Sawtelle, Los Angeles, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
38,220
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$119,638/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
20,096
3.0% year-over-year change

Sawtelle population

How many people live in Sawtelle

Sawtelle is home to 38,220 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of Sawtelle locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
38,220
2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
19,643
Female
48.6%
18,577
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,643 51.4% 1.3%
Female 18,577 48.6% 3.4%
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 Sawtelle is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.6% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 40.9% of the population, while another 21.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.6%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
40.9%
45 to 64
21.7%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,041 10.6% 2.6%
15 to 24 4,212 11% 10.9%
25 to 44 15,620 40.9% -1.9%
45 to 64 8,283 21.7% 6.6%
Over 65 6,064 15.9% 2.4%
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 Sawtelle, 68.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.6% of locals are Caucasian, 4.3% are African American and 20.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18.5%
Non-citizens
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,093 68.3% 2.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,062 18.5% 2.3%
Non-citizens 5,066 13.2% -0.1%
Racial breakdown
White
55.6%
Black or African American
4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
7.6%
Value Percent
White 21,257 55.6%
Black or African American 1,660 4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 112 0.3%
Asian 7,781 20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 43 0.1%
Two or more races 4,466 11.7%
Other 2,900 7.6%

Households in Sawtelle

A peek inside Sawtelle households

Sawtelle has 18,296 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 41.6% are families, while the remaining 58.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
18,296
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
10,684
Family households
7,613
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,684 58.4% 2.2%
Family households 7,613 41.6% 2.8%
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 Sawtelle

The housing landscape of Sawtelle

Sawtelle's housing consists of 20,096 units, with 18.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
20,096
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,654 18.2%
1 unit, attached 401 2%
2 units 316 1.6%
3 or 4 units 728 3.6%
5 to 9 units 4,728 23.5%
10 to 19 units 4,857 24.2%
20 to 49 units 3,472 17.3%
50 or more units 1,937 9.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
574
76.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sawtelle

In Sawtelle, the median construction year is 1970. About 9.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,929 9.6% 4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,241 6.2% 5.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,244 11.2% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,107 15.5% -4.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,115 20.5% 0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,064 15.2% -0.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,083 5.4% -6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,249 6.2% 18.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,491 7.4% 18.9%
Built in 2020 or later 574 2.9% 76.6%
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.

Sawtelle occupancy rates

Out of the 18,296 occupied housing units in Sawtelle, 29.3% are owner-occupied, while 70.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
18,296
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,933
Owner occupied
5,363
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,933 70.7% 2.5%
Owner occupied 5,363 29.3% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
9.0%
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.

Sawtelle housing costs

Housing costs in Sawtelle come to a median of $2,850 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,672.

Median housing costs per month
$2,850/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 Sawtelle
$2,672/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 Sawtelle

Sawtelle education at a glance

About 11.7% of the population in Sawtelle went to high school, while 13.2% pursued college studies. Another 4.6% earned an associate degree and 40.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 26.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,159 3.5% 7.4%
High school diploma 3,914 11.7% -3.6%
College diploma 4,419 13.2% -0.8%
Associate degree 1,536 4.6% 5.8%
Bachelor's degree 13,492 40.2% 4.4%
Graduate degree 9,009 26.9% 0.7%
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 Sawtelle

How much people earn in Sawtelle

The average annual household income in Sawtelle was $146,418 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $119,638, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sawtelle
$146,418/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sawtelle
$119,638/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Sawtelle income by age

In Sawtelle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $147,665. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $124,777 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $64,911, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $79,388 in earnings. Overall, 87.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $64,911 -11.7%
25 - 44 $147,665 3.9%
45 - 64 $124,777 5.1%
Over 65 $79,388 1.8%
Above poverty level
32,423
Below poverty level
4,789
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 32,423 87.1% 1.0%
Below poverty level 4,789 12.9% 13.2%

Employment in Sawtelle

Workforce and job types in Sawtelle

95% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 65.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
21,467
Blue collar
1,129
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,467 95% 1.7%
Blue collar 1,129 5% 2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
65.2%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,064 13.6% -0.0%
Private companies 14,726 65.2% 1.2%
Governmental workers 2,569 11.4% 0.9%
Not for profit companies 2,237 9.9% 9.0%

Transportation in Sawtelle

How people get around in Sawtelle

Commuting methods vary: 82.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.6% 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 11,988 82.1% -2.3%
Taxicab 61 0.4% -40.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1,008 6.9% 18.6%
Railroad 7 0% -22.2%
Motorcycle 13 0.1% -18.8%
Bicycle 410 2.8% -35.6%
Walk 1,113 7.6% 7.2%
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 Sawtelle by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90025 46,508 23,529 $103,894 $151,033
90064 26,642 11,899 $135,383 $227,161
90073 1,079 4 $0 $0

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sawtelle demographics 

What is the total population of Sawtelle?

Sawtelle has a total population of 38,220 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 +2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sawtelle?

The gender ratio in Sawtelle is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (19,643 residents)
  • 48.6% females (18,577 residents)

What is the median age in Sawtelle?

The median age in Sawtelle is 39.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sawtelle?

The age distribution in Sawtelle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.6% (4,041 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (4,212 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 40.9% (15,620 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.7% (8,283 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (6,064 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sawtelle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sawtelle is as follows:
  • White: 55.6% (21,257 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.3% (1,660 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (112 residents)
  • Asian: 20.4% (7,781 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (43 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (4,466 residents)
  • Other: 7.6% (2,900 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.3% of the population in Sawtelle.

How many housing units are there in Sawtelle?

There are 20,096 housing units in Sawtelle, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sawtelle has a total of 18,296 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sawtelle?

Sawtelle has a median household income of $119,638, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Sawtelle?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95% (21,467 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5% (1,129 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (3,064 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.2% (14,726 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (2,569 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (2,237 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