Central Oakland, Oakland, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,649
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,450/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,612
8.1% year-over-year change

Central Oakland population

How many people live in Central Oakland

Central Oakland is home to 18,649 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Central Oakland locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
18,649
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
9,658
Female
48.2%
8,991
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,658 51.8% 5.8%
Female 8,991 48.2% 0.1%
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 Central Oakland is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.8% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 46.2% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.8%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
46.2%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
17.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,278 6.8% -12.5%
15 to 24 1,558 8.4% 4.9%
25 to 44 8,613 46.2% 5.9%
45 to 64 3,956 21.2% 3.0%
Over 65 3,245 17.4% 1.8%
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 Central Oakland, 68% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.6% of locals are Caucasian, 28.3% are African American and 24.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.3%
Non-citizens
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,682 68% 4.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,591 19.3% 3.6%
Non-citizens 2,376 12.7% -3.1%
Racial breakdown
White
29.6%
Black or African American
28.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
24.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10.8%
Other
5.5%
Value Percent
White 5,527 29.6%
Black or African American 5,276 28.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 167 0.9%
Asian 4,622 24.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 18 0.1%
Two or more races 2,016 10.8%
Other 1,024 5.5%

Households in Central Oakland

A peek inside Central Oakland households

Central Oakland has 10,871 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 28.5% are families, while the remaining 71.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,871
8.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,772
Family households
3,098
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,772 71.5% 12.0%
Family households 3,098 28.5% 1.1%
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 Central Oakland

The housing landscape of Central Oakland

Central Oakland's housing consists of 12,612 units, with 5.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% 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
12,612
8.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 667 5.3%
1 unit, attached 296 2.4%
2 units 361 2.9%
3 or 4 units 478 3.8%
5 to 9 units 452 3.6%
10 to 19 units 919 7.3%
20 to 49 units 2,075 16.4%
50 or more units 7,340 58.2%
Mobile home 25 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
669
75.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Central Oakland

In Central Oakland, the median construction year is 1978. About 27.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,461 27.4% 8.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 259 2% -6.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 620 4.9% 7.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 899 7.1% -12.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,258 10% 13.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 510 4% 10.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 679 5.4% -2.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,812 14.4% -6.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,443 19.4% 22.3%
Built in 2020 or later 669 5.3% 75.1%
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.

Central Oakland occupancy rates

Out of the 10,871 occupied housing units in Central Oakland, 11.9% are owner-occupied, while 88% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,871
8.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,572
Owner occupied
1,298
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,572 88% 10.4%
Owner occupied 1,298 11.9% -3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
13.8%
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.

Central Oakland housing costs

Housing costs in Central Oakland come to a median of $2,154 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,987.

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 Central Oakland
$1,987/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 Central Oakland

Central Oakland education at a glance

About 19.4% of the population in Central Oakland went to high school, while 14.8% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 31.7% 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 1,194 7% 8.2%
High school diploma 3,325 19.4% -4.2%
College diploma 2,540 14.8% 2.5%
Associate degree 995 5.8% 2.6%
Bachelor's degree 5,432 31.7% 9.1%
Graduate degree 3,639 21.2% 6.4%
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 Central Oakland

How much people earn in Central Oakland

The average annual household income in Central Oakland was $122,122 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $84,450, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Central Oakland
$122,122/year
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Central Oakland
$84,450/year
2.4% year-over-year change

Central Oakland income by age

In Central Oakland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $138,634. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,922 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $54,330, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $21,802 in earnings. Overall, 78.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $54,330 8.1%
25 - 44 $138,634 2.5%
45 - 64 $71,922 2.1%
Over 65 $21,802 -4.0%
Above poverty level
14,534
Below poverty level
3,981
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,534 78.5% 3.8%
Below poverty level 3,981 21.5% -0.2%

Employment in Central Oakland

Workforce and job types in Central Oakland

93.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 65.8% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10,457
Blue collar
773
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,457 93.1% 6.3%
Blue collar 773 6.9% -11.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
65.8%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 751 6.7% -10.4%
Private companies 7,395 65.8% 2.5%
Governmental workers 1,772 15.8% 22.9%
Not for profit companies 1,313 11.7% 8.2%

Transportation in Central Oakland

How people get around in Central Oakland

In Central Oakland, the average commute time is 31 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 62% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
31 min
3.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,691 62% 5.1%
Taxicab 128 2.2% 12.3%
Bus or trolleybus 796 13.4% 7.1%
Railroad 156 2.6% -20.8%
Ferryboat 35 0.6% 20.7%
Motorcycle 23 0.4% -77.0%
Bicycle 348 5.8% 0.6%
Walk 777 13% -7.3%
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 Central Oakland by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94607 28,804 13,453 $94,863 $129,270
94612 18,175 11,097 $74,037 $117,082

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FAQs about Central Oakland demographics 

What is the total population of Central Oakland?

Central Oakland has a total population of 18,649 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 +3.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Central Oakland?

The gender ratio in Central Oakland is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (9,658 residents)
  • 48.2% females (8,991 residents)

What is the median age in Central Oakland?

The median age in Central Oakland is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Central Oakland?

The age distribution in Central Oakland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.8% (1,278 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (1,558 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 46.2% (8,613 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (3,956 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.4% (3,245 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Central Oakland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Central Oakland is as follows:
  • White: 29.6% (5,527 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.3% (5,276 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (167 residents)
  • Asian: 24.8% (4,622 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (18 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.8% (2,016 residents)
  • Other: 5.5% (1,024 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68% of the population in Central Oakland.

How many housing units are there in Central Oakland?

There are 12,612 housing units in Central Oakland, reflecting a +8.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Central Oakland has a total of 10,871 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Central Oakland?

Central Oakland has a median household income of $84,450, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Central Oakland?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.1% (10,457 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.9% (773 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (751 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.8% (7,395 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (1,772 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (1,313 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