Daly City CA Demographics Housing Data 2026
Daly City is the largest city in San Mateo County, California, situated immediately south of San Francisco at the northern tip of the Peninsula. Known as the "Gateway to the Peninsula," Daly City is home to approximately 104,800 residents and is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Filipino-American community represents approximately 33% of the population — the highest concentration of any U.S. city — creating a culturally rich market that demands specialized farming approaches.
Key Takeaways
Daly City is the most affordable entry point to Peninsula living with a median home price of $1.08 million
The Filipino-American community (33%) is the largest demographic group, followed by Chinese-American (22%)
Annual transaction volume of 480-540 sales across approximately 32,200 housing units creates consistent opportunity
Commission per transaction averages $27,000 at 2.5%, with volume compensating for lower price points
US Tech Automations enables culturally segmented farming campaigns across Daly City's diverse neighborhoods
Demographics and Population Profile
What are the demographics of Daly City? According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, Daly City's demographic profile is among the most diverse in California, with no single ethnic group forming a majority — though Filipino-Americans represent the largest plurality.
| Demographic Category | Daly City | San Mateo County |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 104,800 | 737,100 |
| Filipino-American | 33% | 11% |
| Chinese-American | 22% | 12% |
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 15% | 40% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 18% | 23% |
| Other Asian | 6% | 7% |
| Other/Multi-racial | 6% | 7% |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 39.8 |
| Foreign-Born | 52% | 35% |
| Median HH Income | $98,500 | $136,000 |
| College Degree+ | 38% | 52% |
Why is Daly City's Filipino community so large? According to historical records and the U.S. Census Bureau, Filipino immigration to Daly City accelerated after the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act and again following the establishment of the Daly City BART station. The community's institutional infrastructure — including Filipino grocery stores, cultural centers, churches, and medical practices — creates a self-reinforcing attraction for new arrivals from the Philippines and internal migration from other U.S. cities.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Daly City's Filipino-American population has maintained its 30-35% share since 2000 despite broader demographic shifts, demonstrating the community's deep roots and intergenerational stability in the housing market.
Housing Data Overview
According to the San Mateo County Assessor's Office, Daly City contains approximately 32,200 housing units — the largest housing stock of any city in San Mateo County.
| Housing Metric | Daly City Data |
|---|---|
| Total Housing Units | ~32,200 |
| Single-Family Homes | 52% |
| Condos/Townhomes | 28% |
| Multi-Family (2-4 units) | 12% |
| Apartments (5+ units) | 8% |
| Owner-Occupied Rate | 55% |
| Median Home Price | $1,080,000 |
| Avg Price Per Sq Ft | $725 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
| Annual Transactions | 480-540 |
How does Daly City's housing compare to San Francisco? According to Zillow, Daly City's median price ($1,080,000) represents approximately 65% of San Francisco's median ($1,650,000), making it the primary affordability alternative for workers who need easy BART or drive access to the city. The savings — roughly $570,000 on a median purchase — drives consistent buyer demand from San Francisco renters seeking homeownership.
| Comparison | Daly City | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,080,000 | $1,650,000 | $570,000 |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $725 | $1,050 | $325/sq ft |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.14% | 1.18% | Minimal |
| HOA (Avg Condo) | $450/mo | $650/mo | $200/mo |
| BART Commute to SF | 12 min | — | — |
According to the California Association of Realtors, Daly City has consistently ranked among the top five Peninsula cities for first-time buyer activity, with 35% of purchases involving first-time buyers compared to the county average of 22%.
Agents using US Tech Automations can target San Francisco renter lists with Daly City affordability comparisons, automating the "rent vs. buy" messaging that drives this buyer segment.
Neighborhood Demographics by Zone
Daly City's neighborhoods each carry distinct demographic profiles that inform farming segmentation.
| Neighborhood | Primary Demographics | Median Price | Units | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westlake | Mixed/Chinese-American | $1,150,000 | ~6,500 | Planned community, mall |
| Serramonte | Filipino/Mixed | $1,050,000 | ~4,200 | Shopping center, middle |
| St. Francis Heights | Filipino-American | $1,200,000 | ~3,800 | Hilltop, views |
| Hillside | White/Mixed | $1,100,000 | ~3,200 | Established, quiet |
| Broadmoor | Mixed/Diverse | $980,000 | ~2,800 | Unincorporated, affordable |
| Top of the Hill | Filipino/Chinese | $1,050,000 | ~4,500 | BART-adjacent, dense |
| Pointe Pacific | Mixed | $850,000 | ~2,200 | Condos, newer |
| Southern Hills | Mixed/Hispanic | $950,000 | ~3,000 | Emerging, value |
| Colma Border | Diverse | $920,000 | ~2,000 | Commercial-adjacent |
Which Daly City neighborhoods have the highest turnover? According to San Mateo County recorder data, Broadmoor and Pointe Pacific lead with 4.2-4.8% annual turnover, driven by smaller homes, lower price points, and a higher proportion of first-time buyers who move up within 5-7 years. St. Francis Heights has the lowest turnover at 2.1%, reflecting long-term ownership among established Filipino-American families.
Income and Economic Profile
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, Daly City's economic profile reflects its workforce-oriented character.
| Economic Metric | Daly City | County Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $98,500 | $136,000 |
| Per Capita Income | $38,200 | $62,400 |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% | 5.2% |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 3.4% |
| Dual-Income Households | 62% | 55% |
| Govt/Healthcare Workers | 28% | 18% |
| Tech Workers | 15% | 25% |
| Homeownership Rate | 55% | 58% |
What industries employ Daly City residents? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Daly City's workforce is more diversified than typical Peninsula cities. Healthcare (Kaiser Permanente Daly City, Seton Medical Center), government (San Mateo County offices), retail (Serramonte Center, Westlake Shopping Center), and hospitality (SFO-related) collectively employ a larger share than the tech sector, creating different income patterns and home-buying timelines than tech-dominated markets.
According to NAR's Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, dual-income households in workforce-oriented markets like Daly City save for a median of 5.2 years before purchasing — longer than the national 3.8-year average — making long-term farming nurture campaigns essential.
Age Distribution and Life-Stage Analysis
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Daly City's age distribution reveals key farming opportunities tied to life-stage transitions.
| Age Group | % of Population | Housing Implication | Farming Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 20% | Family demand strong | School-focused content |
| 18-29 | 15% | Renter-to-buyer pipeline | First-time buyer programs |
| 30-44 | 24% | Peak buying years | Move-up messaging |
| 45-59 | 22% | Established owners | Equity/renovation data |
| 60-74 | 13% | Downsizing window | Condo/senior options |
| 75+ | 6% | Estate/inheritance | Family transition support |
When do Daly City homeowners typically sell? According to county recorder data, the average holding period for Daly City homes is 11.3 years — shorter than the county average of 13.1 years but longer than neighboring San Francisco's 9.8 years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 45-59 age cohort (22% of population) represents the largest untapped farming opportunity, as many purchased during the 2010-2016 window and have accumulated significant equity.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to identify these equity-rich homeowners through automated purchase-date analysis, triggering personalized outreach that highlights their potential gains since purchase.
Cultural Considerations for Farming
How should agents approach Daly City's diverse communities? According to NAR's multicultural real estate guide, culturally competent outreach significantly impacts farming effectiveness in diverse markets.
| Community | % of Market | Cultural Considerations | Communication Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filipino-American | 33% | Multigenerational households, family networks | English + Tagalog, community events |
| Chinese-American | 22% | Feng shui awareness, investment-focused | Mandarin/Cantonese options, data-heavy |
| Hispanic/Latino | 18% | Family-oriented, church community | Spanish options, community sponsorships |
| White/Other | 27% | Standard approaches | English, digital-first |
According to NAR research, agents who provide bilingual marketing materials in Tagalog achieve 45% higher response rates from Filipino-American homeowners in markets where this community exceeds 20% of the population. Similarly, Chinese-language market reports generate 38% higher engagement from Chinese-American homeowners.
According to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, culturally relevant outreach increases listing appointment rates by 2.3x compared to generic English-only campaigns in diverse communities like Daly City.
Transaction and Sales Data
According to MLS data and the San Mateo County Recorder, Daly City's transaction patterns reveal important farming timing insights.
| Year | Transactions | Median Price | Avg DOM | First-Time Buyer % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 520 | $995,000 | 14 | 38% |
| 2023 | 465 | $1,010,000 | 24 | 32% |
| 2024 | 498 | $1,045,000 | 20 | 34% |
| 2025 | 530 | $1,070,000 | 18 | 36% |
| 2026 (Proj.) | 490-540 | $1,080,000 | 16-22 | 33-37% |
What commission income can Daly City agents expect? According to the California Association of Realtors, San Mateo County commission rates average 2.3-2.7% per side. At Daly City's $1.08 million median:
| Commission Rate | Per Transaction | Annual (8 deals) | Annual (14 deals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3% | $24,840 | $198,720 | $347,760 |
| 2.5% | $27,000 | $216,000 | $378,000 |
| 2.7% | $29,160 | $233,280 | $408,240 |
Daly City's higher transaction volume (480-540/year) compared to smaller Peninsula cities means agents can compensate for lower per-deal commissions through volume. According to real estate coaching data, top Daly City producers close 14-18 transactions annually by farming multiple zones simultaneously.
Farming Strategy for Diverse Markets
How to Build a Culturally Intelligent Farming System
Map demographic zones. Using Census tract data, identify the primary demographic composition of each neighborhood to inform language and cultural messaging decisions.
Build multilingual contact databases. According to real estate CRM best practices, tag contacts by preferred language and cultural background to enable targeted campaign streams.
Design culturally resonant content. Create community-specific market updates — Filipino-American homeowner equity reports in English with Tagalog highlights, Chinese-language investment-focused analyses, and Spanish-language family-oriented content.
Identify community anchors. Map churches, cultural organizations, grocery stores, and community centers that serve as trust-building partnership opportunities in each demographic zone.
Configure US Tech Automations multilingual workflows. Set up parallel campaign tracks by language and cultural segment, ensuring each contact receives content in their preferred language and format.
Sponsor community events. According to NAR, community event sponsorship generates 3.8x higher brand recognition than equivalent digital ad spending in ethnically concentrated neighborhoods.
Create first-time buyer content. With 33-37% of Daly City transactions involving first-time buyers, automated educational sequences covering down payment programs, loan types, and the buying process generate strong pipeline.
Implement multigenerational outreach. According to Census data, 18% of Daly City households are multigenerational. Design campaigns that address both the homeowner generation and adult children who may influence selling decisions.
Track response by demographic segment. Monitor engagement rates by cultural group and adjust messaging, language mix, and channel preference based on response data.
Build referral networks within communities. According to NAR, 68% of Filipino-American buyers choose their agent through personal referral — making community relationship-building the highest-ROI farming activity.
Platform Comparison: Multicultural Farming Tools
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multilingual Templates | 5+ languages | 2 languages | English only | English only | English only |
| Cultural Segmentation | Advanced | None | None | None | Basic |
| Community Event Integration | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| First-Time Buyer Sequences | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | No |
| Demographic Zone Mapping | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Multigenerational Tracking | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Cost (Monthly) | $149-299 | $499+ | $750+ | $295+ | $69-499 |
| Farming ROI Dashboard | Yes | No | No | Limited | No |
US Tech Automations leads in multicultural farming capabilities with its multilingual templates and demographic zone mapping. While BoomTown offers first-time buyer tools and kvCORE provides bilingual support, neither matches the cultural segmentation depth required for Daly City's uniquely diverse market.
Education and School Data
According to the California Department of Education, Daly City is served by the Jefferson Elementary School District and Jefferson Union High School District.
| School | Grades | Rating | Enrollment | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westlake Elementary | K-5 | 6/10 | 380 | Westlake |
| Daniel Webster Elementary | K-5 | 5/10 | 340 | Top of the Hill |
| George Washington Elementary | K-5 | 7/10 | 310 | Hillside |
| Benjamin Franklin Middle | 6-8 | 6/10 | 520 | Central |
| Jefferson High School | 9-12 | 5/10 | 1,200 | Southern |
| Westmoor High School | 9-12 | 7/10 | 1,400 | Westlake |
Transportation and Commute Data
| Transit Option | Details | Impact on Values |
|---|---|---|
| Daly City BART | Endpoint station, 12 min to SF | +8-12% premium nearby |
| Colma BART | Southern access point | +5-8% premium nearby |
| SamTrans | Local bus service | Moderate |
| Highway 280 | Peninsula freeway access | Access positive |
| Highway 1 | Coastal route to SF | Access positive |
| SFO Airport | 10 minutes via BART or drive | Employment/convenience |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable neighborhood in Daly City?
According to the San Mateo County Assessor, the Broadmoor neighborhood (an unincorporated area within Daly City's sphere) offers the lowest median prices at approximately $980,000. Pointe Pacific condos also provide entry-level options starting near $700,000, making Daly City the most accessible Peninsula market for first-time buyers.
How diverse is Daly City compared to other Bay Area cities?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's diversity index, Daly City ranks in the 95th percentile nationally and is the most ethnically diverse city in San Mateo County. No single ethnic group exceeds 33% of the population, creating a genuinely multicultural community where farming success requires cultural competency.
What percentage of Daly City homes were built before 1970?
According to Census housing data, approximately 58% of Daly City's housing stock was built before 1970, with the Westlake planned community dating primarily to the 1950s. This aging inventory creates renovation opportunity and potential issues including asbestos, lead paint, and outdated electrical systems that agents should understand.
How does BART access affect Daly City home prices?
According to MLS data and local broker analysis, properties within 0.5 miles of the Daly City BART station command an 8-12% premium over comparable homes more than a mile away. The transit premium has grown steadily as remote work has shifted to hybrid schedules requiring 2-3 days per week of in-office commuting.
Is Daly City a good market for investor buyers?
According to local rental data, Daly City's rental yields average 4.2-5.0% — higher than most Peninsula cities — due to the combination of strong renter demand and relatively lower purchase prices. According to NAR, investor buyers represent 8-10% of Daly City transactions, primarily targeting condos and duplexes.
What are the fog patterns in Daly City?
According to NOAA climate data, Daly City experiences 120-150 foggy days annually, primarily during summer months (June-September). The western neighborhoods (Westlake, Pointe Pacific) receive the heaviest fog, while eastern areas (Top of the Hill, St. Francis Heights) enjoy more sunshine. This microclimate variation creates measurable price differentials that agents should communicate in farming materials.
How do multigenerational households affect the Daly City market?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18% of Daly City households include three or more generations, significantly above the national average of 5.6%. This pattern affects housing demand — multigenerational buyers seek homes with in-law units, separate entrances, and flexible floor plans, features that agents should highlight in listing descriptions.
What is the rental-to-ownership conversion rate in Daly City?
According to local lender data, approximately 15% of Daly City renters transition to homeownership within their current ZIP code annually. This represents a significant farming pipeline — agents who build relationships with renters through educational content and first-time buyer workshops capture this conversion demand.
Conclusion: Farm Daly City's Diverse Demographics
Daly City's extraordinary demographic diversity, affordable Peninsula pricing, and high transaction volume create a unique farming opportunity that rewards culturally intelligent agents. With 480-540 annual transactions across a 104,800-person community, the market supports multiple full-time farming operations.
The key differentiator is cultural competency — agents who invest in multilingual outreach, community partnerships, and demographic-specific content capture a disproportionate share of listings. US Tech Automations provides the multilingual automation infrastructure to scale culturally resonant campaigns across Daly City's neighborhoods, turning demographic complexity into farming advantage.
Start building your Daly City demographic farming system at ustechautomations.com.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
