Castro Valley, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
65,001
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$142,779/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
22,957
0.2% year-over-year change

Castro Valley population

How many people live in Castro Valley

Castro Valley is home to 65,001 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Castro Valley locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
65,001
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
31,911
Female
50.9%
33,090
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,911 49.1% 0.2%
Female 33,090 50.9% -1.3%
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 Castro Valley is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
18.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,776 16.6% -2.6%
15 to 24 6,428 9.9% 2.5%
25 to 44 17,222 26.5% -2.3%
45 to 64 18,361 28.2% -1.1%
Over 65 12,214 18.8% 2.8%
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 Castro Valley, 67.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 21.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 35.9% of locals are Caucasian, 8.8% are African American and 33.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
67.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
21.9%
Non-citizens
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 44,002 67.7% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,248 21.9% 0.4%
Non-citizens 6,751 10.4% 2.8%
Racial breakdown
White
35.9%
Black or African American
8.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
33.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
13%
Other
8.1%
Value Percent
White 23,340 35.9%
Black or African American 5,713 8.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 460 0.7%
Asian 21,591 33.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 182 0.3%
Two or more races 8,431 13%
Other 5,284 8.1%

Households in Castro Valley

A peek inside Castro Valley households

Castro Valley has 22,021 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.9% are families, while the remaining 23.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
22,021
-1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,094
Family households
16,927
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,094 23.1% -6.4%
Family households 16,927 76.9% 0.7%
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 Castro Valley

The housing landscape of Castro Valley

Castro Valley's housing consists of 22,957 units, with 73.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% 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 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
22,957
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,828 73.3%
1 unit, attached 1,741 7.6%
2 units 316 1.4%
3 or 4 units 886 3.9%
5 to 9 units 253 1.1%
10 to 19 units 876 3.8%
20 to 49 units 944 4.1%
50 or more units 698 3%
Mobile home 353 1.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 62 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
163
-6.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Castro Valley

In Castro Valley, the median construction year is 1966. About 3.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% 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 714 3.1% -19.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,165 13.8% 7.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,541 24.1% 2.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,374 14.7% -1.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,720 11.8% -5.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,706 11.8% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,086 13.4% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 925 4% 6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 563 2.4% 15.6%
Built in 2020 or later 163 0.7% -6.3%
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.

Castro Valley occupancy rates

Out of the 22,021 occupied housing units in Castro Valley, 72.5% are owner-occupied, while 27.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
22,021
-1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,046
Owner occupied
15,975
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,046 27.5% -4.8%
Owner occupied 15,975 72.5% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
4.1%
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.

Castro Valley housing costs

Housing costs in Castro Valley come to a median of $2,679 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,554.

Median housing costs per month
$2,679/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 Castro Valley
$2,554/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 Castro Valley

Castro Valley education at a glance

About 21.9% of the population in Castro Valley went to high school, while 20% pursued college studies. Another 10.9% earned an associate degree and 26.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,324 4.5% -15.2%
High school diploma 11,270 21.9% -1.1%
College diploma 10,319 20% -0.5%
Associate degree 5,634 10.9% 4.1%
Bachelor's degree 13,510 26.2% 0.2%
Graduate degree 8,428 16.4% 2.3%
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 Castro Valley

How much people earn in Castro Valley

The average annual household income in Castro Valley was $175,307 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $142,779, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Castro Valley
$175,307/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Castro Valley
$142,779/year
3.4% year-over-year change

Castro Valley income by age

In Castro Valley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $165,505. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $156,659 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $118,200, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $101,984 in earnings. Overall, 93.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $118,200 N/A
25 - 44 $165,505 4.8%
45 - 64 $156,659 2.3%
Over 65 $101,984 3.2%
Above poverty level
59,327
Below poverty level
4,263
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 59,327 93.3% 0.3%
Below poverty level 4,263 6.7% -10.6%

Average renter income in Castro Valley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Castro Valley, their median household income was $93,471 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$93,471
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
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 Castro Valley

Workforce and job types in Castro Valley

The job market in Castro Valley is powered by 32,820 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.9% run their own businesses, 65% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
32,820
-0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
27,699
Blue collar
5,121
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 27,699 84.4% 2.2%
Blue collar 5,121 15.6% -13.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.9%
Private companies
65%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,589 10.9% 11.2%
Private companies 21,322 65% -2.8%
Governmental workers 5,177 15.8% 1.8%
Not for profit companies 2,732 8.3% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
0.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Castro Valley stands at 3.8%, 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 Castro Valley

How people get around in Castro Valley

In Castro Valley, the average commute time is 33 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 70.3% 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.

Commute time
33 min
-2.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 22,366 70.3% -4.5%
Taxicab 15 0% -37.5%
Bus or trolleybus 549 1.7% -7.0%
Subway or elevated 863 2.7% N/A
Railroad 222 0.7% -12.9%
Ferryboat 31 0.1% -11.4%
Motorcycle 59 0.2% 247.1%
Bicycle 200 0.6% -13.0%
Walk 459 1.4% 35.0%
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 Castro Valley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94546 44,855 15,565 $128,385 $161,274
94552 14,506 5,021 $212,605 $225,929

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FAQs about Castro Valley demographics 

What is the total population of Castro Valley?

Castro Valley has a total population of 65,001 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Castro Valley?

The gender ratio in Castro Valley is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (31,911 residents)
  • 50.9% females (33,090 residents)

What is the median age in Castro Valley?

The median age in Castro Valley is 42.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Castro Valley?

The age distribution in Castro Valley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (10,776 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (6,428 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (17,222 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (18,361 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.8% (12,214 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Castro Valley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Castro Valley is as follows:
  • White: 35.9% (23,340 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.8% (5,713 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (460 residents)
  • Asian: 33.2% (21,591 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (182 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13% (8,431 residents)
  • Other: 8.1% (5,284 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 67.7% of the population in Castro Valley.

How many housing units are there in Castro Valley?

There are 22,957 housing units in Castro Valley, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Castro Valley has a total of 22,021 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Castro Valley?

Castro Valley has a median household income of $142,779, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Castro Valley?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Castro Valley, with a workforce of 32,820 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.4% (27,699 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.6% (5,121 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.9% (3,589 residents)
  • Private companies: 65% (21,322 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (5,177 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (2,732 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