East Palo Alto, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of East Palo Alto, California is 29,143 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 276th-largest city in California. The median household income is $104,832, the median home value is $1,124,000, and the median age is 34.2.
The population has grown 3.8% since 2010 (28,222 → 29,296).
29,143
Population
11528
People / sq mi
$104,832
Median Income
$1,124,000
Median Home Value
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East Palo Alto covers 2.5 sq mi of land at 11528 people per square mile.
About East Palo Alto, CA
What distinguishes East Palo Alto is density: among the most densely settled of US cities, around 11,528 people per square mile. With 29,143 residents, East Palo Alto is a city in California.
Households take in a median $104,832, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.0%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $1,124,000, with typical rent around $2,209.
25.8% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is close to the national 14.0% at 14.3%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in East Palo Alto: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
East Palo Alto city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of East Palo Alto city had a population of 28,222 in 2010 and 29,296 in 2024, a 3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 29,944 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.28%.
29,296
Population (2024)
28,222
Population (2010)
29,944
Peak (2020)
0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,222 |
| 2011 | 28,551 |
| 2012 | 28,926 |
| 2013 | 29,212 |
| 2014 | 29,482 |
| 2015 | 29,661 |
| 2016 | 29,811 |
| 2017 | 29,671 |
| 2018 | 29,486 |
| 2019 | 29,314 |
| 2020 | 29,944 |
| 2021 | 28,911 |
| 2022 | 28,529 |
| 2023 | 28,687 |
| 2024 | 29,296 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 23.4% |
| Black or African American | 12.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$104,832
Median Household Income
$40,141
Per Capita Income
7.0%
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$1,124,000
Median Home Value
$2,209
Median Rent
47.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
76.2%
High School+
25.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.0%
Drive Alone
66.1%
Public Transit
14.3%
Work From Home
25.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
9.9%
Foreign Born
34.9%
Non-English at Home
1.9%
Veterans
10.2%
With Disability
92.5%
Health Insurance
96.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 18.8% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 17.1% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 8.8% |
| Construction | 8.3% |
| Manufacturing | 6.4% |
| Retail Trade | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 3.5% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Information | 3.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.8% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
East Palo Alto, California has a population of 29,143 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 276th-largest city in California.
The median household income in East Palo Alto, California is $104,832, with 7.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in East Palo Alto, California is $1,124,000, with median monthly rent at $2,209 and a homeownership rate of 47.9%.
The median age in East Palo Alto, California is 34.2 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The population has grown 3.8% since 2010 (28,222 → 29,296).
Where to stay in East Palo Alto
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.