Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Los Altos, CA
Considering a move to Los Altos, CA? With a population of around 31,500 and a median home price of $3.5 million, Los Altos is one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable and exclusive communities. Residents enjoy top-rated public schools, exceptionally low crime rates (violent crime just 24 per 100K), and short average commutes of 22.6 minutes. The area boasts a sunny, mild climate with 88% sunny days per year, and affluent neighbors with outstanding educational attainment and amenities. Explore the full cost of living, schools, housing, and more to see if Los Altos is your perfect next home.
Demographics - Los Altos, CA
Demographics - Los Altos, CA
Los Altos is home to about 31,500 residents, with a median age of 46.9 and a diverse population that is 52% White and 42% Asian. The city has a high density for a suburb, and nearly a third of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a vibrant multicultural community.
Population:
31,562
Density:
4,730 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.9
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
51.6%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
41.7%
Others:
1.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Los Altos, CA?
Living in Los Altos comes with a premium price tag, as the median home value is $3.5 million and the cost of living index is significantly higher than the national average. Residents can expect elevated expenses in housing, groceries, and utilities, making it one of the most exclusive communities in the Bay Area.
Median House Value:
$3,500,000
Gross Rent:
$4,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$7,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,200
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
346.0
Grocery:
140.2
Housing:
601.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
136.0
Health Care:
121.0
Miscellaneous:
118.0
Crime
Is Los Altos, CA a safe place to live?
Los Altos enjoys a reputation for safety, with violent crime rates as low as 24 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime also well below national averages. Residents have a very low chance of being affected by crime, making this a secure place to live and raise a family.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
24
Property Crimes Per 100k:
581
Crime Index:
605
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 4,167
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 172
Weather
What is the weather like in Los Altos, CA year-round?
Los Altos boasts a pleasant, Mediterranean climate with mild winters averaging 38–60°F and warm, dry summers reaching up to 82°F. The city enjoys about 88% sunny days each year and receives around 16.6 inches of rain annually, ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
88%
Neighbors
Residents of Los Altos are highly educated and affluent, with a median household income of $266,000 and a poverty rate of just 2.1%. Nearly all adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a manageable 22.6 minutes, reflecting the city’s professional, family-friendly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$93,000
Household Income:
$266,000
Family Income:
$303,000
Per Capita Income:
$120,000
Income Male:
$160,000
Income Female:
$105,000
Poverty Rate:
2.1%
Non English Speakers:
29.5%
Rent:
$4,200
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
3.0%
Commute Time:
22.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.9%
Bachelors or More:
85.1%
Education
How are the schools in Los Altos, CA?
Los Altos offers top-rated public schools, including Los Altos High School and Springer Elementary, with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also close to prestigious higher education institutions such as Foothill College and Stanford University, supporting a strong culture of academic achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Los Altos High School
Street:
201 Almond Ave
Phone:
650-960-8811
Students:
2,265
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Springer Elementary School
Street:
1120 Rose Ave
Phone:
650-943-4240
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Private Schools
Name:
Pinewood School
Street:
26800 Fremont Rd
Phone:
650-209-3010
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Foothill College
City:
Los Altos Hills
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
13,000
Name:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
16,900
Healthcare
Los Altos is well-served by top medical facilities like El Camino Health and Stanford Health Care, both offering emergency services nearby. With 4.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 97%, residents enjoy excellent access to healthcare.
Major Hospitals
Name:
El Camino Health - Mountain View Hospital
Address:
2500 Grant Road, Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone:
(650) 940-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Stanford Health Care
Address:
300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
Phone:
(650) 723-4000
Type:
Academic Medical Center
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
82.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Los Altos, CA?
The Los Altos housing market is competitive, with median home prices at $3.5 million and average rent for a two-bedroom at $4,200. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen steady appreciation and a low foreclosure rate, reflecting strong demand and investment stability.
Median Home Price:
$3,500,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$4,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access California DMV services at the nearby Santa Clara office, offering vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services. Information and appointment scheduling are available through the California DMV website or by phone.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3665 Flora Vista Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.