East Lake, Birmingham, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,321
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$39,591/yr
7.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
692
0.1% year-over-year change

East Lake population

How many people live in East Lake

East Lake is home to 1,321 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of East Lake locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
1,321
2.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
641
Female
51.5%
680
Value Percent YoY change
Male 641 48.5% 3.7%
Female 680 51.5% 1.9%
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 East Lake is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 9.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.9% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 44
30.9%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 245 18.5% 0.8%
15 to 24 120 9.1% 14.3%
25 to 44 408 30.9% 1.8%
45 to 64 340 25.7% 6.9%
Over 65 209 15.8% -3.7%
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.

Racial makeup

In East Lake, 94.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 23.8% of locals are Caucasian, 69.3% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,254 94.9% 1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 26 2% 0.0%
Non-citizens 42 3.2% 68.0%
Racial breakdown
White
23.8%
Black or African American
69.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 315 23.8%
Black or African American 915 69.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0.3%
Asian 7 0.5%
Two or more races 73 5.5%
Other 7 0.5%

Households in East Lake

A peek inside East Lake households

East Lake has 561 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.3% are families, while the remaining 41.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
561
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
234
Family households
327
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 234 41.7% -5.7%
Family households 327 58.3% 4.8%
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 East Lake

The housing landscape of East Lake

East Lake's housing consists of 692 units, with 70.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
692
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 491 70.8%
1 unit, attached 10 1.4%
2 units 24 3.5%
3 or 4 units 33 4.8%
5 to 9 units 53 7.6%
10 to 19 units 37 5.3%
20 to 49 units 18 2.6%
50 or more units 24 3.5%
Mobile home 3 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
5
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Lake

In East Lake, the median construction year is 1959. About 18.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 126 18.2% 3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 63 9.1% 16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 175 25.3% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 117 16.9% -1.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 84 12.1% -8.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 62 9% -3.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 24 3.5% -14.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11 1.6% -31.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 3.6% 25.0%
Built in 2020 or later 5 0.7% 66.7%
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.

East Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 561 occupied housing units in East Lake, 47.2% are owner-occupied, while 52.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
561
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
296
Owner occupied
265
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 296 52.8% -4.2%
Owner occupied 265 47.2% 5.6%
Unoccupied housing units
18.9%
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.

East Lake housing costs

Housing costs in East Lake come to a median of $916 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $932.

Median housing costs per month
$916/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 East Lake
$932/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 East Lake

East Lake education at a glance

About 43.5% of the population in East Lake went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 14.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 34 3.3% 36.0%
High school diploma 450 43.5% -3.9%
College diploma 230 22.2% 6.0%
Associate degree 70 6.8% 7.7%
Bachelor's degree 154 14.9% 2.7%
Graduate degree 97 9.4% 24.4%
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 East Lake

How much people earn in East Lake

The average annual household income in East Lake was $60,550 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $39,591, reflecting a +7.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Lake
$60,550/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Lake
$39,591/year
7.6% year-over-year change

East Lake income by age

In East Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,248. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $44,713 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $77,760, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,262 in earnings. Overall, 71.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $77,760 3.6%
25 - 44 $43,248 26.1%
45 - 64 $44,713 9.6%
Over 65 $34,262 4.0%
Above poverty level
926
Below poverty level
369
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 926 71.5% 5.8%
Below poverty level 369 28.5% -3.7%

Employment in East Lake

Workforce and job types in East Lake

76.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 64.2% are employed by private companies, and 16.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
439
Blue collar
136
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 439 76.4% 6.0%
Blue collar 136 23.6% 3.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
64.2%
Governmental workers
16.8%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 46 8% 17.9%
Private companies 370 64.2% 5.4%
Governmental workers 97 16.8% 9.0%
Not for profit companies 63 10.9% -3.1%

Transportation in East Lake

How people get around in East Lake

Commuting methods vary: 96.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 473 96.5% 5.6%
Taxicab 2 0.4% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 6 1.2% -33.3%
Bicycle 2 0.4% 0.0%
Walk 7 1.4% 0.0%
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.

What is the median and average household income in East Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35206 15,621 6,441 $42,549 $58,067
35212 10,160 4,520 $36,633 $65,347

Explore more communities

FAQs about East Lake demographics 

What is the total population of East Lake?

East Lake has a total population of 1,321 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 +2.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Lake?

The gender ratio in East Lake is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (641 residents)
  • 51.5% females (680 residents)

What is the median age in East Lake?

The median age in East Lake is 38.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Lake?

The age distribution in East Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (245 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.1% (120 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.9% (408 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (340 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (209 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Lake is as follows:
  • White: 23.8% (315 residents)
  • Black or African American: 69.3% (915 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (73 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (7 residents)

What percentage of the population in East Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.9% of the population in East Lake.

How many housing units are there in East Lake?

There are 692 housing units in East Lake, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in East Lake and what is the average household size?

East Lake has a total of 561 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Lake?

East Lake has a median household income of $39,591, representing a +7.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Lake?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.4% (439 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.6% (136 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (46 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.2% (370 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.8% (97 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (63 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