Chinatown, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,537
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,860/yr
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,763
2.0% year-over-year change

Chinatown population

How many people live in Chinatown

Chinatown is home to 10,537 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 59.6% of Chinatown locals are male, and 40.4% are female.

Total population
10,537
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
59.6%
6,277
Female
40.4%
4,260
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,277 59.6% -2.1%
Female 4,260 40.4% 2.3%
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 Chinatown is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.9% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 48.7% of the population, while another 19.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.9%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
48.7%
45 to 64
19.9%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 726 6.9% 10.8%
15 to 24 1,044 9.9% -16.5%
25 to 44 5,132 48.7% 0.4%
45 to 64 2,095 19.9% -1.1%
Over 65 1,540 14.6% 7.0%
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 Chinatown, 55.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 19.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 20.1% of locals are Caucasian, 13.1% are African American and 37.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 16.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
55.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.4%
Non-citizens
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,895 55.9% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,577 24.4% 1.3%
Non-citizens 2,066 19.6% 1.1%
Racial breakdown
White
20.1%
Black or African American
13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
37.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11.5%
Other
16.8%
Value Percent
White 2,116 20.1%
Black or African American 1,381 13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 94 0.9%
Asian 3,955 37.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0.1%
Two or more races 1,210 11.5%
Other 1,776 16.8%

Households in Chinatown

A peek inside Chinatown households

Chinatown has 4,410 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 34.6% are families, while the remaining 65.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,410
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,882
Family households
1,528
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,882 65.4% 2.9%
Family households 1,528 34.6% 1.9%
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 Chinatown

The housing landscape of Chinatown

Chinatown's housing consists of 4,763 units, with 5.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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
4,763
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 246 5.2%
1 unit, attached 79 1.7%
2 units 121 2.5%
3 or 4 units 115 2.4%
5 to 9 units 390 8.2%
10 to 19 units 209 4.4%
20 to 49 units 364 7.6%
50 or more units 3,225 67.7%
Mobile home 12 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0%
Homes built since 2020
144
94.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chinatown

In Chinatown, the median construction year is 1988. About 7.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 22.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 368 7.7% -6.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 208 4.4% -3.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 174 3.6% -23.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 396 8.3% 2.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 447 9.4% 9.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 959 20.1% -1.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 305 6.4% 2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 700 14.7% 6.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,063 22.3% 2.6%
Built in 2020 or later 144 3% 94.6%
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.

Chinatown occupancy rates

Out of the 4,410 occupied housing units in Chinatown, 7.5% are owner-occupied, while 92.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,410
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,078
Owner occupied
332
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,078 92.5% 3.3%
Owner occupied 332 7.5% -6.0%
Unoccupied housing units
7.4%
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.

Chinatown housing costs

Housing costs in Chinatown come to a median of $2,154 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,116.

Median housing costs per month
$2,154/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 Chinatown
$2,116/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 Chinatown

Chinatown education at a glance

About 32.5% of the population in Chinatown went to high school, while 14.6% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 24.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 975 10.1% 1.9%
High school diploma 3,135 32.5% 0.6%
College diploma 1,406 14.6% -2.0%
Associate degree 472 4.9% -9.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,326 24.1% -3.3%
Graduate degree 1,340 13.9% 3.0%
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 Chinatown

How much people earn in Chinatown

The average annual household income in Chinatown was $100,020 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,860, reflecting a -1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chinatown
$100,020/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chinatown
$66,860/year
-1.1% year-over-year change

Chinatown income by age

In Chinatown, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $103,660. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,060 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,347, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $17,139 in earnings. Overall, 77% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,347 -0.2%
25 - 44 $103,660 1.7%
45 - 64 $77,060 0.1%
Over 65 $17,139 2.4%
Above poverty level
6,372
Below poverty level
1,906
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,372 77% 1.4%
Below poverty level 1,906 23% 3.5%

Employment in Chinatown

Workforce and job types in Chinatown

91.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 10% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,362
Blue collar
413
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,362 91.4% -0.8%
Blue collar 413 8.6% -5.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
10%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 630 13.2% -4.4%
Private companies 3,116 65.3% -2.0%
Governmental workers 477 10% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 551 11.5% 6.8%

Transportation in Chinatown

How people get around in Chinatown

In Chinatown, the average commute time is 8 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
8 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,673 79.5% -3.6%
Taxicab 30 0.9% -18.9%
Bus or trolleybus 277 8.2% 5.7%
Railroad 26 0.8% -25.7%
Motorcycle 5 0.2% -64.3%
Bicycle 31 0.9% 0.0%
Walk 319 9.5% -8.1%
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 Chinatown by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90012 37,336 15,624 $66,860 $100,896

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FAQs about Chinatown demographics 

What is the total population of Chinatown?

Chinatown has a total population of 10,537 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chinatown?

The gender ratio in Chinatown is as follows:
  • 59.6% males (6,277 residents)
  • 40.4% females (4,260 residents)

What is the median age in Chinatown?

The median age in Chinatown is 36.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chinatown?

The age distribution in Chinatown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.9% (726 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (1,044 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 48.7% (5,132 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.9% (2,095 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (1,540 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chinatown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chinatown is as follows:
  • White: 20.1% (2,116 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.1% (1,381 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (94 residents)
  • Asian: 37.5% (3,955 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.5% (1,210 residents)
  • Other: 16.8% (1,776 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 55.9% of the population in Chinatown.

How many housing units are there in Chinatown?

There are 4,763 housing units in Chinatown, 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 Chinatown and what is the average household size?

Chinatown has a total of 4,410 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chinatown?

Chinatown has a median household income of $66,860, representing a -1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Chinatown?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.4% (4,362 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.6% (413 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (630 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (3,116 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10% (477 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (551 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