The San Francisco metro is home to 4,653,593 people (down 0.4% over five years), with a median household income of $133,780. Typical rent of $3,445/month works out to 30.9% of the median household income — near the 30% affordability threshold (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of San Francisco's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Professional & management | 21.5% |
| Education & health care | 21.4% |
| Retail trade | 8.9% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 7.9% |
| Manufacturing | 7.5% |
Professional & management is the metro's largest employment base; a diversified mix beneath it spreads tenant-demand risk.
Rents at 30.9% of median income leave moderate headroom; underwrite rent growth conservatively. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the San Francisco market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $3,445/month suggests a household income around $138,000/year. The metro's median household income is $133,780.
By workforce share: Professional & management (21.5%), Education & health care (21.4%), Retail trade (8.9%) (Census ACS 5-year).