What to know when moving to South San Francisco, CA
TL;DR: South San Francisco at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $135,966 and 39.2% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to 33 postsecondary institutions in the area, including Unitek College and Skyline College.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,840, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- 8.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a rent of around $2,840 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
South San Francisco is characterized by a diverse population of 65,036 residents, where 40.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a poverty rate of 7%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment. With nearly 40% of residents renting, there is a mix of both renters and homeowners, making it appealing for various demographics.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for lower housing costs, as the median rent at $2,840 may be steep for some.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,840, which can significantly impact your budget.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,159,500, pointing to a competitive housing market.
- 40.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 7.0%, suggesting a generally stable economic environment.
Source: Census 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. However, property crime has decreased by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, indicating a positive trend. The violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000, about 27.7% higher than the national average, with a decrease of 17.4% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 33 postsecondary institutions in the region, providing ample educational opportunities. This includes Unitek College in South San Francisco and Skyline College in nearby San Bruno. The access to educational resources is a significant advantage for residents.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 33.
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 30.
- Nearby notable institutions: Unitek College, Skyline College, College of San Mateo.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, nearby outdoor spots provide excellent opportunities for recreation. Residents can explore popular parks and attractions within a short drive.
- Golden Gate Park - 4.8 stars (44,114 reviews)
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - 4.6 stars (16,281 reviews)
- Mission Dolores Park - 4.7 stars (16,212 reviews)
- de Young Museum - 4.6 stars (9,433 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
San Mateo County has a labor force of 419,578, with an employment count of 404,690. The unemployment rate is relatively low at 3.5%, suggesting a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (December 2025).
- Employed: 404,690.
- Labor force: 419,578.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.