San Francisco is known for its tech industry and prestigious universities, making it one of the most highly educated cities in the United States. While 14% of adults nationwide have a post-graduate degree, 26% of San Francisco residents over 25 hold advanced degrees.
Which Neighborhoods Are the Most Educated?
Using U.S. Census data from 2019 to 2023, the city’s ZIP codes were ranked by the share of residents with advanced degrees, including master’s, professional (law or medicine), and doctorates.
The top ZIP codes for different degree types are:
- Master’s degree or higher: 94105 (Rincon Hill to the Embarcadero)
- Professional degrees: 94131 (Diamond Heights, Twin Peaks, Forest Knolls)
- Doctorates: 94158 (Mission Bay)
San Francisco Education Index
The Chronicle created an index to rank ZIP codes by education. Points were assigned for each degree level: high school (1), associate’s (1.5), bachelor’s (2), master’s (3), professional (4), doctorate (5). A higher index number indicates a higher share of educated residents.
Under this system, 94105 in Rincon Hill scored the highest, followed closely by 94158 in Mission Bay. These areas also have many residents in their 30s and are near high-paying tech jobs or the UCSF Medical Center.
Education and Income
The data showed a strong link between education and median income. For example, 94105, the most educated ZIP code, also had the highest median income in San Francisco.
However, some ZIP codes with similar incomes had very different education levels. ZIP code 94112 in Excelsior and 94111 in Telegraph Hill both had the same median income, but only 10% of Excelsior residents had advanced degrees, compared to almost 40% in 94111.
Conclusion
San Francisco’s most educated residents tend to live in neighborhoods like Rincon Hill, Mission Bay, and areas near prestigious universities and tech hubs. Education levels often correspond to income, but some areas defy the trend, showing that income alone does not always reflect residents’ educational attainment.
