San Carlos, San Mateo County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
29,614
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$237,470/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,627
-0.5% year-over-year change

San Carlos population

How many people live in San Carlos

San Carlos is home to 29,614 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of San Carlos locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
29,614
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
14,591
Female
50.7%
15,023
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,591 49.3% 1.2%
Female 15,023 50.7% -2.3%
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 San Carlos is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.9% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,587 18.9% -2.2%
15 to 24 3,109 10.5% 5.0%
25 to 44 7,602 25.7% -2.1%
45 to 64 8,422 28.4% -0.3%
Over 65 4,894 16.5% -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 San Carlos, 73.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 23.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.7% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
73.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.2%
Non-citizens
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,643 73.1% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,796 16.2% -0.2%
Non-citizens 3,175 10.7% 5.2%
Racial breakdown
White
57.5%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
23.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.7%
Two or more races
13.7%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 17,029 57.5%
Black or African American 174 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 50 0.2%
Asian 6,943 23.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 217 0.7%
Two or more races 4,061 13.7%
Other 1,140 3.8%

Households in San Carlos

A peek inside San Carlos households

San Carlos has 11,001 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.1% are families, while the remaining 24.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,001
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,739
Family households
8,262
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,739 24.9% -7.0%
Family households 8,262 75.1% 1.9%
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 San Carlos

The housing landscape of San Carlos

San Carlos's housing consists of 11,627 units, with 66.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
11,627
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,769 66.8%
1 unit, attached 511 4.4%
2 units 121 1%
3 or 4 units 312 2.7%
5 to 9 units 839 7.2%
10 to 19 units 926 8%
20 to 49 units 741 6.4%
50 or more units 408 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
208
96.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in San Carlos

In San Carlos, the median construction year is 1962. About 7.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 19% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% 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 867 7.5% 6.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,211 19% -3.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,421 20.8% -3.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,720 14.8% 0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,642 14.1% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,340 11.5% -1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 320 2.8% -22.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 391 3.4% -4.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 507 4.4% 10.9%
Built in 2020 or later 208 1.8% 96.2%
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.

San Carlos occupancy rates

Out of the 11,001 occupied housing units in San Carlos, 67.8% are owner-occupied, while 32.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,001
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,537
Owner occupied
7,464
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,537 32.2% 0.7%
Owner occupied 7,464 67.8% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
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.

San Carlos housing costs

Housing costs in San Carlos come to a median of $3,812 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,854.

Median housing costs per month
$3,812/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 San Carlos
$2,854/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 San Carlos

San Carlos education at a glance

About 11.5% of the population in San Carlos went to high school, while 15.7% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 32.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 34.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 265 1.2% -33.1%
High school diploma 2,606 11.5% -1.7%
College diploma 3,562 15.7% 3.1%
Associate degree 1,061 4.7% -17.8%
Bachelor's degree 7,331 32.3% 5.9%
Graduate degree 7,869 34.7% -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 San Carlos

How much people earn in San Carlos

The average annual household income in San Carlos was $338,651 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $237,470, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in San Carlos
$338,651/year
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in San Carlos
$237,470/year
1.8% year-over-year change

San Carlos income by age

In San Carlos, 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. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,184, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $134,297 in earnings. Overall, 96.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,184 -34.5%
25 - 44 $250,001 0.0%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $134,297 -0.1%
Above poverty level
27,987
Below poverty level
975
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 27,987 96.6% -0.9%
Below poverty level 975 3.4% 2.2%

Average renter income in San Carlos

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in San Carlos, their median household income was $121,453 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$121,453
Rent-to-income ratio
28.2%
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 San Carlos

Workforce and job types in San Carlos

The job market in San Carlos is powered by 15,701 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12% run their own businesses, 71.9% are employed by private companies, and 8.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,701
-2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
14,697
Blue collar
1,004
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 14,697 93.6% -1.4%
Blue collar 1,004 6.4% -10.7%
Employer type
Self employees
12%
Private companies
71.9%
Governmental workers
8.6%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,877 12% 3.2%
Private companies 11,292 71.9% -3.6%
Governmental workers 1,358 8.6% 0.3%
Not for profit companies 1,174 7.5% 2.7%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
8.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in San Carlos stands at 5%, 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 San Carlos

How people get around in San Carlos

In San Carlos, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 56.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
-3.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,795 56.6% -4.5%
Taxicab 7 0% 16.7%
Bus or trolleybus 233 1.5% -4.5%
Subway or elevated 12 0.1% N/A
Railroad 223 1.4% -9.7%
Motorcycle 8 0% -33.3%
Bicycle 253 1.6% -10.0%
Walk 182 1.2% -25.1%
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 San Carlos by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94070 30,447 11,279 $240,074 $340,060

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FAQs about San Carlos demographics 

What is the total population of San Carlos?

San Carlos has a total population of 29,614 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 San Carlos?

The gender ratio in San Carlos is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (14,591 residents)
  • 50.7% females (15,023 residents)

What is the median age in San Carlos?

The median age in San Carlos is 41.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in San Carlos?

The age distribution in San Carlos is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.9% (5,587 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (3,109 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (7,602 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (8,422 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.5% (4,894 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of San Carlos?

The racial and ethnic makeup of San Carlos is as follows:
  • White: 57.5% (17,029 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (174 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (50 residents)
  • Asian: 23.4% (6,943 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.7% (217 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.7% (4,061 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (1,140 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 73.1% of the population in San Carlos.

How many housing units are there in San Carlos?

There are 11,627 housing units in San Carlos, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

San Carlos has a total of 11,001 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in San Carlos?

San Carlos has a median household income of $237,470, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for San Carlos?

The employment rate is 95% in San Carlos, with a workforce of 15,701 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.6% (14,697 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.4% (1,004 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12% (1,877 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.9% (11,292 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.6% (1,358 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (1,174 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