Atherton City Demographics

Atherton, located in San Mateo County, CA, has a population of about 7,100 (2022). The median age is 49.6 years, with 50% female and 50% male residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (70%), followed by Asian (18%), Hispanic or Latino (6%), and African American (1%). The city is known for its affluent, family-oriented community and low population density.

Atherton City Housing

Atherton, San Mateo County, CA, is among the nation’s wealthiest cities, with a median home price of around $7.7 million as of 2024. Homeownership prevails, with over 85% owner-occupied residences; rentals are rare and expensive, often exceeding $10,000/month. Housing consists mainly of large single-family estates on spacious lots, set in leafy, upscale neighborhoods like Lindenwood and West Atherton. Property values have remained strong with modest annual appreciation (2-3%). Atherton imposes a property tax rate of approximately 1.1%, with additional parcel taxes for schools and city services, contributing to its exclusivity and high-quality amenities.

Education in Atherton City

Atherton, San Mateo County, CA, is served by top-rated public and private schools, including Menlo-Atherton High School (GreatSchools rating: 8/10). 95% of residents hold a high school diploma, and over 80% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city has 5 schools within or adjacent to its limits. School safety is a priority, with incidents well below the national average. Educational programs include advanced placement, STEM, and adult education at nearby community colleges.

Transportation in Atherton City

Atherton, San Mateo County, CA, is characterized by high vehicle ownership—over 95% of households have at least one car—and limited public transit use, with under 5% using systems like Caltrain or SamTrans. Most residents commute by car, with an average commute time of around 28 minutes. The city has minimal commercial development; nearby employment hubs include Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Stanford University. Transportation infrastructure largely comprises local roads and state highways, with few bike lanes or pedestrian amenities. Public transit access is limited, contributing to car dependency in this affluent suburban community.

Atherton City Healthcare

Atherton, San Mateo County, CA, is a primarily residential city with no hospitals or major clinics within city limits; residents typically access healthcare at nearby facilities like Stanford Hospital (approx. 3 miles away) and Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. The city’s population (circa 7,200) is predominantly affluent, with over 95% private insurance coverage and median household incomes exceeding $250,000. Key local health issues mirror national trends: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and age-related conditions predominate. Healthcare access is high, with most providers concentrated in adjacent cities. Nearly all residents have a primary care physician, and uninsured rates are below 3%.

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