North Berkeley, Berkeley, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,389
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$99,775/yr
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,580
2.3% year-over-year change

North Berkeley population

How many people live in North Berkeley

North Berkeley is home to 21,389 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of North Berkeley locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
21,389
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
10,584
Female
50.5%
10,805
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,584 49.5% -1.2%
Female 10,805 50.5% 2.9%
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 North Berkeley is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.2% are children under 15, then 20.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.7% of the population, while another 21% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.2%
15 to 24
20.3%
25 to 44
32.7%
45 to 64
21%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,171 10.2% -0.2%
15 to 24 4,345 20.3% 10.3%
25 to 44 6,989 32.7% -4.4%
45 to 64 4,488 21% 1.8%
Over 65 3,396 15.9% 0.6%
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 North Berkeley, 74.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 51.8% of locals are Caucasian, 10% are African American and 20.9% have Asian roots. Another 1.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.6%
Non-citizens
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,995 74.8% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,690 12.6% -7.4%
Non-citizens 2,704 12.6% 8.2%
Racial breakdown
White
51.8%
Black or African American
10%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
20.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
11.3%
Other
4.5%
Value Percent
White 11,083 51.8%
Black or African American 2,128 10%
American Indian and Alaska Native 272 1.3%
Asian 4,475 20.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 42 0.2%
Two or more races 2,424 11.3%
Other 965 4.5%

Households in North Berkeley

A peek inside North Berkeley households

North Berkeley has 9,311 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 39.8% are families, while the remaining 60.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,311
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,601
Family households
3,710
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,601 60.2% 3.2%
Family households 3,710 39.8% -0.3%
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 North Berkeley

The housing landscape of North Berkeley

North Berkeley's housing consists of 10,580 units, with 29.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,580
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,161 29.9%
1 unit, attached 473 4.5%
2 units 985 9.3%
3 or 4 units 1,410 13.3%
5 to 9 units 1,307 12.4%
10 to 19 units 1,445 13.7%
20 to 49 units 1,302 12.3%
50 or more units 489 4.6%
Mobile home 8 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
25
47.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in North Berkeley

In North Berkeley, the median construction year is 1944. About 47.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3% 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 4,984 47.1% 8.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 845 8% -0.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 817 7.7% -6.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,442 13.6% -7.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 788 7.4% -1.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 523 4.9% 5.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 418 4% 1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 414 3.9% -1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 322 3% 0.9%
Built in 2020 or later 25 0.2% 47.1%
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.

North Berkeley occupancy rates

Out of the 9,311 occupied housing units in North Berkeley, 35.7% are owner-occupied, while 64.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,311
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,991
Owner occupied
3,320
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,991 64.3% 0.9%
Owner occupied 3,320 35.7% 3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
12.0%
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.

North Berkeley housing costs

Housing costs in North Berkeley come to a median of $2,401 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,094.

Median housing costs per month
$2,401/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 North Berkeley
$2,094/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 North Berkeley

North Berkeley education at a glance

About 13.6% of the population in North Berkeley went to high school, while 16.1% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 31% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 32% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 430 2.3% 12.0%
High school diploma 2,559 13.6% 4.3%
College diploma 3,022 16.1% 5.4%
Associate degree 914 4.9% 4.8%
Bachelor's degree 5,815 31% -5.0%
Graduate degree 6,002 32% 1.6%
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 North Berkeley

How much people earn in North Berkeley

The average annual household income in North Berkeley was $142,448 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 $99,775, reflecting a +0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in North Berkeley
$142,448/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in North Berkeley
$99,775/year
0.7% year-over-year change

North Berkeley income by age

In North Berkeley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $148,466. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,875 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,556, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $76,974 in earnings. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,556 -21.3%
25 - 44 $148,466 6.7%
45 - 64 $130,875 1.7%
Over 65 $76,974 1.3%
Above poverty level
17,060
Below poverty level
2,926
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,060 85.4% -0.8%
Below poverty level 2,926 14.6% 9.1%

Employment in North Berkeley

Workforce and job types in North Berkeley

93.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.5% run their own businesses, 50.8% are employed by private companies, and 22.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
11,051
Blue collar
789
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,051 93.3% -0.8%
Blue collar 789 6.7% -1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12.5%
Private companies
50.8%
Governmental workers
22.3%
Not for profit companies
14.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,485 12.5% 18.1%
Private companies 6,021 50.8% -4.6%
Governmental workers 2,641 22.3% -0.4%
Not for profit companies 1,693 14.3% -1.9%

Transportation in North Berkeley

How people get around in North Berkeley

In North Berkeley, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 52% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 28% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
57.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,344 52% 0.7%
Taxicab 14 0.2% -6.7%
Bus or trolleybus 554 8.6% -8.1%
Railroad 73 1.1% -36.5%
Ferryboat 26 0.4% 44.4%
Motorcycle 20 0.3% -58.3%
Bicycle 597 9.3% -3.2%
Walk 1,803 28% -5.2%
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 North 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
94709 12,146 5,429 $89,054 $136,718

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FAQs about North Berkeley demographics 

What is the total population of North Berkeley?

North Berkeley has a total population of 21,389 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in North Berkeley?

The gender ratio in North Berkeley is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (10,584 residents)
  • 50.5% females (10,805 residents)

What is the median age in North Berkeley?

The median age in North Berkeley is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in North Berkeley?

The age distribution in North Berkeley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.2% (2,171 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.3% (4,345 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.7% (6,989 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21% (4,488 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (3,396 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of North Berkeley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of North Berkeley is as follows:
  • White: 51.8% (11,083 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10% (2,128 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (272 residents)
  • Asian: 20.9% (4,475 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (42 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.3% (2,424 residents)
  • Other: 4.5% (965 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.8% of the population in North Berkeley.

How many housing units are there in North Berkeley?

There are 10,580 housing units in North Berkeley, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

North Berkeley has a total of 9,311 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in North Berkeley?

North Berkeley has a median household income of $99,775, representing a +0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for North Berkeley?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.3% (11,051 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.7% (789 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.5% (1,485 residents)
  • Private companies: 50.8% (6,021 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.3% (2,641 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.3% (1,693 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