South Shore, Alameda, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,468
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$127,906/yr
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,484
0.7% year-over-year change

South Shore population

How many people live in South Shore

South Shore is home to 3,468 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of South Shore locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
3,468
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
1,659
Female
52.2%
1,810
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,659 47.8% -0.5%
Female 1,810 52.2% 1.4%
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 South Shore is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.9% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
30.9%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 638 18.4% -0.2%
15 to 24 298 8.6% -3.6%
25 to 44 1,073 30.9% 0.6%
45 to 64 865 24.9% -1.5%
Over 65 594 17.1% 6.1%
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 South Shore, 73.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 44.3% of locals are Caucasian, 7% are African American and 26.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
73.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.7%
Non-citizens
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,548 73.4% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 614 17.7% -2.1%
Non-citizens 307 8.8% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
44.3%
Black or African American
7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
26.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
16%
Other
5.3%
Value Percent
White 1,537 44.3%
Black or African American 243 7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0.6%
Asian 906 26.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0.6%
Two or more races 555 16%
Other 185 5.3%

Households in South Shore

A peek inside South Shore households

South Shore has 1,370 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,370
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
521
Family households
849
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 521 38% -2.6%
Family households 849 62% 2.9%
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 South Shore

The housing landscape of South Shore

South Shore's housing consists of 1,484 units, with 39.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.7% 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
1,484
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 585 39.4%
1 unit, attached 129 8.7%
2 units 88 5.9%
3 or 4 units 145 9.8%
5 to 9 units 103 6.9%
10 to 19 units 68 4.6%
20 to 49 units 175 11.8%
50 or more units 184 12.4%
Mobile home 3 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
26
85.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Shore

In South Shore, the median construction year is 1960. About 37.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 558 37.6% 1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 85 5.7% -9.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 100 6.7% -4.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 234 15.8% -2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 206 13.9% 2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 90 6.1% 3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 50 3.4% -2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 74 5% -11.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 61 4.1% 17.3%
Built in 2020 or later 26 1.8% 85.7%
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.

South Shore occupancy rates

Out of the 1,370 occupied housing units in South Shore, 43.9% are owner-occupied, while 56.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,370
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
768
Owner occupied
602
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 768 56.1% -3.0%
Owner occupied 602 43.9% 5.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
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.

South Shore housing costs

Housing costs in South Shore come to a median of $2,600 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,437.

Median housing costs per month
$2,600/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 South Shore
$2,437/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 South Shore

South Shore education at a glance

About 15% of the population in South Shore went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 32.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 95 3.5% -4.0%
High school diploma 410 15% -7.0%
College diploma 488 17.9% 0.0%
Associate degree 196 7.2% 12.0%
Bachelor's degree 882 32.4% 1.1%
Graduate degree 655 24% 5.1%
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 South Shore

How much people earn in South Shore

The average annual household income in South Shore was $183,140 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $127,906, reflecting a +7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Shore
$183,140/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Shore
$127,906/year
7.0% year-over-year change

South Shore income by age

In South Shore, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $163,222. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $143,507 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 $69,740 in earnings. Overall, 91.8% 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 $163,222 10.7%
45 - 64 $143,507 1.8%
Over 65 $69,740 4.8%
Above poverty level
3,095
Below poverty level
276
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,095 91.8% 0.1%
Below poverty level 276 8.2% 5.3%

Employment in South Shore

Workforce and job types in South Shore

90.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,590
Blue collar
160
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,590 90.9% -0.2%
Blue collar 160 9.1% -8.6%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
13.4%
Not for profit companies
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 184 10.5% -2.1%
Private companies 1,133 64.7% -1.1%
Governmental workers 234 13.4% -4.5%
Not for profit companies 200 11.4% 5.3%

Transportation in South Shore

How people get around in South Shore

In South Shore, the average commute time is 2 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 890 78.7% -4.9%
Taxicab 1 0.1% -85.7%
Bus or trolleybus 69 6.1% -20.7%
Railroad 3 0.3% 50.0%
Ferryboat 66 5.8% -8.3%
Motorcycle 5 0.4% -54.5%
Bicycle 40 3.5% -7.0%
Walk 57 5% 16.3%
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 South Shore by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94501 63,808 25,208 $127,906 $183,684

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FAQs about South Shore demographics 

What is the total population of South Shore?

South Shore has a total population of 3,468 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Shore?

The gender ratio in South Shore is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (1,659 residents)
  • 52.2% females (1,810 residents)

What is the median age in South Shore?

The median age in South Shore is 40.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Shore?

The age distribution in South Shore is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (638 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (298 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.9% (1,073 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (865 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.1% (594 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Shore?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Shore is as follows:
  • White: 44.3% (1,537 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7% (243 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 26.1% (906 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16% (555 residents)
  • Other: 5.3% (185 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 73.4% of the population in South Shore.

How many housing units are there in South Shore?

There are 1,484 housing units in South Shore, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Shore has a total of 1,370 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Shore?

South Shore has a median household income of $127,906, representing a +7.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Shore?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.9% (1,590 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.1% (160 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (184 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (1,133 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.4% (234 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.4% (200 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