Portola, San Francisco, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,916
-3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$119,567/yr
11.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,296
-2.9% year-over-year change

Portola population

How many people live in Portola

Portola is home to 12,916 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Portola locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
12,916
-3.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
6,467
Female
49.9%
6,448
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,467 50.1% -4.5%
Female 6,448 49.9% -3.0%
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 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.2% of the population, while another 27.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 44
29.2%
45 to 64
27.9%
Over 65
18.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,958 15.2% -1.5%
15 to 24 1,159 9% 0.1%
25 to 44 3,767 29.2% 2.1%
45 to 64 3,600 27.9% -12.3%
Over 65 2,432 18.8% -1.9%
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 Portola, 47.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 38.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 14.2% of locals are Caucasian, 5.1% are African American and 61.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 1% are Pacific Islanders, while 11.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
47.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
38.2%
Non-citizens
14.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,147 47.6% -2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,927 38.2% -5.1%
Non-citizens 1,842 14.3% -5.6%
Racial breakdown
White
14.2%
Black or African American
5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
61.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1%
Two or more races
7.4%
Other
11.1%
Value Percent
White 1,830 14.2%
Black or African American 655 5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 19 0.2%
Asian 7,888 61.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 130 1%
Two or more races 958 7.4%
Other 1,437 11.1%

Households in Portola

A peek inside Portola households

Portola has 4,099 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.9% are families, while the remaining 28.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,099
-2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,154
Family households
2,946
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,154 28.2% 2.9%
Family households 2,946 71.9% -4.1%
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 4,296 units, with 42% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 36.2% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,296
-2.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,803 42%
1 unit, attached 1,556 36.2%
2 units 194 4.5%
3 or 4 units 111 2.6%
5 to 9 units 160 3.7%
10 to 19 units 210 4.9%
20 to 49 units 98 2.3%
50 or more units 152 3.5%
Mobile home 9 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
16
23.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Portola

In Portola, the median construction year is 1954. About 22.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 20.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 973 22.6% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 882 20.5% -9.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 713 16.6% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 514 12% -2.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 303 7% -3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 217 5% 2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 237 5.5% -0.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 272 6.3% -1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 170 4% 11.1%
Built in 2020 or later 16 0.4% 23.1%
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.

Portola occupancy rates

Out of the 4,099 occupied housing units in Portola, 63.8% are owner-occupied, while 36.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,099
-2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,485
Owner occupied
2,614
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,485 36.2% -0.3%
Owner occupied 2,614 63.8% -3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
4.6%
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 $2,184 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,874.

Median housing costs per month
$2,184/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
$1,874/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 28.1% of the population in Portola went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 24.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,414 13.4% -8.0%
High school diploma 2,963 28.1% -9.9%
College diploma 1,799 17% -10.8%
Associate degree 934 8.8% -1.7%
Bachelor's degree 2,600 24.6% 4.8%
Graduate degree 843 8% 7.2%
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 $153,982 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $119,567, reflecting a +11.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Portola
$153,982/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Portola
$119,567/year
11.2% 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 $131,761. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $133,157 overall. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $131,761 6.5%
45 - 64 $133,157 11.8%
Over 65 $79,318 9.9%
Above poverty level
11,342
Below poverty level
1,343
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,342 89.4% -4.0%
Below poverty level 1,343 10.6% -3.7%

Employment in Portola

Workforce and job types in Portola

81.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.3% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 17.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
5,179
Blue collar
1,198
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,179 81.2% -2.2%
Blue collar 1,198 18.8% -10.2%
Employer type
Self employees
11.3%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
17.4%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 720 11.3% -4.1%
Private companies 3,995 62.7% -5.4%
Governmental workers 1,111 17.4% -3.2%
Not for profit companies 550 8.6% 8.7%

Transportation in Portola

How people get around in Portola

In Portola, the average commute time is 10 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.8% 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
10 min
-9.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,908 77.8% -4.7%
Taxicab 17 0.3% -34.6%
Bus or trolleybus 949 18.9% -14.9%
Railroad 11 0.2% -45.0%
Motorcycle 1 0% -92.3%
Bicycle 54 1.1% 63.6%
Walk 85 1.7% -2.3%
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 Portola by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94134 38,633 12,262 $119,567 $154,036

Explore more communities

FAQs about Portola demographics 

What is the total population of Portola?

Portola has a total population of 12,916 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 -3.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Portola?

The gender ratio in Portola is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (6,467 residents)
  • 49.9% females (6,448 residents)

What is the median age in Portola?

The median age in Portola is 42.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Portola?

The age distribution in Portola is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (1,958 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9% (1,159 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.2% (3,767 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.9% (3,600 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.8% (2,432 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Portola?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Portola is as follows:
  • White: 14.2% (1,830 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.1% (655 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (19 residents)
  • Asian: 61.1% (7,888 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1% (130 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.4% (958 residents)
  • Other: 11.1% (1,437 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 47.6% of the population in Portola.

How many housing units are there in Portola?

There are 4,296 housing units in Portola, 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 and what is the average household size?

Portola has a total of 4,099 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Portola?

Portola has a median household income of $119,567, representing a +11.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Portola?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.2% (5,179 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.8% (1,198 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.3% (720 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (3,995 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.4% (1,111 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (550 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