Living in Atherton, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Atherton · Census data 2020–2024
Atherton has 6,993 residents with a median age of 49.1. The median household income is $250,001 (152% higher than the California median), the median home value is $2,000,001, the median rent is $3,501/month.
Atherton at a glance
- Population
- 6,993
- Median age
- 49.1State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $250,001State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $2,000,001State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $3,501/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 87.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 83.1%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Atherton a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 152% higher than the California median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 3.2%; a poverty rate of 5.3%.
Cons: Home values 172% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Atherton
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Atherton the median home value is $2,000,001, 501% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $3,501 per month, which is 18.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Atherton median household income
The median household income in Atherton is $250,001 and the income per person is $188,631. 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Atherton: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,667
- Owner-occupied
- 87.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 12.4%
- Vacant
- 16.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1960
- Average household size
- 2.85
Atherton demographics
- Population
- 6,993
- Median age
- 49.1
- Under 18
- 18.4%
- 65 and older
- 25.6%
- Households
- 2,227
- Foreign-born
- 20.5%
- Veterans
- 3.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Atherton ›
Education in Atherton
83.1% of adults 25 and older in Atherton have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 52.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Atherton
- Unemployment rate
- 3.2%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 40.8%
- Drive alone
- 44.9%
- Public transit
- 1.7%
- Walk to work
- 3.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 97.6%
Atherton vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atherton | 6,993 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| North Fair Oaks | 13,100 | $104,884 | $1,276,900 | $2,314 |
| West Menlo Park | 3,634 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,324 |
| Stanford | 18,662 | $75,208 | $2,000,001 | $1,976 |
| Menlo Park | 32,727 | $210,025 | $2,000,001 | $3,239 |
| Emerald Lake Hills | 4,235 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| East Palo Alto | 29,069 | $113,493 | $1,102,600 | $2,244 |
| Ladera | 1,297 | $235,750 | $2,000,001 | — |
| Woodside | 5,126 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
More for people moving to Atherton
Atherton ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Atherton: FAQ
What is the median household income in Atherton, CA?
The median household income in Atherton is $250,001, 152% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Atherton?
The median home value in Atherton is $2,000,001, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Atherton?
The median gross rent in Atherton is $3,501 per month, about 18.5% of household income.
Is Atherton, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 152% higher than the California median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 3.2%; a poverty rate of 5.3%. Minuses: home values 172% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Atherton?
The median age in Atherton is 49.1 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Atherton?
The average commute to work in Atherton is 23 minutes; 40.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Atherton?
The unemployment rate in Atherton is 3.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Atherton?
83.1% of adults in Atherton have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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