6.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 347 18.3% 53.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 690 36.4% 29.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 282 14.9% -27.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 221 11.7% -26.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 40 2.1% -28.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 55 2.9% -51.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 42 2.2% -20.8%
Built in 2020 or later 35 1.8% 133.3%
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 Valley occupancy rates

Out of the 1,767 occupied housing units in Portola Valley, 78.8% are owner-occupied, while 21.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,767
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
375
Owner occupied
1,392
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 375 21.2% 33.0%
Owner occupied 1,392 78.8% -3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.7%
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.

Portola Valley housing costs

Housing costs in Portola Valley come to a median of $4,001 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,501.

Median housing costs per month
$4,001/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 Valley
$3,501/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 Valley

Portola Valley education at a glance

About 2.8% of the population in Portola Valley went to high school, while 10.1% pursued college studies. Another 0.9% earned an associate degree and 39.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 46.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 98 2.8% -54.6%
College diploma 353 10.1% -12.6%
Associate degree 32 0.9% -77.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,375 39.5% 31.2%
Graduate degree 1,625 46.7% -5.4%
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 Valley

How much people earn in Portola Valley

The average annual household income in Portola Valley was $464,109 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.7% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Portola Valley
$464,109/year
-3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Portola Valley
$250,001/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Portola Valley income by age

In Portola Valley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Overall, 93.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $250,001 0.0%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $250,001 34.1%
Above poverty level
3,997
Below poverty level
262
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,997 93.8% -1.3%
Below poverty level 262 6.2% 14.9%

Average renter income in Portola Valley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Portola Valley, their median household income was $122,697 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$122,697
Rent-to-income ratio
34.2%
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 Portola Valley

Workforce and job types in Portola Valley

The job market in Portola Valley is powered by 1,478 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 97.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 34.8% run their own businesses, 54.4% are employed by private companies, and 2.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,478
5.7% year-over-year change
White collar
1,447
Blue collar
31
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,447 97.9% 4.2%
Blue collar 31 2.1% 244.4%
Employer type
Self employees
34.8%
Private companies
54.4%
Governmental workers
2.4%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 514 34.8% 28.8%
Private companies 804 54.4% -3.5%
Governmental workers 35 2.4% 6.1%
Not for profit companies 125 8.5% -6.0%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Portola Valley stands at 3.2%, 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 Valley

How people get around in Portola Valley

Commuting methods vary: 47.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% 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 691 47.4% 25.2%
Bicycle 12 0.8% -85.4%
Walk 38 2.6% 2.7%
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 Valley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94028 6,531 2,637 $250,001 $431,349

Explore more communities

FAQs about Portola Valley demographics 

What is the total population of Portola Valley?

Portola Valley has a total population of 4,305 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Portola Valley?

The gender ratio in Portola Valley is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (2,040 residents)
  • 52.6% females (2,265 residents)

What is the median age in Portola Valley?

The median age in Portola Valley is 60.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Portola Valley?

The age distribution in Portola Valley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (654 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.1% (305 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 10.2% (438 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (1,019 residents)
  • Over 65: 43.9% (1,889 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Portola Valley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portola Valley is as follows:
  • White: 78.2% (3,366 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (8 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 9.8% (422 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.7% (461 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (48 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Portola Valley?

There are 1,894 housing units in Portola Valley, reflecting a +2.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Portola Valley has a total of 1,767 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Portola Valley?

Portola Valley has a median household income of $250,001, representing a 0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in Portola Valley, with a workforce of 1,478 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.9% (1,447 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.1% (31 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 34.8% (514 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.4% (804 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 2.4% (35 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (125 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