What to know when moving to Milpitas, CA
Milpitas at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 58.6% hold a bachelor's degree and 40.7% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $176,723, providing a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- The median gross rent is $3,110, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 2.4% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $3,110/mo rent to secure your spot here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Milpitas is home to nearly 78,479 residents, with a blend of educated individuals and a significant portion of renters. With a poverty rate of just 5.4%, the community reflects a stable economic environment. The low public transit use suggests that having a car is essential for getting around, which may influence your living choices.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median rent is quite high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $3,110, making it a costly area for renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $1,180,700, indicating a strong real estate market.
- 58.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a highly educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, suggesting a lower level of economic distress.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 people, which is 14% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% above the national rate. There is a notable trend of decreasing crime, with property crime down 26.1% and violent crime down 17.4% from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicides down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Milpitas offers access to 25 postsecondary institutions within the surrounding region, with 23 of those providing College Scorecard data. Notable schools include:
- University of Silicon Andhra
- De Anza College
- Mission College
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Santa Clara County receives an average annual precipitation of about 14.2 inches, with 45 rainy days each year. Winter is typically the wettest season, contributing to around 8.3 inches of rain. For outdoor activities, you can explore local parks such as:
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (4.5 stars, 5,288 reviews)
- Alviso Marina County Park (4.5 stars, 4,217 reviews)
- Ed R. Levin County Park (4.7 stars, 2,797 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Santa Clara County, the unemployment rate is currently at 4.0% with a labor force of approximately 1,031,459 individuals. The total employment stands at 990,643, indicating a robust job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.0% as of December 2025
- Employed: 990,643
- Labor force: 1,031,459
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.