California · City Profile

Palo Alto, CA

ZIP codes
6
Population
97,522
Median income
$180,326
Median home value
$1,917,725

Palo Alto sits in Santa Clara, San Mateo, California, and is covered by 6 ZIP code tabulation areas. Across those ZIPs, an estimated 97,522 people live, work, and commute. Demographic and housing figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2018–2022).

Each ZIP code in Palo Alto has its own character. Some are dense and walkable; others are exurban or rural, with single-digit households per square mile. The list below lets you compare the basic shape of each one — population, income, and home value — before clicking through to the full neighborhood profile.

Across the city overall, the typical owner-occupied home is valued near $1,917,725 and median asking rent runs around $2,900 per month. Median household income hovers around $180,326. These are averages of ZIP-level medians and will read differently depending on which neighborhood you actually settle in — which is precisely what the per-ZIP pages are for.

ZIP codes in Palo Alto

ZIPCountyPopulationMedian incomeMedian home value
94301 Santa Clara 17,259 $217,611 $2,000,001
94302 Santa Clara 0
94303 San Mateo 47,989 $144,259 $1,670,900
94304 Santa Clara 4,489 $159,637 $2,000,001
94306 Santa Clara 27,785 $199,800 $2,000,001
94309 Santa Clara 0

Thinking about relocating to Palo Alto?

A few practical considerations as you evaluate the move:

  • Pick the ZIP, not just the city. Median income, school assignments, walkability and crime patterns can vary dramatically between neighboring ZIPs in the same city. Use the per-ZIP pages to compare.
  • Compare housing math honestly. The median home value here is $1,917,725, and median rent is $2,900. At current mortgage rates, that often makes renting the more flexible option for the first 12–24 months while you learn the neighborhoods.
  • Verify the commute. Drive your prospective work or school route at peak time — Google Maps optimistic estimates rarely match what locals actually experience.
  • Check the boring stuff. Property tax rates, HOA dues, flood-zone designation, and homeowner's insurance availability are easier to research before you sign than after.