Puerto Rico demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,234,309
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$26,297/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,634,357
3.8% year-over-year change

Puerto Rico population

How many people live in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to 3,234,309 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Puerto Rico locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
3,234,309
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
1,529,269
Female
52.7%
1,705,040
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,529,269 47.3% -0.8%
Female 1,705,040 52.7% -0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Puerto Rico is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.6% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.6%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
23.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 408,705 12.6% -4.7%
15 to 24 404,428 12.5% -2.3%
25 to 44 814,272 25.2% -0.1%
45 to 64 848,818 26.2% -0.9%
Over 65 758,086 23.4% 2.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Households in Puerto Rico

A peek inside Puerto Rico households

Puerto Rico has 1,290,866 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.4% are families, while the remaining 36.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,290,866
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
473,140
Family households
817,726
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 473,140 36.6% 7.0%
Family households 817,726 63.4% 2.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Puerto Rico

The housing landscape of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's housing consists of 1,634,357 units, with 68% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,634,357
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,111,851 68%
1 unit, attached 197,007 12%
2 units 46,861 2.9%
3 or 4 units 47,252 2.9%
5 to 9 units 73,861 4.5%
10 to 19 units 54,654 3.3%
20 to 49 units 28,761 1.8%
50 or more units 70,371 4.3%
Mobile home 3,638 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 101 0%
Homes built since 2020
2,497
79.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, the median construction year is 1979. About 1.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 29,378 1.8% -0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 58,723 3.6% 2.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 136,137 8.3% 4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 279,362 17.1% 2.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 356,627 21.8% 2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 257,857 15.8% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 246,473 15.1% 3.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 215,088 13.2% 7.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 52,215 3.2% 28.1%
Built in 2020 or later 2,497 0.2% 79.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Puerto Rico occupancy rates

Out of the 1,290,866 occupied housing units in Puerto Rico, 67.9% are owner-occupied, while 32.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,290,866
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
414,280
Owner occupied
876,586
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 414,280 32.1% 4.9%
Owner occupied 876,586 67.9% 3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
21.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Puerto Rico housing costs

Housing costs in Puerto Rico come to a median of $415 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $578.

Median housing costs per month
$415/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Puerto Rico
$578/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico education at a glance

About 34.5% of the population in Puerto Rico went to high school, while 15.3% pursued college studies. Another 11.7% earned an associate degree and 20% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 290,802 10.7% -5.2%
High school diploma 936,870 34.5% -0.2%
College diploma 414,982 15.3% -1.9%
Associate degree 317,533 11.7% 3.3%
Bachelor's degree 541,609 20% 2.0%
Graduate degree 211,124 7.8% 3.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Puerto Rico

How much people earn in Puerto Rico

The average annual household income in Puerto Rico was $41,994 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $26,297, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Puerto Rico
$41,994/year
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Puerto Rico
$26,297/year
4.8% year-over-year change

Puerto Rico income by age

In Puerto Rico, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $30,762. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $31,658 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $13,337, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $21,442 in earnings.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $13,337 19.6%
25 - 44 $30,762 6.8%
45 - 64 $31,658 4.6%
Over 65 $21,442 2.8%

Employment in Puerto Rico

Workforce and job types in Puerto Rico

The job market in Puerto Rico is powered by 1,150,831 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.9% run their own businesses, 63.2% are employed by private companies, and 18.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,150,831
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
902,853
Blue collar
247,978
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 902,853 78.4% 3.4%
Blue collar 247,978 21.6% 3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14.9%
Private companies
63.2%
Governmental workers
18.4%
Not for profit companies
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 171,564 14.9% 6.5%
Private companies 727,292 63.2% 3.6%
Governmental workers 211,911 18.4% 1.0%
Not for profit companies 40,064 3.5% -1.4%
Unemployment rate
10.7%
-9.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Puerto Rico stands at 10.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Puerto Rico

How people get around in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-0.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 995,987 89% 2.7%
Taxicab 1,627 0.2% -3.9%
Bus or trolleybus 5,488 0.5% -2.6%
Subway or elevated 1,957 0.2% N/A
Railroad 148 0% 55.8%
Ferryboat 464 0% 19.9%
Motorcycle 535 0% -11.6%
Bicycle 1,318 0.1% -4.5%
Walk 26,369 2.4% -2.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Puerto Rico demographics 

What is the total population of Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico has a total population of 3,234,309 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Puerto Rico?

The gender ratio in Puerto Rico is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (1,529,269 residents)
  • 52.7% females (1,705,040 residents)

What is the median age in Puerto Rico?

The median age in Puerto Rico is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Puerto Rico?

The age distribution in Puerto Rico is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.6% (408,705 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (404,428 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (814,272 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (848,818 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.4% (758,086 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Puerto Rico?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Puerto Rico is as follows:
  • White: 26.4% (853,387 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.9% (191,107 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (6,770 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (5,661 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (156 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 36.7% (1,186,049 residents)
  • Other: 30.6% (991,179 residents)

What percentage of the population in Puerto Rico are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 0% of the population in Puerto Rico.

How many housing units are there in Puerto Rico?

There are 1,634,357 housing units in Puerto Rico, reflecting a +3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Puerto Rico and what is the average household size?

Puerto Rico has a total of 1,290,866 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico has a median household income of $26,297, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Puerto Rico?

The employment rate is 89.3% in Puerto Rico, with a workforce of 1,150,831 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.4% (902,853 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.6% (247,978 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.9% (171,564 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.2% (727,292 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.4% (211,911 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.5% (40,064 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025