The San Jose metro is home to 1,969,353 people (down 0.6% over five years), with a median household income of $157,444. Typical rent of $3,812/month works out to 29.1% of the median household income — near the 30% affordability threshold (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of San Jose's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Professional & management | 22.4% |
| Education & health care | 18.9% |
| Manufacturing | 16.3% |
| Retail trade | 8.2% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 7.2% |
Professional & management is the metro's largest employment base; a diversified mix beneath it spreads tenant-demand risk.
Rents at 29.1% of median income leave moderate headroom; underwrite rent growth conservatively. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the San Jose market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $3,812/month suggests a household income around $152,000/year. The metro's median household income is $157,444.
By workforce share: Professional & management (22.4%), Education & health care (18.9%), Manufacturing (16.3%) (Census ACS 5-year).