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

Total population
5,246
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,450/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,714
8.5% year-over-year change

Downtown Oakland population

How many people live in Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland is home to 5,246 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.1% of Downtown Oakland locals are male, and 47.9% are female.

Total population
5,246
2.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
2,733
Female
47.9%
2,513
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,733 52.1% 6.5%
Female 2,513 47.9% -0.7%
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 Downtown Oakland is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.1% are children under 15, then 7.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 46.6% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.1%
15 to 24
7.9%
25 to 44
46.6%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 318 6.1% -13.3%
15 to 24 416 7.9% 0.2%
25 to 44 2,443 46.6% 6.3%
45 to 64 1,111 21.2% 3.8%
Over 65 957 18.2% 0.9%
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 Downtown Oakland, 67.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 30.7% of locals are Caucasian, 27.8% are African American and 25% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
67.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.3%
Non-citizens
13%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,551 67.7% 4.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,010 19.3% 2.6%
Non-citizens 684 13% -3.7%
Racial breakdown
White
30.7%
Black or African American
27.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
25%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
5.1%
Value Percent
White 1,611 30.7%
Black or African American 1,458 27.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 47 0.9%
Asian 1,314 25%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0.1%
Two or more races 545 10.4%
Other 268 5.1%

Households in Downtown Oakland

A peek inside Downtown Oakland households

Downtown Oakland has 3,185 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 26.6% are families, while the remaining 73.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,185
9.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,338
Family households
847
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,338 73.4% 12.6%
Family households 847 26.6% 0.6%
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 Downtown Oakland

The housing landscape of Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland's housing consists of 3,714 units, with 3.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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
3,714
8.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 141 3.8%
1 unit, attached 49 1.3%
2 units 62 1.7%
3 or 4 units 127 3.4%
5 to 9 units 130 3.5%
10 to 19 units 283 7.6%
20 to 49 units 628 16.9%
50 or more units 2,286 61.6%
Mobile home 8 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
209
68.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Oakland

In Downtown Oakland, the median construction year is 1978. About 27.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 20.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,018 27.4% 8.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 71 1.9% -4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 188 5.1% 9.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 276 7.4% -13.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 359 9.7% 15.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 135 3.6% 8.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 191 5.1% -1.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 505 13.6% -6.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 763 20.5% 21.9%
Built in 2020 or later 209 5.6% 68.5%
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.

Downtown Oakland occupancy rates

Out of the 3,185 occupied housing units in Downtown Oakland, 9% are owner-occupied, while 91% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,185
9.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,898
Owner occupied
287
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,898 91% 11.0%
Owner occupied 287 9% -6.8%
Unoccupied housing units
14.2%
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.

Downtown Oakland housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown 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 Downtown 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 Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland education at a glance

About 18.8% of the population in Downtown Oakland went to high school, while 14.4% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 32% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 339 7% 10.1%
High school diploma 917 18.8% -6.0%
College diploma 704 14.4% 4.3%
Associate degree 278 5.7% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,559 32% 8.8%
Graduate degree 1,079 22.1% 6.7%
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 Downtown Oakland

How much people earn in Downtown Oakland

The average annual household income in Downtown Oakland was $114,996 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 Downtown Oakland
$114,996/year
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Oakland
$84,450/year
2.4% year-over-year change

Downtown Oakland income by age

In Downtown 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, 78.1% 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
4,071
Below poverty level
1,144
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,071 78.1% 3.9%
Below poverty level 1,144 21.9% -0.9%

Employment in Downtown Oakland

Workforce and job types in Downtown Oakland

93.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,996
Blue collar
197
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,996 93.8% 6.8%
Blue collar 197 6.2% -12.4%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
16.1%
Not for profit companies
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 205 6.4% -10.5%
Private companies 2,104 65.9% 2.4%
Governmental workers 513 16.1% 25.7%
Not for profit companies 370 11.6% 9.5%

Transportation in Downtown Oakland

How people get around in Downtown Oakland

In Downtown Oakland, the average commute time is 9 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 60.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 14.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
9 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,012 60.6% 7.8%
Taxicab 43 2.6% 13.2%
Bus or trolleybus 225 13.5% 2.3%
Railroad 40 2.4% -14.9%
Ferryboat 3 0.2% 0.0%
Motorcycle 4 0.2% -86.7%
Bicycle 105 6.3% 1.0%
Walk 237 14.2% -5.6%
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 Downtown 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 Downtown Oakland demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Oakland?

Downtown Oakland has a total population of 5,246 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 +2.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Oakland?

The gender ratio in Downtown Oakland is as follows:
  • 52.1% males (2,733 residents)
  • 47.9% females (2,513 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Oakland?

The median age in Downtown Oakland is 37.

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

The age distribution in Downtown Oakland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.1% (318 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.9% (416 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 46.6% (2,443 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (1,111 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (957 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Oakland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Oakland is as follows:
  • White: 30.7% (1,611 residents)
  • Black or African American: 27.8% (1,458 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (47 residents)
  • Asian: 25% (1,314 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (545 residents)
  • Other: 5.1% (268 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 67.7% of the population in Downtown Oakland.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Oakland?

There are 3,714 housing units in Downtown Oakland, reflecting a +8.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Downtown Oakland has a total of 3,185 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Oakland?

Downtown 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 Downtown Oakland?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.8% (2,996 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.2% (197 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (205 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (2,104 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.1% (513 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.6% (370 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