Palo Alto, CA

Homes in 94306: what they're like and what they need

A plain-English report on the 11,744 homes in ZIP 94306, from public Census and city data, with the repairs and upgrades homes like these usually need.

1963

Typical home built

72%

Built before 1980

69%

Heat with gas

53%

Owner-occupied

What homes in 94306 usually need

Electrical panel check before an EV charger or heat pump

72% of homes here were built before 1980, when panels were often sized for much less load. Check yours before adding big electric items.

Earthquake bolting and bracing

Houses built before 1980 on raised foundations are the ones California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt program offers grants for. Check whether your home qualifies.

Gas furnace to heat pump

69% of homes in 94306 heat with gas. A heat pump replaces the furnace and adds AC, and Bay Area rebates often cover a large share.

Lead-safe painting and remodeling

About 69% of homes here are older than 1978. Painters and remodelers working on them must follow EPA lead-safe rules (RRP certification).

Older pipes and sewer lines

46% of homes here are from the 1950s or earlier, when galvanized supply pipes and clay or cast-iron sewer lines were common. A camera inspection of the sewer line is cheap insurance.

Roof and gutters before the rains

Half the homes here were built before 1964. Most roofs last 20-30 years, so many are on their second or third. Clean gutters and a roof check before winter storms prevent most leaks.

When homes in 94306 were built

2020 or later1%
2010s7%
2000s6%
1990s6%
1980s8%
1970s13%
1960s13%
1950s30%
1940s9%
1939 or earlier6%

55% are detached houses. 29% heat with electricity. Median owner-reported value: $2,000,000+.

Rebates for 94306 homes

Find what you qualify for

Permits in Palo Alto

Which projects need a permit, how long it takes and where to apply.

Palo Alto permit checker

Pros serving Palo Alto

Need something done in 94306?

Tell us once. SVHN finds a checked local pro, and you approve before anyone comes out.

Get a pro

Questions about homes in 94306

How old are the homes in 94306?
Half of the 11,744 homes in 94306 (Palo Alto) were built before 1963, so the typical home is about 63 years old. 72% were built before 1980 and 14% since 2000.
How do homes in 94306 heat?
69% heat with gas and 29% with electricity. Gas-heated homes are the ones heat pump rebates are aimed at.
Are most homes in 94306 owned or rented?
53% are lived in by their owners and 47% are rented. 55% are detached single-family houses.
What is the median home value in 94306?
The Census estimate of the median owner-reported home value in 94306 is $2,000,000+ (2020-2024 average).

For local pros: trades that fit 94306

Compared with the other 68 ZIPs SVHN serves, homes here are among the best fits for:

  • Plumbing #7
  • Chimney & Fireplace #10
  • Water Damage & Mold #11
  • Property Management #14
  • Electrical #15
  • Remodeling #16
  • Movers #17
  • General Contractors #18

Run a home-service business? SVHN's free Market Finder ranks every ZIP for your trade

Other Palo Alto ZIPs

Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for ZIP code tabulation area 94306 (estimates, via Census Reporter). "What homes usually need" is general guidance based on home age and heating type, not an inspection of any home.

Schools win when neighbors hire. SVHN gives 2.5% of its fee on every finished job to the local school you choose.