Alameda, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
77,238
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$137,697/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
32,291
0.5% year-over-year change

Alameda population

How many people live in Alameda

Alameda is home to 77,238 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Alameda locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
77,238
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
36,861
Female
52.3%
40,377
Value Percent YoY change
Male 36,861 47.7% -0.7%
Female 40,377 52.3% 1.5%
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 Alameda is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.4% of the population, while another 25.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
29.4%
45 to 64
25.5%
Over 65
17.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 14,385 18.6% -0.1%
15 to 24 6,617 8.6% -0.8%
25 to 44 22,721 29.4% 0.4%
45 to 64 19,691 25.5% -1.4%
Over 65 13,824 17.9% 4.8%
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 Alameda, 72.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 43.1% of locals are Caucasian, 6% are African American and 28.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19%
Non-citizens
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 56,216 72.8% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,649 19% -0.3%
Non-citizens 6,373 8.2% 2.8%
Racial breakdown
White
43.1%
Black or African American
6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
28.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
16.2%
Other
4.9%
Value Percent
White 33,289 43.1%
Black or African American 4,631 6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 388 0.5%
Asian 22,273 28.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 391 0.5%
Two or more races 12,484 16.2%
Other 3,782 4.9%

Households in Alameda

A peek inside Alameda households

Alameda has 29,988 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65% are families, while the remaining 35% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
29,988
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
10,506
Family households
19,482
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,506 35% -2.1%
Family households 19,482 65% 2.1%
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 Alameda

The housing landscape of Alameda

Alameda's housing consists of 32,291 units, with 43.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.1% 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
32,291
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,012 43.4%
1 unit, attached 3,920 12.1%
2 units 1,682 5.2%
3 or 4 units 2,723 8.4%
5 to 9 units 1,888 5.8%
10 to 19 units 1,258 3.9%
20 to 49 units 3,232 10%
50 or more units 3,436 10.6%
Mobile home 60 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 80 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
473
84.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alameda

In Alameda, the median construction year is 1965. About 31.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,315 31.9% 1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,567 4.8% -9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,094 6.5% -4.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,711 14.6% -1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,734 14.7% 0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,752 11.6% -1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,985 6.2% 8.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,517 4.7% -8.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,143 3.5% 15.9%
Built in 2020 or later 473 1.5% 84.8%
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.

Alameda occupancy rates

Out of the 29,988 occupied housing units in Alameda, 50.7% are owner-occupied, while 49.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
29,988
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
14,794
Owner occupied
15,194
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 14,794 49.3% -2.6%
Owner occupied 15,194 50.7% 4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
7.1%
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.

Alameda housing costs

Housing costs in Alameda come to a median of $2,650 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,474.

Median housing costs per month
$2,650/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 Alameda
$2,474/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 Alameda

Alameda education at a glance

About 14.1% of the population in Alameda went to high school, while 16.6% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 33.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,021 3.4% -2.6%
High school diploma 8,510 14.1% -6.7%
College diploma 10,028 16.6% -0.5%
Associate degree 4,192 7% 9.1%
Bachelor's degree 20,370 33.8% 0.7%
Graduate degree 15,139 25.1% 5.7%
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 Alameda

How much people earn in Alameda

The average annual household income in Alameda was $189,621 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $137,697, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alameda
$189,621/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alameda
$137,697/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Alameda income by age

In Alameda, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $174,918. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,632 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,563, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $83,244 in earnings. Overall, 92.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,563 10.3%
25 - 44 $174,918 9.6%
45 - 64 $149,632 2.0%
Over 65 $83,244 5.4%
Above poverty level
69,923
Below poverty level
5,417
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 69,923 92.8% 0.3%
Below poverty level 5,417 7.2% 4.7%

Average renter income in Alameda

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Alameda, their median household income was $95,972 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$95,972
Rent-to-income ratio
30.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Alameda

Workforce and job types in Alameda

The job market in Alameda is powered by 38,576 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 64.4% are employed by private companies, and 14.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
38,576
-1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
35,227
Blue collar
3,349
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35,227 91.3% -0.2%
Blue collar 3,349 8.7% -11.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
64.4%
Governmental workers
14.2%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,047 10.5% -1.2%
Private companies 24,847 64.4% -1.2%
Governmental workers 5,492 14.2% -3.9%
Not for profit companies 4,190 10.9% 2.5%
Unemployment rate
5.7%
13.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Alameda stands at 5.7%, 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 Alameda

How people get around in Alameda

In Alameda, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 51.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
-1.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,536 51.1% -4.5%
Taxicab 31 0.1% -80.1%
Bus or trolleybus 1,317 3.4% -25.6%
Subway or elevated 657 1.7% N/A
Railroad 58 0.2% 20.8%
Ferryboat 1,721 4.5% -14.2%
Motorcycle 84 0.2% -56.9%
Bicycle 865 2.3% -9.3%
Walk 1,187 3.1% 20.6%
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 Alameda by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94501 63,808 25,208 $127,906 $183,684
94502 13,430 4,780 $180,938 $220,934

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FAQs about Alameda demographics 

What is the total population of Alameda?

Alameda has a total population of 77,238 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alameda?

The gender ratio in Alameda is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (36,861 residents)
  • 52.3% females (40,377 residents)

What is the median age in Alameda?

The median age in Alameda is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alameda?

The age distribution in Alameda is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (14,385 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (6,617 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.4% (22,721 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.5% (19,691 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.9% (13,824 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alameda?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alameda is as follows:
  • White: 43.1% (33,289 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6% (4,631 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (388 residents)
  • Asian: 28.8% (22,273 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (391 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.2% (12,484 residents)
  • Other: 4.9% (3,782 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.8% of the population in Alameda.

How many housing units are there in Alameda?

There are 32,291 housing units in Alameda, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Alameda has a total of 29,988 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alameda?

Alameda has a median household income of $137,697, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Alameda?

The employment rate is 94.3% in Alameda, with a workforce of 38,576 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.3% (35,227 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.7% (3,349 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (4,047 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.4% (24,847 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.2% (5,492 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (4,190 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