What to know when moving to San Bruno, CA
San Bruno at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 43.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 38.2% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $135,976, making it financially attractive.
- The Reality Check:
- Median rent is $2,696, which can be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 6.6% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,696/month rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
San Bruno features a well-educated population, with 43.5% having a bachelor's degree. The median household income stands at $135,976, contributing to a community that leans towards homeownership, with 61.8% of residents owning their homes. However, the median gross rent is $2,696, which some may find steep.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, given the high rent costs.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,696, translating to a significant portion of income for renters.
- The median home value is $1,199,400, reflecting a higher-end housing market.
- 43.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree, indicating a highly educated community.
- The poverty rate is 5.1%, showing a relatively low level of socioeconomic struggle.
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 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. Over three years, property crime has decreased by 26.1%. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national rate, but it has also seen a decline of 17.4% from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k (California) vs. 325.3 per 100k (national)
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k (California) vs. 1,546.9 per 100k (national)
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
San Bruno has access to a range of educational institutions, with a total of 19 nearby schools. Notable options include Skyline College in San Bruno and the College of San Mateo in San Mateo. Additionally, 18 of these schools have data available through College Scorecard.
- Skyline College (San Bruno)
- College of San Mateo (San Mateo)
- Notre Dame de Namur University (Belmont)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, there are several parks and outdoor spots nearby that residents can enjoy. Consider visiting:
- Golden Gate Park - Rated 4.8 with 44,114 reviews
- Filoli Historic House & Gardens - Rated 4.7 with 6,413 reviews
- San Bruno City Park - Rated 4.6 with 1,188 reviews
- San Bruno Mountain State Park - Rated 4.7 with 940 reviews
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In San Mateo County, the unemployment rate is 3.5% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 419,578. The total number of employed individuals is 404,690, reflecting a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5%
- Employed: 404,690
- Labor force: 419,578
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.