Atherton, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,993
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$250,001/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,667
-0.2% year-over-year change

Atherton population

How many people live in Atherton

Atherton is home to 6,993 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Atherton locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
6,993
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
3,539
Female
49.4%
3,454
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,539 50.6% 2.8%
Female 3,454 49.4% -3.4%
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 Atherton is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.5% are children under 15, then 20.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 11.4% of the population, while another 29% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.5%
15 to 24
20.6%
25 to 44
11.4%
45 to 64
29%
Over 65
25.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 941 13.5% 4.6%
15 to 24 1,437 20.6% 0.3%
25 to 44 796 11.4% -10.2%
45 to 64 2,026 29% 1.1%
Over 65 1,793 25.6% -0.4%
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 Atherton, 77.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 18% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.9%
Non-citizens
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,414 77.4% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,041 14.9% -3.2%
Non-citizens 538 7.7% -13.5%
Racial breakdown
White
68.1%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
18%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 4,764 68.1%
Black or African American 94 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0%
Asian 1,256 18%
Two or more races 742 10.6%
Other 134 1.9%

Households in Atherton

A peek inside Atherton households

Atherton has 2,227 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 80% are families, while the remaining 20% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,227
-1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
446
Family households
1,781
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 446 20% 1.1%
Family households 1,781 80% -2.4%
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 Atherton

The housing landscape of Atherton

Atherton's housing consists of 2,667 units, with 97.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,667
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,596 97.3%
1 unit, attached 53 2%
2 units 18 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
62
59.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Atherton

In Atherton, the median construction year is 1960. About 17.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 460 17.2% 20.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 341 12.8% 5.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 535 20.1% -18.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 241 9% 17.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 51 1.9% -42.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 200 7.5% -14.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 111 4.2% -3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 337 12.6% 15.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 329 12.3% -3.0%
Built in 2020 or later 62 2.3% 59.0%
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.

Atherton occupancy rates

Out of the 2,227 occupied housing units in Atherton, 87.6% are owner-occupied, while 12.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,227
-1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
277
Owner occupied
1,950
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 277 12.4% -3.1%
Owner occupied 1,950 87.6% -1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
16.5%
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.

Atherton housing costs

Housing costs in Atherton 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 Atherton
$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 Atherton

Atherton education at a glance

About 11.2% of the population in Atherton went to high school, while 14.7% pursued college studies. Another 4.2% earned an associate degree and 26.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 42.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 45 0.8% 95.7%
High school diploma 639 11.2% 2.7%
College diploma 838 14.7% 18.4%
Associate degree 240 4.2% 11.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,520 26.6% -1.4%
Graduate degree 2,425 42.5% -7.3%
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 Atherton

How much people earn in Atherton

The average annual household income in Atherton was $580,438 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.3% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Atherton
$580,438/year
-6.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Atherton
$250,001/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Atherton income by age

In Atherton, 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, 94.7% 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 0.0%
Above poverty level
6,062
Below poverty level
340
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,062 94.7% -2.5%
Below poverty level 340 5.3% 58.1%

Employment in Atherton

Workforce and job types in Atherton

The job market in Atherton is powered by 2,754 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 97.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.9% run their own businesses, 64% are employed by private companies, and 3.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,754
-5.1% year-over-year change
White collar
2,693
Blue collar
61
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,693 97.8% -5.1%
Blue collar 61 2.2% -3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
19.9%
Private companies
64%
Governmental workers
3.3%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 549 19.9% -9.1%
Private companies 1,762 64% -2.6%
Governmental workers 90 3.3% -37.1%
Not for profit companies 353 12.8% 2.3%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
1.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Atherton 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 Atherton

How people get around in Atherton

In Atherton, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 51.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% 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
-2.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,408 51.8% -9.0%
Taxicab 6 0.2% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 46 1.7% 27.8%
Bicycle 13 0.5% -27.8%
Walk 103 3.8% 27.2%
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 Atherton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94027 7,002 2,236 $250,001 $579,268

Explore more communities

FAQs about Atherton demographics 

What is the total population of Atherton?

Atherton has a total population of 6,993 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Atherton?

The gender ratio in Atherton is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (3,539 residents)
  • 49.4% females (3,454 residents)

What is the median age in Atherton?

The median age in Atherton is 49.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Atherton?

The age distribution in Atherton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.5% (941 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.6% (1,437 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 11.4% (796 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29% (2,026 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.6% (1,793 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Atherton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Atherton is as follows:
  • White: 68.1% (4,764 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (94 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 18% (1,256 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (742 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (134 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.4% of the population in Atherton.

How many housing units are there in Atherton?

There are 2,667 housing units in Atherton, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Atherton has a total of 2,227 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Atherton?

Atherton 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 Atherton?

The employment rate is 96.8% in Atherton, with a workforce of 2,754 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.8% (2,693 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.2% (61 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.9% (549 residents)
  • Private companies: 64% (1,762 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3.3% (90 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (353 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