Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palo Alto, CA
Thinking of moving to Palo Alto, CA? Home to about 68,600 residents, this city is known for its top-rated schools, world-class healthcare, and an exceptional climate with 73% sunny days. While the median home price is a steep $3,050,000 and average rent is $3,150, Palo Alto's low violent crime rate (55 per 100K), short 23-minute average commutes, and outstanding educational opportunities make it a prime spot for families and professionals seeking Silicon Valley’s vibrant lifestyle. Explore housing, schools, and local amenities below to see if Palo Alto is the perfect fit for you.
Demographics - Palo Alto, CA
Demographics - Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto is home to around 68,600 residents, with a median age of 41.4 and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a diverse community, where over a third of the population is Asian and nearly a third speak a language other than English at home. Its population density and multicultural fabric contribute to a vibrant and inclusive local atmosphere.
Population:
68,624
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.4
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
31.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.0%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
35.5%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palo Alto, CA?
Living in Palo Alto comes at a premium, with a median home value exceeding $3 million and average rents around $3,150 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly above the national average, driven largely by housing expenses, while utilities and transportation also trend higher. Residents should be prepared for elevated living costs typical of Silicon Valley’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Median House Value:
$3,050,000
Gross Rent:
$3,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$5,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,150
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
324.0
Grocery:
140.7
Housing:
650.0
Utilities:
109.2
Transportation:
140.5
Health Care:
120.3
Miscellaneous:
126.0
Crime
Is Palo Alto, CA a safe place to live?
Palo Alto boasts a particularly low violent crime rate, with only 55 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe place to live. Property crimes are more common but still moderate for a city of its size, with a chance of about 1 in 50. Many families and professionals are drawn to Palo Alto for its reputation as a secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
55
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,015
Crime Index:
2,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Palo Alto, CA year-round?
Palo Alto enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers peaking near 80°F and cool, wet winters with lows around 38°F. With 73% of days being sunny and average annual rainfall just under 17 inches, residents can expect plenty of pleasant outdoor days throughout the year. This ideal weather is one of the city’s most attractive features.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Palo Alto is known for its affluent residents, with a median household income of $174,003 and a low poverty rate of 4.6%. The community is highly educated—over 80% have a bachelor’s degree or higher—and enjoys short average commutes of about 23 minutes. The area also attracts a diverse population, with nearly a third speaking a language other than English at home.
Median Income:
$98,000
Household Income:
$174,003
Family Income:
$211,000
Per Capita Income:
$111,350
Income Male:
$127,000
Income Female:
$92,000
Poverty Rate:
4.6%
Non English Speakers:
31.8%
Rent:
$3,150
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
7.6%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.7%
Bachelors or More:
82.8%
Education
How are the schools in Palo Alto, CA?
Palo Alto is renowned for its top-rated public and private schools, with high test scores and favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also adjacent to Stanford University, offering world-class higher education and research opportunities just a mile away. With nearly all residents holding at least a high school diploma, education is a central pillar of the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Palo Alto High School
Street:
50 Embarcadero Rd
Phone:
650-329-3701
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.8
Name:
Gunn High School
Street:
780 Arastradero Rd
Phone:
650-354-8200
Students:
1,950
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Private Schools
Name:
Castilleja School
Street:
1310 Bryant St
Phone:
650-328-3160
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
16,937
Name:
Foothill College
City:
Los Altos Hills
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
12,500
Healthcare
Palo Alto residents benefit from excellent healthcare options, including Stanford Health Care and other major hospitals offering comprehensive services. The city has a high physician-to-population ratio and over 95% of residents have health insurance coverage. Access to quality medical care is a strong advantage for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Stanford Health Care
Address:
300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305
Phone:
(650) 723-4000
Type:
General & Teaching Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
El Camino Health – Mountain View Campus
Address:
2500 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone:
(650) 940-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.5%
Health Care Index:
81.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palo Alto, CA?
The Palo Alto housing market is highly competitive, with a median home price of $3,050,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $3,800. With over half of homes owner-occupied and low vacancy and foreclosure rates, housing inventory is tight. Modest annual home appreciation and very limited new construction reflect strong demand in this sought-after Silicon Valley city.
Median Home Price:
$3,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Palo Alto are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles office located nearby in Mountain View, providing full DMV services including licensing and registration. The office is easily accessible for local vehicle and driving needs, supporting the city’s active and mobile population.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
595 Showers Dr, Mountain View, CA 94040
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.