In 2025, poverty rates across San Jose, California, reveal significant disparities depending on ZIP code, highlighting the city’s complex socioeconomic landscape.
The poverty level, also known as the poverty threshold or poverty line, is a measure used by the U.S. government to determine who is considered officially “poor.” It’s based on a person or family’s income and household size.
Each year, the federal government sets these thresholds. For example, in 2025, a single person earning less than about $15,000–$16,000 annually (before taxes), or a family of four earning less than around $30,000–$35,000, would be considered below the poverty level (exact figures can vary slightly depending on the source and adjustments for inflation).
The highest poverty levels are found in the heart of the city. ZIP code 95113, encompassing parts of downtown San Jose, reports the highest rate at 18.8%, followed closely by 95112 at 17.6%. These areas often face challenges such as higher housing costs, limited affordable housing, and greater concentrations of unhoused individuals.
In contrast, the more affluent neighborhoods show markedly lower poverty rates. ZIP codes 95120 and 95135, covering parts of Almaden Valley and Evergreen, register the lowest poverty levels at 2.4% and 2.7%, respectively. These communities are known for high median household incomes, better school systems, and access to high-paying tech jobs.
Middle-range ZIP codes like 95133 (11.6%), 95116 (11.4%), and 95110 (11.1%) sit between the extremes, reflecting a mix of working-class families and growing immigrant communities.
Notably, several ZIP codes in East and South San Jose, such as 95122 (10.6%) and 95111 (9.0%), show moderate poverty levels, suggesting ongoing economic pressures despite the broader tech-driven prosperity of the region.
