What to know when moving to Burlingame, CA
TL;DR: Burlingame at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 69.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 39.4% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $191,758, making it one of the wealthier parts of the Bay Area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,655, which could strain your budget.
- Commute:
- 7.3% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,655/mo rent to secure a place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Burlingame has a population of about 42,794, with a strong educational background evident in its 69.2% bachelor's degree attainment rate. The median household income of $191,758 suggests a high standard of living, contributing to a rental market where 39.4% of residents choose to rent. However, with a median gross rent of $2,655, newcomers should be prepared for elevated housing costs.
Probably not your spot if you are on a tight budget for housing.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,655, which means you should plan your budget accordingly.
- Median home values sit at $2,000,001, indicating a high-cost housing market.
- Poverty rate is 5.4%, reflecting a generally affluent community.
- Renter percentage is 39.4%, showing a significant portion of the population opts to rent.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the state annual rate for violent crime is 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average. Property crime rates are also elevated at 1,764 per 100,000 residents, representing a 14% increase compared to national figures.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national average of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Burlingame residents have access to 12 postsecondary institutions within a nearby area, including notable schools like Stanford University and San Francisco State University. This variety offers ample educational opportunities for those looking to continue their studies.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 12
- With College Scorecard data: 11
- Nearby options include Stanford University and San Francisco State University.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate details are unavailable, Burlingame is close to several parks and outdoor attractions perfect for leisure activities.
- Filoli Historic House & World-Class Garden - Rating: 4.7 (6,413 reviews)
- Seal Point Park - Rating: 4.7 (1,664 reviews)
- Washington Park - Rating: 4.7 (1,007 reviews)
- Bedwell Bayfront Park - Rating: 4.5 (886 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In San Mateo County, the unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, with a labor force of 419,578 individuals. The total employment in the county is approximately 404,690.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% as of December 2025
- Employed: 404,690
- Labor force: 419,578
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).