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

Total population
22,886
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,450/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,504
5.7% year-over-year change

West Oakland population

How many people live in West Oakland

West Oakland is home to 22,886 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of West Oakland locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
22,886
3.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
11,567
Female
49.5%
11,319
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,567 50.5% 3.2%
Female 11,319 49.5% 3.3%
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 West Oakland is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.1% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 44.6% of the population, while another 21.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.1%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
44.6%
45 to 64
21.4%
Over 65
13.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,303 10.1% -10.6%
15 to 24 2,300 10% 22.8%
25 to 44 10,207 44.6% 4.1%
45 to 64 4,887 21.4% -0.3%
Over 65 3,190 13.9% 6.0%
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 West Oakland, 69.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.3% of locals are Caucasian, 30.4% are African American and 23.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.2%
Non-citizens
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,854 69.3% 2.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,404 19.2% 7.5%
Non-citizens 2,628 11.5% -0.6%
Racial breakdown
White
25.3%
Black or African American
30.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
23.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
12.5%
Other
7.1%
Value Percent
White 5,781 25.3%
Black or African American 6,948 30.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 200 0.9%
Asian 5,429 23.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 49 0.2%
Two or more races 2,861 12.5%
Other 1,618 7.1%

Households in West Oakland

A peek inside West Oakland households

West Oakland has 11,066 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 38.3% are families, while the remaining 61.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,066
6.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,828
Family households
4,239
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,828 61.7% 8.7%
Family households 4,239 38.3% 2.9%
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 West Oakland

The housing landscape of West Oakland

West Oakland's housing consists of 12,504 units, with 13.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.8% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,504
5.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,658 13.3%
1 unit, attached 981 7.8%
2 units 1,155 9.2%
3 or 4 units 717 5.7%
5 to 9 units 496 4%
10 to 19 units 691 5.5%
20 to 49 units 1,748 14%
50 or more units 5,049 40.4%
Mobile home 9 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
447
147.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Oakland

In West Oakland, the median construction year is 1978. About 27.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,461 27.7% 7.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 349 2.8% -15.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 525 4.2% -6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 695 5.6% 1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,444 11.6% 1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 781 6.2% 17.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 844 6.8% -8.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,307 18.4% -6.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,651 13.2% 27.8%
Built in 2020 or later 447 3.6% 147.0%
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.

West Oakland occupancy rates

Out of the 11,066 occupied housing units in West Oakland, 27% are owner-occupied, while 73% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,066
6.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,079
Owner occupied
2,987
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,079 73% 7.3%
Owner occupied 2,987 27% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.5%
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.

West Oakland housing costs

Housing costs in West 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 West 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 West Oakland

West Oakland education at a glance

About 22.1% of the population in West Oakland went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.3% earned an associate degree and 30.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,413 7.1% 1.0%
High school diploma 4,401 22.1% 2.7%
College diploma 3,293 16.5% -4.1%
Associate degree 1,259 6.3% 13.8%
Bachelor's degree 6,112 30.6% 10.3%
Graduate degree 3,471 17.4% 4.7%
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 West Oakland

How much people earn in West Oakland

The average annual household income in West Oakland was $123,479 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.6% 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 West Oakland
$123,479/year
-1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Oakland
$84,450/year
2.4% year-over-year change

West Oakland income by age

In West 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, 80.3% 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
18,147
Below poverty level
4,454
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,147 80.3% 3.4%
Below poverty level 4,454 19.7% 2.8%

Employment in West Oakland

Workforce and job types in West Oakland

90% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 65.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
11,862
Blue collar
1,320
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,862 90% 3.9%
Blue collar 1,320 10% -7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
65.6%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
12.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,029 7.8% -9.9%
Private companies 8,648 65.6% 2.5%
Governmental workers 1,908 14.5% 10.3%
Not for profit companies 1,597 12.1% 3.8%

Transportation in West Oakland

How people get around in West Oakland

In West Oakland, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 67.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
29 min
3.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,005 67.6% -3.3%
Taxicab 39 0.5% 25.8%
Bus or trolleybus 957 12.9% 33.1%
Railroad 262 3.5% -33.2%
Ferryboat 159 2.2% 19.6%
Motorcycle 69 0.9% -20.7%
Bicycle 290 3.9% -6.5%
Walk 626 8.4% -16.9%
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 West 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 West Oakland demographics 

What is the total population of West Oakland?

West Oakland has a total population of 22,886 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 +3.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Oakland?

The gender ratio in West Oakland is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (11,567 residents)
  • 49.5% females (11,319 residents)

What is the median age in West Oakland?

The median age in West Oakland is 37.

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

The age distribution in West Oakland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.1% (2,303 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (2,300 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 44.6% (10,207 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.4% (4,887 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.9% (3,190 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Oakland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Oakland is as follows:
  • White: 25.3% (5,781 residents)
  • Black or African American: 30.4% (6,948 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (200 residents)
  • Asian: 23.7% (5,429 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (49 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.5% (2,861 residents)
  • Other: 7.1% (1,618 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.3% of the population in West Oakland.

How many housing units are there in West Oakland?

There are 12,504 housing units in West Oakland, reflecting a +5.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Oakland has a total of 11,066 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Oakland?

West 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 West Oakland?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90% (11,862 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10% (1,320 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (1,029 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.6% (8,648 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (1,908 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.1% (1,597 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