Cerritos, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
47,867
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$135,439/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,343
1.8% year-over-year change

Cerritos population

How many people live in Cerritos

Cerritos is home to 47,867 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Cerritos locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
47,867
-1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
24,078
Female
49.7%
23,789
Value Percent YoY change
Male 24,078 50.3% -1.6%
Female 23,789 49.7% -0.4%
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 Cerritos is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.4% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
21.4%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
26.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,646 16% -0.5%
15 to 24 4,495 9.4% -6.3%
25 to 44 10,231 21.4% -3.3%
45 to 64 12,808 26.8% -1.9%
Over 65 12,687 26.5% 3.8%
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 Cerritos, 54.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 36.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 13.4% of locals are Caucasian, 6.1% are African American and 62.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
54.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
36.7%
Non-citizens
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,042 54.4% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17,556 36.7% -0.2%
Non-citizens 4,269 8.9% 1.8%
Racial breakdown
White
13.4%
Black or African American
6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
62.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
11.1%
Other
6.4%
Value Percent
White 6,430 13.4%
Black or African American 2,902 6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 166 0.4%
Asian 29,783 62.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 163 0.3%
Two or more races 5,334 11.1%
Other 3,089 6.4%

Households in Cerritos

A peek inside Cerritos households

Cerritos has 16,065 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 82.4% are families, while the remaining 17.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,065
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,826
Family households
13,239
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,826 17.6% 14.1%
Family households 13,239 82.4% -0.4%
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 Cerritos

The housing landscape of Cerritos

Cerritos's housing consists of 16,343 units, with 80.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.9% 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
16,343
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,147 80.4%
1 unit, attached 1,292 7.9%
2 units 68 0.4%
3 or 4 units 627 3.8%
5 to 9 units 179 1.1%
10 to 19 units 78 0.5%
20 to 49 units 36 0.2%
50 or more units 904 5.5%
Mobile home 12 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cerritos

In Cerritos, the median construction year is 1974. About 0.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 115 0.7% 6.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 240 1.5% 39.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 517 3.2% -1.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,712 22.7% -4.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,012 55.1% 3.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,315 8% -1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 627 3.8% 5.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 273 1.7% 52.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 532 3.3% -2.9%
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.

Cerritos occupancy rates

Out of the 16,065 occupied housing units in Cerritos, 75.9% are owner-occupied, while 24.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,065
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,872
Owner occupied
12,193
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,872 24.1% -3.3%
Owner occupied 12,193 75.9% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
1.7%
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.

Cerritos housing costs

Housing costs in Cerritos come to a median of $2,335 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,930.

Median housing costs per month
$2,335/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 Cerritos
$2,930/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 Cerritos

Cerritos education at a glance

About 17.3% of the population in Cerritos went to high school, while 17.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 34.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,242 3.2% -3.9%
High school diploma 6,685 17.3% 1.6%
College diploma 6,626 17.1% -5.4%
Associate degree 2,752 7.1% -5.7%
Bachelor's degree 13,189 34.1% -1.4%
Graduate degree 8,207 21.2% 3.9%
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 Cerritos

How much people earn in Cerritos

The average annual household income in Cerritos was $170,217 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $135,439, reflecting a +1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cerritos
$170,217/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cerritos
$135,439/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Cerritos income by age

In Cerritos, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $159,148. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $172,217 overall. Overall, 94.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $159,148 12.8%
45 - 64 $172,217 4.4%
Over 65 $99,602 -3.5%
Above poverty level
44,789
Below poverty level
2,464
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 44,789 94.8% -0.7%
Below poverty level 2,464 5.2% -11.5%

Average renter income in Cerritos

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cerritos, their median household income was $114,274 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$114,274
Rent-to-income ratio
30.8%
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 Cerritos

Workforce and job types in Cerritos

The job market in Cerritos is powered by 21,615 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12% run their own businesses, 58.6% are employed by private companies, and 20.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,615
-2.9% year-over-year change
White collar
19,777
Blue collar
1,838
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 19,777 91.5% -2.9%
Blue collar 1,838 8.5% -3.3%
Employer type
Self employees
12%
Private companies
58.6%
Governmental workers
20.9%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,602 12% 5.6%
Private companies 12,672 58.6% -7.0%
Governmental workers 4,527 20.9% 2.2%
Not for profit companies 1,814 8.4% 3.7%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
-0.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cerritos stands at 5%, 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 Cerritos

How people get around in Cerritos

Commuting methods vary: 78% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,490 78% -5.6%
Taxicab 9 0% -18.2%
Bus or trolleybus 72 0.3% 26.3%
Subway or elevated 55 0.3% N/A
Railroad 54 0.3% 0.0%
Motorcycle 18 0.1% -70.0%
Bicycle 32 0.2% 540.0%
Walk 100 0.5% -13.8%
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 Cerritos by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90703 48,108 16,165 $134,987 $169,634

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FAQs about Cerritos demographics 

What is the total population of Cerritos?

Cerritos has a total population of 47,867 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 -1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cerritos?

The gender ratio in Cerritos is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (24,078 residents)
  • 49.7% females (23,789 residents)

What is the median age in Cerritos?

The median age in Cerritos is 47.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cerritos?

The age distribution in Cerritos is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (7,646 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (4,495 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.4% (10,231 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (12,808 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.5% (12,687 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cerritos?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cerritos is as follows:
  • White: 13.4% (6,430 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.1% (2,902 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (166 residents)
  • Asian: 62.2% (29,783 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (163 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.1% (5,334 residents)
  • Other: 6.4% (3,089 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 54.4% of the population in Cerritos.

How many housing units are there in Cerritos?

There are 16,343 housing units in Cerritos, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cerritos has a total of 16,065 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cerritos?

Cerritos has a median household income of $135,439, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95% in Cerritos, with a workforce of 21,615 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.5% (19,777 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.5% (1,838 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12% (2,602 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.6% (12,672 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.9% (4,527 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (1,814 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