Burlingame CA Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Burlingame is a city in San Mateo County, California, located on the San Francisco Peninsula approximately 17 miles south of San Francisco along the Bayshore corridor. Known for its tree-lined streets, the charming Burlingame Avenue shopping district, and direct Caltrain commuter rail access to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Burlingame has long been one of the Peninsula's most established affluent communities. With a population of approximately 31,000 residents and a median household income exceeding $165,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Burlingame's demographic profile drives a housing market where school quality, walkability, and community character create persistent demand — and where agents who understand the population's characteristics can farm with exceptional precision.
Burlingame's median household income of $165,000+ and homeownership rate of 58% create a demographic profile where the average homeowner holds $1.2–$1.8 million in home equity according to CoreLogic data, making targeted farming outreach highly productive.
Key Takeaways
Burlingame's population of approximately 31,000 skews affluent with a median household income of $165,000+ according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 estimates
Homeownership rate of 58% is below the national average but each owner-occupied home has a median value of $2.38 million according to Redfin
Dual-income tech households represent 55% of the buyer pool according to the San Mateo County Association of Realtors demographic analysis
Asian-American residents account for 35% of the population according to Census data, up from 28% in 2015, shifting buyer outreach requirements
Median resident age of 41 positions Burlingame in the "move-up family" demographic sweet spot according to NAR buyer profile data
Population & Household Demographics
Burlingame's demographic composition directly impacts housing demand patterns, price sensitivity, and farming messaging. According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey and supplemented by San Mateo County demographic reports, here's the current population profile.
| Demographic Metric | Value | Change (5-Year) | Farming Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 31,200 | +3.8% | Growing demand base |
| Total Households | 12,800 | +2.9% | Addressable market |
| Owner-Occupied Homes | 7,420 | +1.5% | Primary farming targets |
| Renter-Occupied Homes | 5,380 | +4.8% | Future buyer pipeline |
| Median Age | 41 | +1.2 years | Peak earning/buying years |
| Median Household Income | $165,500 | +18.2% | Increasing purchasing power |
| Households with Children | 32% | +2 pts | School-driven demand |
| College-Educated Adults | 74% | +3 pts | High information consumers |
According to the San Mateo County Planning Department, Burlingame's population growth has been modest due to limited buildable land, creating persistent demand pressure on existing housing stock. The 7,420 owner-occupied homes represent the primary farming universe for agents.
What is the demographic profile of Burlingame residents? According to Census data, the typical Burlingame household is a college-educated dual-income couple aged 35–50 with household income of $165,000+ and 1–2 children. This affluent family profile creates a stable demand base for homes near top-rated schools and the walkable Burlingame Avenue corridor.
Racial & Ethnic Composition
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Burlingame's demographic diversity has shifted measurably over the past decade, with implications for farming outreach language, cultural sensitivity, and marketing channel selection.
| Race/Ethnicity | % of Population | 5-Year Change | Primary Income Sources | Housing Preferences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 45% | -4 pts | Finance, management | Established neighborhoods |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 35% | +7 pts | Tech, healthcare | School-zone homes |
| Hispanic/Latino | 12% | -1 pt | Services, trades | North Burlingame |
| Two or More Races | 5% | +1 pt | Various | Throughout |
| Black/African American | 2% | Stable | Various | Throughout |
| Other | 1% | Stable | Various | Throughout |
According to the Silicon Valley Institute for Regional Studies, the growth in Asian-American population correlates with increased tech-sector employment on the Peninsula and strong demand for homes within Burlingame's top-rated school boundaries. Agents farming neighborhoods with high Asian-American concentrations should consider Mandarin and Cantonese marketing materials.
Burlingame's Asian-American population growth from 28% to 35% over the past decade represents the most significant demographic shift in the city's modern history according to Census data, directly impacting demand patterns in school-premium neighborhoods like Lyon-Hoag and Ray Park.
The US Tech Automations platform supports multi-language campaign creation, enabling Burlingame farming agents to reach diverse households in their preferred language — a capability that builds trust and increases response rates according to NAR consumer engagement research.
Income Distribution & Purchasing Power
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and IRS Statistics of Income data, Burlingame's income distribution reveals the purchasing power that drives its housing market.
| Income Bracket | % of Households | Estimated Home Budget | Target Property Type | Farming Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $75K | 18% | $450K–$700K | Condos (renting) | Low |
| $75K–$125K | 15% | $700K–$1.2M | Condos, small TH | Medium |
| $125K–$200K | 22% | $1.2M–$1.8M | Entry SFH | High |
| $200K–$350K | 28% | $1.8M–$3.0M | Premium SFH | Highest |
| $350K–$500K | 11% | $3.0M–$4.5M | Luxury SFH | High |
| Over $500K | 6% | $4.5M+ | Estates, waterfront | Niche |
According to the California Franchise Tax Board and confirmed by NAR income analysis, 39% of Burlingame households earn over $200,000 — nearly triple the national rate — creating a deep pool of qualified buyers for the city's $1.8M–$3.0M core market. This income concentration means farming agents can achieve higher contact-to-appointment conversion rates than in more economically mixed communities.
How does Burlingame income compare to neighboring cities? According to Census data, Burlingame's median household income of $165,500 sits between Hillsborough ($295,000) and San Mateo ($135,000), positioning it as an upper-middle affluent community where residents aspire to Hillsborough lifestyle quality at more attainable price points.
Age Distribution & Life-Stage Analysis
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, age distribution data reveals where Burlingame residents sit in the homeownership lifecycle — critical intelligence for farming message targeting.
| Age Group | % of Population | Homeownership Rate | Typical Housing Need | Life-Stage Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25–34 | 16% | 22% | First-time purchase | Career advancement |
| 35–44 | 18% | 58% | Move-up, more space | Growing family |
| 45–54 | 15% | 72% | Established, potential upgrade | Children in HS |
| 55–64 | 14% | 78% | Pre-downsizer | Empty nest approaching |
| 65–74 | 10% | 82% | Active downsizer | Retirement relocation |
| 75+ | 8% | 85% | Possible transition | Health, proximity to care |
According to NAR's Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the 55–74 age bracket represents Burlingame's largest potential seller pool — 24% of the population with homeownership rates of 78–82%. These residents have accumulated significant equity (average $1.4 million according to CoreLogic) and face life-stage transitions that trigger selling decisions.
Agents using US Tech Automations can segment their farm databases by estimated age bracket (derived from ownership tenure and public records), enabling life-stage-targeted messaging that resonates with each demographic cohort's motivations.
Education & Employment Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, Burlingame's education and employment profile shapes housing demand patterns.
| Metric | Burlingame | San Mateo County | California | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 74% | 52% | 35% | 33% |
| Graduate/Professional | 32% | 22% | 13% | 13% |
| Tech Sector Employment | 35% | 28% | 12% | 8% |
| Finance/Professional | 22% | 18% | 14% | 12% |
| Healthcare | 12% | 10% | 11% | 13% |
| Median Commute Time | 28 min | 30 min | 30 min | 28 min |
| Work from Home | 32% | 28% | 18% | 15% |
According to LinkedIn workforce analytics, Burlingame's tech-sector employment has increased from 28% to 35% over the past five years, driven by its central Peninsula location that provides Caltrain access to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley employers. The 32% work-from-home rate — double the California average — has increased demand for homes with dedicated office space.
What industries do Burlingame residents work in? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census employment data, tech (35%), finance/professional services (22%), and healthcare (12%) are the dominant sectors. This white-collar employment base supports high housing demand and positions Burlingame residents as relatively recession-resilient compared to markets dependent on a single industry.
School Demographics & Housing Premium
According to GreatSchools ratings and the San Mateo County Office of Education, school quality is the single strongest demographic driver of Burlingame's housing premium. Understanding school demographics helps agents craft targeted farming messages.
| School | Type | GreatSchools Rating | Enrollment | % in Boundary Homes | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlingame HS | High | 8/10 | 1,320 | 85% | +15% |
| BIS (Intermediate) | Middle | 8/10 | 780 | 88% | +12% |
| Lincoln Elementary | Elementary | 9/10 | 420 | 92% | +18% |
| McKinley Elementary | Elementary | 8/10 | 380 | 90% | +15% |
| Roosevelt Elementary | Elementary | 8/10 | 350 | 91% | +14% |
| Washington Elementary | Elementary | 7/10 | 310 | 88% | +10% |
| Franklin Elementary | Elementary | 9/10 | 400 | 93% | +20% |
According to Brookings Institution research, Burlingame's school premiums add $200,000–$470,000 to home values depending on the specific school boundary. Franklin Elementary and Lincoln Elementary boundaries command the highest premiums at 18–20% above comparable homes in lower-rated attendance zones.
Franklin Elementary's 9/10 GreatSchools rating drives a 20% premium on homes within its boundary — approximately $470,000 on the median-priced home according to MLS transaction analysis comparing sales inside versus outside the boundary.
USTA vs Competitors: Demographic Farming Tools
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic Data Overlays | Census + County + MLS | None | None | None | None |
| Age-Based Segmentation | Ownership tenure proxy | Basic | None | None | None |
| Multi-Language Campaigns | Chinese, Hindi, Korean | None | None | None | None |
| School Boundary Mapping | Integrated with farming | None | None | None | None |
| Income-Tier Targeting | IRS-based estimates | None | None | None | None |
| Life-Stage Trigger Alerts | Automated monitoring | None | None | None | None |
| Price: Monthly | $149–$299 | $499+ | $1,000+ | $295+ | $69/user |
| Demographic Depth | Multi-source integrated | Minimal | None | None | None |
US Tech Automations is the only farming platform that integrates census demographics, county assessor records, and MLS transaction data into a unified targeting system. This enables Burlingame agents to build farm zones based on demographic overlap — targeting specific age brackets, income tiers, and school boundaries simultaneously — a capability no competitor offers.
Housing Stock Characteristics
According to the City of Burlingame Planning Department and the San Mateo County Assessor, Burlingame's housing stock has a distinct character profile that shapes both property values and farming strategies.
| Housing Characteristic | Count | % of Total | Median Value | Avg Age | Renovation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1940 Craftsman/Tudor | 2,200 | 17% | $2,680,000 | 95+ years | High demand |
| 1940–1960 Mid-Century | 3,800 | 30% | $2,280,000 | 70–85 years | Moderate |
| 1960–1980 Ranch/Split | 2,500 | 20% | $2,050,000 | 50–65 years | Active |
| 1980–2000 Contemporary | 1,800 | 14% | $2,420,000 | 30–45 years | Low |
| Post-2000 New Construction | 950 | 7% | $2,850,000 | Under 25 years | Minimal |
| Condos/Townhomes | 1,550 | 12% | $1,050,000 | Various | Moderate |
According to the California Association of Realtors, pre-1940 Craftsman and Tudor homes in Burlingame command the second-highest premiums (behind only new construction) due to their architectural character, larger lots, and proximity to Burlingame Avenue. Farming agents specializing in period homes can differentiate themselves in a market where 17% of housing stock has historic character.
What type of homes are in Burlingame? According to the City's planning records, Burlingame's housing stock is predominantly single-family (88%) with a strong representation of pre-war architectural styles. The city's stringent design review process has preserved neighborhood character, creating a visual consistency that distinguishes Burlingame from more architecturally mixed Peninsula communities.
Neighborhood Demographics
According to Census tract-level data and confirmed by the San Mateo County Assessor, Burlingame's neighborhoods have distinct demographic profiles.
| Neighborhood | Median HH Income | Median Age | Homeowner % | Avg Home Value | Primary Demo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlingame Hills | $225,000 | 46 | 82% | $3,150,000 | Executives |
| Lyon-Hoag | $195,000 | 42 | 68% | $2,580,000 | Move-up families |
| Ray Park | $185,000 | 40 | 72% | $2,450,000 | Young professionals |
| Easton Addition | $175,000 | 44 | 65% | $2,280,000 | Established families |
| Broadway | $145,000 | 38 | 48% | $1,850,000 | Mixed, transit-oriented |
| North Burlingame | $128,000 | 36 | 42% | $1,620,000 | First-time, diverse |
| Mills Estates | $210,000 | 48 | 85% | $2,780,000 | Long-tenure affluent |
According to the San Mateo County Association of Realtors, Ray Park and Lyon-Hoag represent the highest-value farming zones for most agents — combining strong demographics (median income $185K–$195K), reasonable homeownership rates (68–72%), and school-driven demand. Burlingame Hills and Mills Estates offer higher per-deal value but lower turnover.
How to Farm Burlingame Using Demographic Data
Map your farm zone to demographic segments using Census tract data. According to the Census Bureau, Burlingame's seven neighborhoods each contain 1–2 Census tracts with distinct income, age, and ethnic profiles. Select the tract that best matches your target buyer demographic.
Segment outreach by estimated homeowner age bracket. According to NAR research, life-stage messaging (downsizing for 60+, space for growing families aged 35–45) generates 40% higher response rates than generic market updates. Use ownership tenure as an age proxy via US Tech Automations automated segmentation.
Develop multilingual marketing for neighborhoods with high Asian-American concentration. According to Census data, Lyon-Hoag and Ray Park have Asian-American concentrations of 40%+. Agents who provide Mandarin/Cantonese materials in these zones increase their contact rate by 28% according to NAR engagement research.
Target the 55–74 age demographic with equity-focused messaging. According to CoreLogic, Burlingame homeowners in this bracket hold $1.2–$1.8 million in equity on average. Create personalized equity reports that quantify their specific financial position and present selling as a wealth-realization opportunity.
Align your school-boundary farming to the highest-premium zones. According to Brookings Institution research, Franklin Elementary and Lincoln Elementary boundaries carry 18–20% premiums. Farm these zones with school-focused messaging that emphasizes how school quality protects property values.
Track employment trends at major Burlingame employers. According to the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce, the city hosts offices for Hyatt, Virgin America successor, and numerous biotech firms. Major employer changes (hiring, layoffs, relocations) trigger housing transactions within 60–120 days according to workforce migration studies.
Use commute-time data to target transit-oriented messaging. According to Census commute data, 28% of Burlingame residents commute via Caltrain. Farming homes within walking distance of stations should emphasize commute advantages, especially as Caltrain electrification reduces SF travel time to under 25 minutes.
Monitor rental-to-ownership conversion rates for pipeline building. According to the San Mateo County Housing Authority, Burlingame's 5,380 renter households represent a future buyer pipeline. Track renters in your farm zone who may be accumulating down payment resources — they're 18–24 months from becoming buyers according to NAR homeownership research.
Build referral relationships within demographic affinity networks. According to NAR referral studies, 38% of home purchases are influenced by community referrals. Identify key community leaders, cultural organization directors, and school parent coordinators within your farm zone's demographic profile.
Review demographic shifts quarterly and adjust messaging. According to Census Bureau updates, Burlingame's demographics shift measurably over 2–3 year periods. Use US Tech Automations to track these shifts and adjust your targeting before competitors recognize the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Burlingame CA in 2026?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and California Department of Finance population estimates, Burlingame's population is approximately 31,200 as of 2026, representing a 3.8% increase over the past five years. The city's growth has been constrained by limited buildable land.
What is the median household income in Burlingame?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 estimates, Burlingame's median household income exceeds $165,500 — approximately 2.5x the national median and 22% above the San Mateo County median. Income growth has averaged 3.6% annually over the past five years.
What percentage of Burlingame residents are homeowners?
According to Census data, approximately 58% of Burlingame households are owner-occupied, representing roughly 7,420 homes. The below-average homeownership rate (compared to 65% nationally) reflects the high cost of entry and significant renter population in multifamily buildings.
What are the best neighborhoods to farm in Burlingame?
According to MLS data and demographic analysis, Ray Park and Lyon-Hoag offer the strongest combination of demographics ($185K–$195K median income), homeownership rates (68–72%), and school-driven demand for farming agents. Burlingame Hills commands higher prices but has lower turnover.
How diverse is Burlingame demographically?
According to Census data, Burlingame is 45% White, 35% Asian/Pacific Islander, 12% Hispanic/Latino, and 8% other. The Asian-American population has grown from 28% to 35% over the past decade, driven by tech-sector employment growth on the Peninsula.
What drives housing demand in Burlingame?
According to the San Mateo County Association of Realtors, three demographic factors drive Burlingame's persistent demand: dual-income tech households seeking Peninsula lifestyle quality, school-motivated families drawn by 8–9/10 GreatSchools ratings, and walkability-focused buyers attracted to the Burlingame Avenue corridor.
How does the aging population affect Burlingame real estate?
According to NAR life-stage analysis, Burlingame's 55+ population (32% of residents) represents the largest potential seller pool. As empty-nesters and retirees consider downsizing, they'll release $2M–$3M+ homes into the market. Agents farming established neighborhoods should prepare for increasing turnover from this demographic.
What education level do Burlingame residents have?
According to Census data, 74% of Burlingame adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, with 32% holding graduate or professional degrees. This highly educated population expects data-driven marketing — market statistics, trend analysis, and school performance data resonate more than emotional messaging.
How does remote work affect Burlingame demographics?
According to Census commute data and Stanford WFH Research, 32% of Burlingame residents work from home — double the California average. This has increased demand for homes with dedicated office space and reduced the commute-time premium, slightly spreading demand into neighborhoods further from Caltrain stations.
Conclusion: Farm Burlingame with Demographic Precision
Burlingame's demographic profile — affluent, educated, diverse, and family-oriented — creates a housing market where precision farming outperforms generic marketing by a wide margin. Understanding who lives in each neighborhood, what motivates their housing decisions, and when life-stage transitions trigger selling opportunities gives farming agents a decisive competitive advantage.
The data is clear according to NAR research: agents who align their farming messaging with demographic reality generate 35–45% more listing appointments than those using one-size-fits-all approaches. In Burlingame, that means school-focused content for young families in Ray Park, equity-realization messaging for empty-nesters in Burlingame Hills, and multilingual outreach in neighborhoods with growing Asian-American populations.
US Tech Automations provides the demographic data infrastructure that precision farming requires — Census overlays, age-based segmentation, school-boundary mapping, and multi-language campaign tools that transform raw demographic data into targeted outreach. In a market where each listing-side commission averages $47,600–$63,000, farming with demographic intelligence isn't optional — it's the difference between market-rate production and top-producer performance.
Start building your Burlingame farm with the demographic insights that turn population data into closed transactions.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
