Palo Alto, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Palo Alto, California is 67,231 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 136th-largest city in California. The median household income is $220,408, the median home value is $2,000,001, and the median age is 42.5.
The population has grown 4.8% since 2010 (64,535 → 67,658).
67,231
Population
2795
People / sq mi
$220,408
Median Income
$2,000,001
Median Home Value
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Palo Alto covers 24.1 sq mi of land at 2795 people per square mile.
About Palo Alto, CA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Palo Alto: the median home is valued at $2,000,001. Palo Alto is a city in California with a population of 67,231.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US cities: median income is $220,408, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US cities at 3.2%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $2,000,001, with typical rent around $3,328.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US cities — 82.4% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 33.3% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Palo Alto — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Palo Alto city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Palo Alto city had a population of 64,535 in 2010 and 67,658 in 2024, a 4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 68,356 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.35%.
67,658
Population (2024)
64,535
Population (2010)
68,356
Peak (2020)
0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 64,535 |
| 2011 | 65,345 |
| 2012 | 66,089 |
| 2013 | 66,613 |
| 2014 | 66,848 |
| 2015 | 66,782 |
| 2016 | 67,353 |
| 2017 | 66,960 |
| 2018 | 66,258 |
| 2019 | 65,364 |
| 2020 | 68,356 |
| 2021 | 66,799 |
| 2022 | 66,506 |
| 2023 | 66,794 |
| 2024 | 67,658 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 48.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$220,408
Median Household Income
$121,565
Per Capita Income
3.2%
Poverty Rate
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$2,000,001
Median Home Value
$3,328
Median Rent
54.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
97.0%
High School+
82.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
3.1%
Drive Alone
46.7%
Public Transit
33.3%
Work From Home
22.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
24.1%
Foreign Born
59.7%
Non-English at Home
2.3%
Veterans
7.1%
With Disability
98.0%
Health Insurance
98.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 30.5% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.2% |
| Manufacturing | 11.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 9.4% |
| Information | 5.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 4.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.3% |
| Retail Trade | 1.9% |
| Construction | 1.8% |
| Public Administration | 1.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Palo Alto, California has a population of 67,231 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 136th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Palo Alto, California is $220,408, with 3.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Palo Alto, California is $2,000,001, with median monthly rent at $3,328 and a homeownership rate of 54.2%.
The median age in Palo Alto, California is 42.5 years. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The population has grown 4.8% since 2010 (64,535 → 67,658).
Where to stay in Palo Alto
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.