Statistic Foster City California National
Population 33,056 39,512,223 328,239,523
Population density (sq mi) 8,728 256 91
Median age 38.9 36.0 37.7
Male/Female ratio 1.0:1 1.0:1 1.0:1
Married (15yrs & older) 68% 52% 55%
Families w/ Kids under 18 51% 46% 43%
Speak English 46% 56% 79%
Speak Spanish 5% 29% 13%

Overview of Foster City Demographics

Foster City demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Foster City population is 33,056 and has a population density of 8,728 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 38.9, 68% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 51% have kids under the age of 18. In Foster City, 6% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 62% of households report a median income above $150,000.

Foster City Racial Demographics & Ethnicity

Recognizing the racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown of Foster City is pivotal for addressing systemic inequities, championing social justice and inclusion and fostering resilient communities. In Foster City, the racial breakdown comprises 39.8% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 50.6% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian, with 7.9% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 45.5% of households reported speaking English only, while 5% reported speaking Spanish only. Furthermore, 47.9% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.

Foster City Population Density

Areas with a high population density tend to support a wide range of amenities and services within walking distance or a short commute. Residents tend to have convenient access to healthcare facilities, educational institutions, cultural venues, restaurants, shops and public transportation options, enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being. The Foster City population density is 8,728 people per square mile, which is well-above the national average of 91 and is considered one of the most densely populated cities in the country.

Is Foster City Family Friendly?

A family-friendly city like Foster City prioritizes the well-being and requirements of families, creating an atmosphere conducive to the flourishing of children, the support of parents and the collective enjoyment of a superior quality of life. These cities are characterized by their fostering of strong community bonds, where neighbors actively support and watch out for one another. Additionally, they often offer outstanding educational opportunities, including top-tier schools, well-stocked libraries and diverse extracurricular activities. Access to quality education is indispensable for the holistic development and future achievements of children. By giving precedence to the welfare of its inhabitants, such cities transform into vibrant and resilient communities where families can truly thrive. In Foster City, 51% of families have children under the age of 18, and 68% of residents aged over 15 are married. These demographic characteristics position this area to fully reap the benefits of being a family-friendly area.

Why are Demographics Important?

Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as vital tools for informing policy and decision-making processes across various levels of government, as well as within organizations and businesses. Through the reporting and analysis of demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of need, allocate resources efficiently, and craft tailored policies and programs to address the unique needs and priorities of different demographic groups. The utilization of demographic data in Foster City is instrumental in policy planning, facilitating resource allocation, evidence-based decision-making, priority identification, trend forecasting, policy impact assessment, and the promotion of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can devise targeted, impactful, and inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of communities.

Education Allocation: Education planning benefits significantly from Foster City demographic information, which helps identify student demographics, school enrollment trends, and educational needs. This data assists schools and policymakers in allocating resources effectively and devising impactful educational programs. It serves as a vital tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among diverse demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, and students with disabilities. By disaggregating data based on demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to improve access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Ultimately, Foster City demographic data is essential in education for advancing equity, fostering student success, and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to meet the needs of all students.

Urban Development: Urban planners could use Foster City demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Foster City demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.

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Demographics Quick Facts

  • The population density in Foster City is 3310% higher than California
  • The median age in Foster City is 8% higher than California
  • In Foster City 39.84% of the population is White
  • In Foster City 2.47% of the population is Black
  • In Foster City 50.57% of the population is Asian

Compare Foster City, CA Demographics

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      Foster City racial demographics

      Race Foster City California National
      White 39.84% 61.26% 73.35%
      Black 2.47% 5.85% 12.63%
      Asian 50.57% 13.85% 5.22%
      American Indian 0.12% 0.74% 0.82%
      Native Hawaiian 0.09% 0.39% 0.18%
      Mixed race 5.71% 4.62% 3.06%
      Other race 1.19% 13.28% 4.75%
      In Foster City, 7.9% of people are of Hispanic or Latino origin.
      Please note: Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in any/all of the applicable race categories above.

      Household income distribution

      Place of birth by citizenship

      Foster City age breakdown

      Marital status

      Age of children in married couples

      Source: The Foster City, CA demographics data displayed above is derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).