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

Total population
535
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,000/yr
14.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
381
8.6% year-over-year change

Foster City population

How many people live in Foster City

Foster City is home to 535 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57.8% of Foster City locals are male, and 42.2% are female.

Total population
535
1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57.8%
309
Female
42.2%
226
Value Percent YoY change
Male 309 57.8% 0.0%
Female 226 42.2% 3.7%
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 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.7% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15% of the population, while another 30.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.7%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
15%
45 to 64
30.5%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 127 23.7% 3.2%
15 to 24 62 11.6% 19.2%
25 to 44 80 15% 14.3%
45 to 64 163 30.5% 12.4%
Over 65 103 19.2% -24.8%
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 Foster City, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 1.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 528 98.7% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4 0.8% N/A
Non-citizens 3 0.6% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
97.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 522 97.6%
Asian 7 1.3%
Two or more races 6 1.1%

Households in Foster City

A peek inside Foster City households

Foster City has 214 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.9% are families, while the remaining 34.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
214
-3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
73
Family households
141
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 73 34.1% -4.0%
Family households 141 65.9% -2.8%
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 Foster City

The housing landscape of Foster City

Foster City's housing consists of 381 units, with 86.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 11.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
381
8.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 328 86.1%
2 units 2 0.5%
10 to 19 units 6 1.6%
Mobile home 45 11.8%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Foster City

In Foster City, the median construction year is 1969. About 8.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 31 8.1% -8.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 29 7.6% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 81 21.3% 6.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 58 15.2% 48.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 58 15.2% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 52 13.6% 40.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 32 8.4% -17.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 18 4.7% -18.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 22 5.8% 22.2%
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.

Foster City occupancy rates

Out of the 214 occupied housing units in Foster City, 88.3% are owner-occupied, while 11.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 43.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
214
-3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
25
Owner occupied
189
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 25 11.7% 0.0%
Owner occupied 189 88.3% -3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
43.8%
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 $534 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $775.

Median housing costs per month
$534/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
$775/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 51.3% of the population in Foster City went to high school, while 17.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 16% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 196 51.3% -9.3%
College diploma 68 17.8% -8.1%
Associate degree 37 9.7% 12.1%
Bachelor's degree 61 16% 1.7%
Graduate degree 20 5.2% 233.3%
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 Foster City

How much people earn in Foster City

The average annual household income in Foster City was $78,882 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. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,000, reflecting a +14.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Foster City
$78,882/year
6.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Foster City
$65,000/year
14.9% 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 $80,313. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $101,667 overall. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $80,313 2.5%
45 - 64 $101,667 22.4%
Above poverty level
487
Below poverty level
41
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 487 92.2% -0.4%
Below poverty level 41 7.8% 36.7%

Employment in Foster City

Workforce and job types in Foster City

67.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 21.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
134
Blue collar
65
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 134 67.3% 16.5%
Blue collar 65 32.7% 25.0%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
21.1%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 10 5% 0.0%
Private companies 130 65.3% 4.8%
Governmental workers 42 21.1% 162.5%
Not for profit companies 17 8.5% 0.0%

Transportation in Foster City

How people get around in Foster City

Commuting methods vary: 97.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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 184 97.9% 17.2%
Walk 4 2.1% -33.3%
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 Foster City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49834 535 214 $65,000 $78,882

Explore more communities

FAQs about Foster City demographics 

What is the total population of Foster City?

Foster City has a total population of 535 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 +1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Foster City?

The gender ratio in Foster City is as follows:
  • 57.8% males (309 residents)
  • 42.2% females (226 residents)

What is the median age in Foster City?

The median age in Foster City is 44.8.

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

The age distribution in Foster City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.7% (127 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (62 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15% (80 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.5% (163 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (103 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Foster City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Foster City is as follows:
  • White: 97.6% (522 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.1% (6 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Foster City.

How many housing units are there in Foster City?

There are 381 housing units in Foster City, reflecting a +8.6% 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 214 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Foster City?

Foster City has a median household income of $65,000, representing a +14.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Foster City?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.3% (134 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.7% (65 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (10 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (130 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.1% (42 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (17 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