Living in Redwood City, CA
Redwood City is the 451st-largest city in the US, home to about 82,000 people in 2025. It has lost 2.5% of its population since 2020. Prices across the metro area run well above the national average (115.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 82,178-2.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $1,801,70011.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,968/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $157,814median, per year
- Price level
- 115.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 59° / 81°lows 41° / 57°
- Average commute
- 24 min27% work from home
- State income tax
- 13.3%top rate, graduated
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County: San Mateo County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 20 ft
Metro area: San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Cost of living in Redwood City
The median home in Redwood City is worth $1,801,700 and the median household earns $157,814 a year, so a typical home costs about 11.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,968 a month, about 23% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area at 115.6, with housing at 194.7 and goods at 108.5 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $86,700 here. California taxes wages at a top rate of 13.3%. The average combined state and local sales tax in California is 9.03%.
What would my salary be worth in Redwood City?
Redwood City weather
Average highs run from 59°F in January to 81°F in July, and January nights average 40°F. It gets 19 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. The most comfortable months are March to November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Redwood City
People and work
The median resident is 37.5 years old, and 54% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 49% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 27% of workers work from home and 4% take public transit.
- Median age
- 37.5341st youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 54%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 49%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,25019.3 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 4%2% walk, 1.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.1%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 6.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1968median year
Who moves to Redwood City, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Seattle (King County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Roseville (Placer County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for San Mateo County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, coastal flooding, earthquake, drought.
Home prices
-0.3% in a year
Up 18% over five years. FHFA house price index for the San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Redwood City
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Oracle Park 23 miles
- University of California-Berkeley 28 miles
- Stanford University 5 miles
- San Jose State University 22 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Redwood City
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco International Airport SFO | 13 mi | 25,078,968 |
| Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport OAK | 18 mi | 5,292,736 |
| San Jose International Airport SJC | 19 mi | 5,822,019 |
| Stockton Metropolitan Airport SCK | 63 mi | 63,668 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Redwood City
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose State University | 22 mi | 27,601 | $14,241 | 68% |
| San Francisco State University | 22 mi | 18,639 | $9,803 | 50% |
| De Anza College | 15 mi | 15,264 | $3,801 | n/a |
| California State University-East Bay | 17 mi | 9,809 | $6,858 | 49% |
| College of San Mateo | 7 mi | 7,977 | n/a | 53% |
| Skyline College | 17 mi | 7,620 | $616 | n/a |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Redwood City
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before January 17, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 25 and the first frost comes around December 12.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Redwood City, CA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Redwood City.
Wildfire smoke in Redwood City
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Redwood City on about 44 days a year, including about 8 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Redwood City
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 29,951 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Redwood City
Downtown Redwood City is in these districts. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood City Elementary School District | K to 8 | 6,394 | 12 | 21.1 |
| Sequoia Union High School District | 9 to 12 | 8,516 | 6 | 17.6 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Fremont Unified School District (33,134 students), Palo Alto Unified School District (10,209 students), New Haven Unified School District (10,069 students), San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District (9,926 students), San Mateo Union High School District (8,775 students), Mountain View Whisman Elementary School District (4,644 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Redwood City's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Redwood City's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Santa Monica, CA64% matchCompare
- Santa Barbara, CA63% matchCompare
- Newport Beach, CA57% matchCompare
- Carlsbad, CA56% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Redwood City
- Dodge Ridge Ski Area 135 miles
- Bear Valley Mountain Resort 141 miles
- Badger Pass Ski Area 142 miles
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort 145 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Redwood City
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data 9 months a year have comfortable weather by our rule.
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 11.4 years of median household income.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 16% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data California's top income tax rate is 13.3%, among the highest in the country.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.03% on average with local taxes.
Redwood City report card from locals
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Cities near Redwood City
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo, CA | 7 mi | 103,337 | $1,618,700 | 115.6 | Compare |
| Mountain View, CA | 11 mi | 85,438 | $1,927,000 | 110.4 | Compare |
| Sunnyvale, CA | 14 mi | 156,577 | $1,801,800 | 110.4 | Compare |
| Fremont, CA | 17 mi | 226,442 | $1,403,800 | 115.6 | Compare |
| Hayward, CA | 17 mi | 157,113 | $854,400 | 115.6 | Compare |
| San Leandro, CA | 17 mi | 85,353 | $844,200 | 115.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Redwood City ranks 42nd of 66 in our best suburbs of San Francisco ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Redwood City with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Redwood City a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show 9 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes, a shrinking population. Compare Redwood City side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Redwood City?
The Census Bureau estimates Redwood City had 82,178 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 84,294 in April 2020 (-2.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Redwood City?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $86,700 in the Redwood City area. The median household here earns $157,814.
When is the best time to visit Redwood City?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to November are the most comfortable months. July averages 81°F and January 59°F for daytime highs.
What county is Redwood City in?
Redwood City is in San Mateo County, California. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Redwood City in?
Redwood City is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Redwood City?
About 20 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes. California has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 13.3% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Redwood City. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Redwood City, CA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.