Foster City, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
32,792
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$199,143/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,617
1.6% year-over-year change

Foster City population

How many people live in Foster City

Foster City is home to 32,792 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Foster City locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
32,792
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
15,668
Female
52.2%
17,124
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,668 47.8% -1.8%
Female 17,124 52.2% 0.7%
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 Foster City is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 8.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.8% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
8.2%
25 to 44
31.8%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,170 18.8% 1.1%
15 to 24 2,681 8.2% -4.6%
25 to 44 10,418 31.8% 0.4%
45 to 64 7,764 23.7% -0.5%
Over 65 5,759 17.6% -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 Foster City, 48.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 26.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 25% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 30% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 54.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
48.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
26.2%
Non-citizens
25%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,984 48.7% -4.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,604 26.2% 5.5%
Non-citizens 8,204 25% 0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
30%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
54.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10%
Other
3.5%
Value Percent
White 9,841 30%
Black or African American 552 1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 101 0.3%
Asian 17,838 54.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 44 0.1%
Two or more races 3,275 10%
Other 1,141 3.5%

Households in Foster City

A peek inside Foster City households

Foster City has 12,998 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.2% are families, while the remaining 32.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,998
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,259
Family households
8,739
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,259 32.8% 6.7%
Family households 8,739 67.2% -1.5%
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 Foster City

The housing landscape of Foster City

Foster City's housing consists of 13,617 units, with 35% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 18.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
13,617
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,760 35%
1 unit, attached 2,567 18.8%
2 units 156 1.2%
3 or 4 units 881 6.5%
5 to 9 units 730 5.4%
10 to 19 units 1,061 7.8%
20 to 49 units 1,421 10.4%
50 or more units 2,036 15%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0%
Homes built since 2020
160
18.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Foster City

In Foster City, the median construction year is 1976. About 0.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 111 0.8% -14.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 67 0.5% -19.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 324 2.4% -6.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,831 20.8% 2.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,585 41% 0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,099 15.4% 1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 843 6.2% -4.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 551 4% 27.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,046 7.7% 2.1%
Built in 2020 or later 160 1.2% 18.5%
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.

Foster City occupancy rates

Out of the 12,998 occupied housing units in Foster City, 50.8% are owner-occupied, while 49.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,998
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,392
Owner occupied
6,606
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,392 49.2% 1.7%
Owner occupied 6,606 50.8% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
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.

Foster City housing costs

Housing costs in Foster City come to a median of $3,710 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,501.

Median housing costs per month
$3,710/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 Foster City
$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 Foster City

Foster City education at a glance

About 9.6% of the population in Foster City went to high school, while 10.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 33.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 38.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 561 2.2% 1.4%
High school diploma 2,436 9.6% 1.8%
College diploma 2,670 10.5% -2.0%
Associate degree 1,438 5.6% -1.1%
Bachelor's degree 8,602 33.7% -2.4%
Graduate degree 9,808 38.4% 1.1%
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 Foster City

How much people earn in Foster City

The average annual household income in Foster City was $246,457 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $199,143, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Foster City
$246,457/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Foster City
$199,143/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Foster City income by age

In Foster City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $218,613. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $236,010 overall. Overall, 95.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $218,613 -8.0%
45 - 64 $236,010 7.5%
Over 65 $106,367 -4.0%
Above poverty level
30,806
Below poverty level
1,334
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 30,806 95.8% -0.1%
Below poverty level 1,334 4.2% -12.0%

Employment in Foster City

Workforce and job types in Foster City

The job market in Foster City is powered by 16,785 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 76.9% are employed by private companies, and 6.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,785
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
15,786
Blue collar
999
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,786 94% -0.5%
Blue collar 999 6% 10.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
76.9%
Governmental workers
6.4%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,889 11.2% 13.4%
Private companies 12,908 76.9% -2.0%
Governmental workers 1,076 6.4% 0.6%
Not for profit companies 912 5.4% 5.4%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
1.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Foster City stands at 4.8%, 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 Foster City

How people get around in Foster City

In Foster City, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 59.4% 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
29 min
-4.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,883 59.4% -4.5%
Taxicab 37 0.2% -52.6%
Bus or trolleybus 184 1.1% 2.2%
Subway or elevated 121 0.7% N/A
Railroad 185 1.1% -37.7%
Motorcycle 10 0.1% -56.5%
Bicycle 159 1% -9.7%
Walk 276 1.7% 12.7%
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 Foster City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94404 35,881 14,717 $192,332 $240,836

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Foster City demographics 

What is the total population of Foster City?

Foster City has a total population of 32,792 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Foster City?

The gender ratio in Foster City is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (15,668 residents)
  • 52.2% females (17,124 residents)

What is the median age in Foster City?

The median age in Foster City is 39.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Foster City?

The age distribution in Foster City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (6,170 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.2% (2,681 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.8% (10,418 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (7,764 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (5,759 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Foster City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Foster City is as follows:
  • White: 30% (9,841 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (552 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (101 residents)
  • Asian: 54.4% (17,838 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (44 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (3,275 residents)
  • Other: 3.5% (1,141 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 48.7% of the population in Foster City.

How many housing units are there in Foster City?

There are 13,617 housing units in Foster City, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Foster City has a total of 12,998 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Foster City?

Foster City has a median household income of $199,143, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Foster City?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Foster City, with a workforce of 16,785 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94% (15,786 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6% (999 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (1,889 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.9% (12,908 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.4% (1,076 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (912 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