Is Burlingame Safe, Pros and cons of living in Burlingame

Burlingame, a charming city located on the San Francisco Peninsula, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Nestled along the shores of San Francisco Bay, this city is known for its picturesque tree-lined streets and a vibrant downtown area. Its strategic location provides residents with easy access to the cultural hubs of San Francisco and the technological innovation of Silicon Valley.

With a population of approximately 31,386 residents as of the 2020 census, Burlingame maintains a close-knit community feel while benefiting from the economic dynamism of the wider Bay Area. The city’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and enhancing its quality of life is evident in its well-maintained parks and public spaces.

Is it Safe to Live in Burlingame?

Burlingame presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate is reported as 46.27 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to StatisNostics). This figure places Burlingame in the 12th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 12% of U.S. cities, a statistic that indicates a higher-than-average crime rate when compared nationally (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, perceptions of safety can vary significantly by neighborhood, with the western parts of the city generally considered the safest.

Violent crime statistics show a rate of 2 per 1,000 inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While specific violent crime categories like murder may have low numbers (0 reported, compared to a national average of 6.1), other categories like robbery are reported at 20.4 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average of 135.5 (as reported by Niche). Property crime rates, including burglary and theft, are also a factor to consider, with a property crime rate of 19 per 1,000 population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Burlingame is significantly higher than both the national and state averages, making it one of the most expensive cities in California and the United States. Housing expenses are particularly high, standing at 217% above the national average (as reported by Payscale). Overall, Burlingame’s cost of living is approximately 88% higher than the national average (according to Payscale), and 72% higher than the national average according to ERI SalaryExpert.

This elevated cost of living is influenced by various factors, including housing, transportation, and utilities. Transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are about 41% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Similarly, utility prices are 49% higher than the national average, and grocery prices are 16% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). These combined costs contribute to a substantial monthly expense for residents, with estimated monthly expenses for a single person reaching $3,766 and for a family of four reaching $8,040 (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing Market

The housing market in Burlingame is characterized by its premium pricing, with a median listing price of $2.30 million (as reported by Redfin). This high valuation reflects the desirability of the area and its proximity to major economic centers. The median home value in Burlingame was reported as $2.8 million as of March 2022 (as reported by Wikipedia).

Rental prices are also substantial, with the median rent standing at $3,900 per month (as reported by Redfin). This reflects persistent demand from renters, creating favorable conditions for landlords and investors. For context, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Burlingame is approximately $3,222 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around $4,509 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Burlingame boasts a diverse and dynamic economy, historically shaped by industries like automobile retail, aerospace, and aviation support services. In recent years, the city has become a significant hub for biotechnology and high-technology firms, owing to its strategic location between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Major employers in the area include LSG/Sky Chefs, Inc., China Airlines, Meri Meri, and Proterra, Inc. (as reported by Wikipedia).

The technology sector is particularly strong, with numerous tech companies establishing offices in Burlingame, including Zecco.com, Natsume, Color Genomics, and DataStax (as reported by Wikipedia). The biotechnology field is also thriving, with companies such as Annai Systems, Cala Health, and Corvus Pharmaceuticals having a presence in the city (as reported by Wikipedia). This economic diversification provides a robust job market for residents, attracting professionals from various sectors.

Employment and Salaries

As of February 2026, the unemployment rate in Burlingame was 3.5% (as reported by Data Commons). This rate is higher than the long-term average of 3.30% but reflects a generally stable employment landscape. The most common employment sectors for residents include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, followed by Health Care & Social Assistance and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA).

The average annual salary in Burlingame is approximately $74,506, translating to about $35.82 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a slightly higher average salary for jobs in Burlingame, around $86,707 per year or $42 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Median household income figures are significantly higher, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting $168,832 in 2023 dollars (as reported by Wikipedia) and other sources indicating a median of $174,000 (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes).

Climate

Burlingame enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, comfortable, arid summers and short, cool, wet winters. Temperatures typically range from 45°F in the winter to 72°F in the summer, rarely dropping below 38°F or exceeding 82°F throughout the year (as reported by Weather & Climate). The warmest month is September, with average high temperatures around 72°F and lows of 56°F.

The city experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. The wet season typically lasts from October to May, with February receiving the most rain, averaging about 3.7 inches (as reported by Weather & Climate). Conversely, the dry season spans from May to October, with August receiving virtually no rainfall (as reported by Weather & Climate). The annual precipitation averages around 22 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with comfortable weather generally prevailing from mid-April to October.

Education

Burlingame is renowned for its excellent public school system, with schools consistently ranking among the best in California. The Burlingame School District has historically been recognized for its high performance, with several elementary schools achieving ratings of 9 or 10 out of 10 (as reported by Wikipedia). Public schools in Burlingame demonstrate strong math and reading proficiency scores, with an average math proficiency of 73% and reading proficiency of 78% (as reported by Public School Review).

The district has invested in modernizing facilities to support its growing student enrollment. Burlingame High School serves as the sole public high school, and Burlingame Intermediate School is the city’s only public middle school. For those seeking private education, Mercy High School, an all-girls Catholic institution, is also located in Burlingame.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Burlingame had a population of 31,386. The demographic profile shows a median age of 40.5 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females than males (as reported by Wikipedia). The population is predominantly urban, with 100.0% residing in urban areas (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial composition of Burlingame includes a majority White population, with a significant Asian demographic as well. According to Data USA, as of 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest ethnic group, followed by Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents. Other ethnic groups, including Hispanic and those of Two or More Races, also contribute to the city’s diverse population (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Burlingame

Burlingame offers a high quality of life, characterized by excellent schools, a strong job market in key industries, and a pleasant climate. The city’s proximity to major urban centers like San Francisco and its access to innovative industries provide significant career and lifestyle advantages. Its tree-lined streets and well-maintained public spaces contribute to a desirable living environment.

However, the high cost of living, particularly housing, is a considerable drawback. The median home prices and rental rates are among the highest in the nation, which can be a barrier for many. While crime rates are not excessively high, they are above the national average, necessitating awareness and caution. Despite these challenges, Burlingame remains an attractive option for those seeking a dynamic community with abundant opportunities.