Berkeley, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
120,257
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,092/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
53,145
2.0% year-over-year change

Berkeley population

How many people live in Berkeley

Berkeley is home to 120,257 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Berkeley locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
120,257
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
57,807
Female
51.9%
62,450
Value Percent YoY change
Male 57,807 48.1% -0.7%
Female 62,450 51.9% 0.7%
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 Berkeley is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.4% are children under 15, then 26.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 19.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.4%
15 to 24
26.6%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
19.2%
Over 65
16.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,462 10.4% 6.6%
15 to 24 31,948 26.6% -0.6%
25 to 44 32,594 27.1% -1.0%
45 to 64 23,153 19.2% -2.1%
Over 65 20,100 16.7% 1.4%
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.

Racial makeup

In Berkeley, 76.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 52.2% of locals are Caucasian, 8% are African American and 20.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.8%
Non-citizens
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 92,292 76.8% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,251 11.8% -3.5%
Non-citizens 13,714 11.4% 1.5%
Racial breakdown
White
52.2%
Black or African American
8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
12.8%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 62,744 52.2%
Black or African American 9,559 8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 782 0.6%
Asian 24,593 20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 256 0.2%
Two or more races 15,421 12.8%
Other 6,902 5.7%

Households in Berkeley

A peek inside Berkeley households

Berkeley has 47,135 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.3% are families, while the remaining 55.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
47,135
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
26,243
Family households
20,892
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 26,243 55.7% 2.2%
Family households 20,892 44.3% -0.9%
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 Berkeley

The housing landscape of Berkeley

Berkeley's housing consists of 53,145 units, with 40.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.5% 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
53,145
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 21,465 40.4%
1 unit, attached 1,844 3.5%
2 units 3,839 7.2%
3 or 4 units 5,614 10.6%
5 to 9 units 4,727 8.9%
10 to 19 units 4,825 9.1%
20 to 49 units 5,099 9.6%
50 or more units 5,598 10.5%
Mobile home 104 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 30 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
375
16.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Berkeley

In Berkeley, the median construction year is 1944. About 46.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.8% 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 24,621 46.3% 4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,376 8.2% -1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,653 6.9% -13.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,497 12.2% 5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,893 7.3% 3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,362 4.4% -8.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,078 3.9% -7.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,181 4.1% 4.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,109 5.8% 13.5%
Built in 2020 or later 375 0.7% 16.8%
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.

Berkeley occupancy rates

Out of the 47,135 occupied housing units in Berkeley, 44.2% are owner-occupied, while 55.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
47,135
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
26,306
Owner occupied
20,829
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 26,306 55.8% -0.7%
Owner occupied 20,829 44.2% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
11.3%
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.

Berkeley housing costs

Housing costs in Berkeley come to a median of $2,379 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,133.

Median housing costs per month
$2,379/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 Berkeley
$2,133/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 Berkeley

Berkeley education at a glance

About 15% of the population in Berkeley went to high school, while 20% pursued college studies. Another 4.3% earned an associate degree and 28% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 31.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,712 1.6% 0.5%
High school diploma 15,774 15% 2.1%
College diploma 20,978 20% -1.6%
Associate degree 4,519 4.3% 2.6%
Bachelor's degree 29,359 28% -2.8%
Graduate degree 32,677 31.1% 0.5%
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 Berkeley

How much people earn in Berkeley

The average annual household income in Berkeley was $171,265 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $108,092, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Berkeley
$171,265/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Berkeley
$108,092/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Berkeley income by age

In Berkeley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $138,117. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $157,226 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,879, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $98,265 in earnings. Overall, 82.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,879 4.1%
25 - 44 $138,117 3.5%
45 - 64 $157,226 1.6%
Over 65 $98,265 3.9%
Above poverty level
88,815
Below poverty level
18,582
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 88,815 82.7% -0.8%
Below poverty level 18,582 17.3% 2.6%

Average renter income in Berkeley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Berkeley, their median household income was $63,293 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,293
Rent-to-income ratio
40.4%
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 Berkeley

Workforce and job types in Berkeley

The job market in Berkeley is powered by 60,691 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.9% run their own businesses, 51.1% are employed by private companies, and 21% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
60,691
-2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
56,766
Blue collar
3,925
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 56,766 93.5% -2.4%
Blue collar 3,925 6.5% -1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
12.9%
Private companies
51.1%
Governmental workers
21%
Not for profit companies
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,840 12.9% 5.6%
Private companies 31,025 51.1% -4.1%
Governmental workers 12,758 21% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 9,068 14.9% -3.5%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-9.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Berkeley stands at 5.6%, 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 Berkeley

How people get around in Berkeley

In Berkeley, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 30.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13.6% 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
-7.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,986 30.5% -4.6%
Taxicab 96 0.2% 6.7%
Bus or trolleybus 2,913 4.9% -10.5%
Subway or elevated 3,712 6.3% N/A
Railroad 487 0.8% -35.8%
Ferryboat 132 0.2% 34.7%
Motorcycle 112 0.2% -49.8%
Bicycle 2,564 4.4% -10.7%
Walk 8,031 13.6% -1.4%
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 Berkeley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94702 17,635 7,662 $99,775 $160,344
94703 20,934 8,662 $109,881 $166,128
94704 23,788 8,227 $50,129 $92,861
94705 13,991 5,886 $167,970 $242,852
94707 12,811 5,267 $212,776 $264,497
94708 11,947 4,800 $234,923 $293,144
94709 12,146 5,429 $89,054 $136,718
94710 8,380 3,780 $102,227 $150,743
94720 5,763 222 $0 $99,327

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Berkeley demographics 

What is the total population of Berkeley?

Berkeley has a total population of 120,257 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 +0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Berkeley?

The gender ratio in Berkeley is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (57,807 residents)
  • 51.9% females (62,450 residents)

What is the median age in Berkeley?

The median age in Berkeley is 33.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Berkeley?

The age distribution in Berkeley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.4% (12,462 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 26.6% (31,948 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (32,594 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.2% (23,153 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.7% (20,100 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Berkeley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Berkeley is as follows:
  • White: 52.2% (62,744 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8% (9,559 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (782 residents)
  • Asian: 20.4% (24,593 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (256 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.8% (15,421 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (6,902 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.8% of the population in Berkeley.

How many housing units are there in Berkeley?

There are 53,145 housing units in Berkeley, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Berkeley has a total of 47,135 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Berkeley?

Berkeley has a median household income of $108,092, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.4% in Berkeley, with a workforce of 60,691 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.5% (56,766 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.5% (3,925 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.9% (7,840 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.1% (31,025 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21% (12,758 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.9% (9,068 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