Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,373
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$157,528/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,750
1.8% year-over-year change

Lake Merritt population

How many people live in Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is home to 10,373 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Lake Merritt locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
10,373
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
5,075
Female
51.1%
5,298
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,075 48.9% 0.4%
Female 5,298 51.1% -0.3%
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 Lake Merritt is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.7% are children under 15, then 5.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 39.1% of the population, while another 24.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.7%
15 to 24
5.3%
25 to 44
39.1%
45 to 64
24.1%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,417 13.7% -2.3%
15 to 24 548 5.3% -11.6%
25 to 44 4,060 39.1% -1.8%
45 to 64 2,501 24.1% 1.9%
Over 65 1,847 17.8% 8.0%
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 Lake Merritt, 80.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53% of locals are Caucasian, 11.4% are African American and 16.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.6%
Non-citizens
5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,335 80.4% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,514 14.6% 1.1%
Non-citizens 523 5% -7.9%
Racial breakdown
White
53%
Black or African American
11.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
16.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
14.1%
Other
4.1%
Value Percent
White 5,501 53%
Black or African American 1,180 11.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 71 0.7%
Asian 1,710 16.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0.2%
Two or more races 1,462 14.1%
Other 428 4.1%

Households in Lake Merritt

A peek inside Lake Merritt households

Lake Merritt has 5,177 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 41.3% are families, while the remaining 58.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,177
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,037
Family households
2,140
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,037 58.7% 2.8%
Family households 2,140 41.3% 0.2%
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 Lake Merritt

The housing landscape of Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt's housing consists of 5,750 units, with 28.7% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,750
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,650 28.7%
1 unit, attached 73 1.3%
2 units 207 3.6%
3 or 4 units 488 8.5%
5 to 9 units 625 10.9%
10 to 19 units 828 14.4%
20 to 49 units 1,226 21.3%
50 or more units 625 10.9%
Mobile home 26 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0%
Homes built since 2020
18
-37.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake Merritt

In Lake Merritt, the median construction year is 1957. About 40.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,327 40.5% 4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 277 4.8% 6.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 498 8.7% -8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,132 19.7% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 921 16% 1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 260 4.5% 1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 148 2.6% -9.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 67 1.2% -6.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 101 1.8% 65.6%
Built in 2020 or later 18 0.3% -37.9%
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.

Lake Merritt occupancy rates

Out of the 5,177 occupied housing units in Lake Merritt, 39.3% are owner-occupied, while 60.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,177
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,142
Owner occupied
2,035
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,142 60.7% -0.1%
Owner occupied 2,035 39.3% 4.6%
Unoccupied housing units
10.0%
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.

Lake Merritt housing costs

Housing costs in Lake Merritt come to a median of $2,701 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,256.

Median housing costs per month
$2,701/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 Lake Merritt
$2,256/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 Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt education at a glance

About 8.6% of the population in Lake Merritt went to high school, while 12.7% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 35.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 36.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 197 2.3% -10.4%
High school diploma 754 8.6% -6.0%
College diploma 1,105 12.7% 4.4%
Associate degree 407 4.7% 24.5%
Bachelor's degree 3,097 35.5% -6.2%
Graduate degree 3,170 36.3% 6.3%
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 Lake Merritt

How much people earn in Lake Merritt

The average annual household income in Lake Merritt was $196,258 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $157,528, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake Merritt
$196,258/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake Merritt
$157,528/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Lake Merritt income by age

In Lake Merritt, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $182,260. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $184,519 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $111,536, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $106,542 in earnings. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $111,536 27.9%
25 - 44 $182,260 2.6%
45 - 64 $184,519 5.8%
Over 65 $106,542 8.2%
Above poverty level
9,397
Below poverty level
791
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,397 92.2% 1.3%
Below poverty level 791 7.8% -10.4%

Employment in Lake Merritt

Workforce and job types in Lake Merritt

94.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.9% run their own businesses, 54.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
5,993
Blue collar
326
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,993 94.8% 2.6%
Blue collar 326 5.2% -13.3%
Employer type
Self employees
12.9%
Private companies
54.4%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
16.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 814 12.9% 6.0%
Private companies 3,436 54.4% -0.6%
Governmental workers 1,003 15.9% 4.4%
Not for profit companies 1,065 16.9% 3.6%

Transportation in Lake Merritt

How people get around in Lake Merritt

In Lake Merritt, the average commute time is 10 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.2% 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.

Commute time
10 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,540 77.2% -2.4%
Taxicab 4 0.1% -20.0%
Bus or trolleybus 284 8.6% 3.3%
Railroad 43 1.3% -57.0%
Ferryboat 20 0.6% 122.2%
Motorcycle 13 0.4% -51.9%
Bicycle 136 4.1% 9.7%
Walk 249 7.6% 2.5%
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 Lake Merritt by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94610 32,628 16,372 $134,507 $184,246
94611 40,116 18,387 $180,549 $254,459

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FAQs about Lake Merritt demographics 

What is the total population of Lake Merritt?

Lake Merritt has a total population of 10,373 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 +0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake Merritt?

The gender ratio in Lake Merritt is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (5,075 residents)
  • 51.1% females (5,298 residents)

What is the median age in Lake Merritt?

The median age in Lake Merritt is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lake Merritt?

The age distribution in Lake Merritt is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.7% (1,417 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.3% (548 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 39.1% (4,060 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.1% (2,501 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (1,847 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Merritt?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Merritt is as follows:
  • White: 53% (5,501 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.4% (1,180 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (71 residents)
  • Asian: 16.5% (1,710 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.1% (1,462 residents)
  • Other: 4.1% (428 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.4% of the population in Lake Merritt.

How many housing units are there in Lake Merritt?

There are 5,750 housing units in Lake Merritt, 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 Lake Merritt and what is the average household size?

Lake Merritt has a total of 5,177 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake Merritt?

Lake Merritt has a median household income of $157,528, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Lake Merritt?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.8% (5,993 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.2% (326 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.9% (814 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.4% (3,436 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (1,003 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.9% (1,065 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