San Carlos

Home to almost 30,000 people and located almost exactly halfway between San Francisco and San Jose.

Welcome to San Carlos

San Carlos combines the best of its small-town atmosphere with the perks of sophisticated living. Home to almost 30,000 people and located almost exactly halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, residents have easy access to everything that makes our region so vibrant.
 
Once part of the Rancho de las Pulgas, San Carlos was incorporated in 1925 after years of growth led by Frederick Drake, a San Francisco banker-turned-San Carlos real estate promoter and developer known as the “father of San Carlos.”
 
The city’s oldest neighborhoods, White Oaks and Howard Park are now among the area’s most desirable, with tree-lined streets, easy access to downtown, and schools ranked among the best in California. San Carlos also reflects a celebration of architectural diversity. Secluded Devonshire Canyon, with its narrow, winding roads and funky homes, couldn’t be more different than classic pre-war White Oaks. The modest cinderblock homes of the Murphy Tract are a great study in contrast with some of the western hills’ spectacular newer construction.
 
Like many cities, San Carlos has renewed its focus on its downtown, encouraging new businesses and creating a full slate of annual community events. Charming Laurel Street features unique family-owned shops, boutiques, services, and a variety of restaurants including destination spots like 888 Ristorante, Spasso, and Town. You’ll find plenty of fairs and festivals there, including Hot Harvest Nights, a farmer’s market running every Thursday between May and October, and the Friday downtown Summer Concerts series.
 
The biggest community event each year is the San Carlos Art and Wine Faire. Held for decades on Columbus Day weekend, the Faire draws visitors from around the region, eager to see the works of some 275 artists, listen to music, and enjoy world-class food and wine.
 
Minutes from downtown, outdoor enthusiasts love Burton Park. Created in 1938 and named after former Mayor Edward Burton, it’s one of several parks within the city limits. The two largest, Eaton Park and Big Canyon Park, are located in the rolling hills west of Alameda de las Pulgas, where the town takes on a more spread-out, rural flavor. Residents of the San Carlos hills enjoy great views of canyons, hillsides, and, on the clearest days, San Francisco Bay.
 
When San Carlos calls itself the “City of Good Living,” it’s not bragging. Good living is easy to find here.
 
 

Overview for San Carlos, CA

30,754 people live in San Carlos, where the median age is 41 and the average individual income is $104,853. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

30,754

Total Population

41 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$104,853

Average individual Income

Around San Carlos, CA

There's plenty to do around San Carlos, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

42
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
43
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Baker Billy, Phil's Gourmet Hotdogs, and Rehreh Threads & Goods.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.95 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $ 1.56 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 3.65 miles 15 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.02 miles 13 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.34 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.92 miles 16 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for San Carlos, CA

San Carlos has 11,393 households, with an average household size of 2.69. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in San Carlos do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 30,754 people call San Carlos home. The population density is 5,682.7 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

30,754

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

41

Median Age

48.88 / 51.12%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
11,393

Total Households

2.69

Average Household Size

$104,853

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in San Carlos, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby San Carlos. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
San Carlos San Carlos San Carlos

Property Listings

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