Is Millbrae Safe, Pros and cons of living in Millbrae
Millbrae, California, nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Its strategic location provides residents with convenient access to major transportation hubs, including San Francisco International Airport, and a direct link to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley via Caltrain and BART.
This charming city is known for its diverse population and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive option for families and professionals alike. With a history rooted in a country estate, Millbrae has evolved into a vibrant city that balances its historical charm with modern amenities and a forward-looking approach to development.
Is it Safe to Live in Millbrae?
Millbrae is generally considered a safe city, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Millbrae is 49% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 43% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 93 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Millbrae, and the city is safer than 51% of all cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).
While crime rates are low, neighborhood safety can vary. The southwest part of Millbrae is generally considered the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 11 in the east to 1 in 53 in the southwest. Year-over-year crime in Millbrae has decreased by 10% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Costs and Availability
Millbrae’s housing market presents a mixed picture, with a high cost of living that is significantly above the national average. The median home value in Millbrae is approximately $2,082,465, showing a 4.2% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Housing expenses in Millbrae are 167% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
For renters, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Millbrae is around $3,011 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is 50.55% higher than the national average rent of $2,000 per month. The median gross rent in Millbrae is $3,272 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). Despite these high costs, Millbrae is often cited as one of the Bay Area’s more affordable suburbs for renters compared to San Francisco, where the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $3,430 (as reported by Apartments.com and Rent.com).
Job Market and Economy
Millbrae’s economy is robust, with a diverse range of major employers contributing to its stability. Key employers include the San Francisco PUC, Millbrae School District, Westin Hotel, Safeway, and Mills High School (as reported by JLee Realty). The city also benefits from its proximity to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is a major economic driver and employer in the region.
The employment rate in Millbrae is high, with 94.3% of its workforce employed (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of the working population, 86.8%, is employed in professional or administrative positions (as reported by Point2Homes). The unemployment rate stands at 3.8% (as reported by Niche).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Millbrae enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 45°F to 72°F, rarely dropping below 38°F or exceeding 82°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and WorldWeatherOnline). The city receives an average of 24 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The wettest month is December, with approximately 4.3 inches of rain and about 13 rainy days. Conversely, July is the driest month, with minimal rainfall and sunny days. The period from May to October is considered the most pleasant for outdoor activities, with comfortable weather conditions.
Education and School Ratings
Millbrae is served by the Millbrae Elementary School District and the San Mateo Union High School District, both of which are highly regarded. The Millbrae Elementary School District ranks among the top 20% of school districts in California, with an average testing ranking of 10/10 (as reported by Public School Review). Public schools in the Millbrae Elementary School District demonstrate strong math and reading proficiency scores, exceeding state averages (as reported by Public School Review).
Mills High School is a top-performing institution, ranking in the 96th percentile statewide with a 97% graduation rate. Green Hills Elementary School also stands out, leading elementary schools with the highest test scores in English and math. Overall, Millbrae schools consistently rank in the top 15% of California schools, offering an excellent educational environment for students.
Demographics and Population
Millbrae is a diverse city with a population of approximately 22,689 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial composition is notably diverse, with 48.2% of residents having Asian roots, 30.7% identifying as Caucasian, and 11.2% belonging to two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes). The foreign-born population constitutes about 40.8% of the residents (as reported by Data USA).
The median age in Millbrae is 44 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is balanced with 48.4% males and 51.6% females. The median household income in Millbrae was $215,347 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), with a poverty rate of 5.97% (as reported by Niche).
Cost of Living
Millbrae is recognized as one of the most expensive cities in the United States, with its overall cost of living being significantly higher than the national average. The cost of living in Millbrae is 69% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are particularly high, being 167% above the national average, while utility prices are 49% higher and transportation costs are 41% higher (as reported by Payscale).
Monthly expenses for a single person in Millbrae are estimated at $3,766, and for a family of four, they are around $8,040 (as reported by Salary.com). These elevated costs are driven by soaring housing prices, increased transportation expenses, and rising food prices. Despite the high cost of living, the median household income provides a degree of financial stability for many residents.
Major Employers and Job Opportunities
Millbrae’s economy is supported by a variety of major employers, reflecting its diverse industrial base. Prominent employers include San Francisco PUC, Millbrae School District, Westin Hotel, Safeway, and Mills High School (as reported by JLee Realty). The city’s proximity to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also creates numerous job opportunities in the aviation, hospitality, and logistics sectors.
Beyond these larger entities, numerous retail and service businesses contribute to the local job market. Companies such as McDonald’s, UPS, Starbucks, and Amazon.com have a presence in Millbrae (as reported by Indeed.com). The job market is characterized by a strong presence of white-collar professionals, with 86.8% of the workforce in professional or administrative roles (as reported by Point2Homes).