Sacramento, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
528,706
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,321/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
212,485
0.9% year-over-year change

Sacramento population

How many people live in Sacramento

Sacramento is home to 528,706 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Sacramento locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
528,706
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
260,667
Female
50.7%
268,039
Value Percent YoY change
Male 260,667 49.3% 0.2%
Female 268,039 50.7% 1.3%
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 Sacramento is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.9% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
32.9%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 93,192 17.6% -0.2%
15 to 24 68,141 12.9% -0.4%
25 to 44 173,959 32.9% 1.9%
45 to 64 118,169 22.4% -0.3%
Over 65 75,245 14.2% 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 Sacramento, 76% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 34% of locals are Caucasian, 12.5% are African American and 20.4% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 1.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 14.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.9%
Non-citizens
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 401,792 76% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 78,610 14.9% 3.8%
Non-citizens 48,304 9.1% 8.7%
Racial breakdown
White
34%
Black or African American
12.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.6%
Two or more races
16.3%
Other
14.2%
Value Percent
White 179,900 34%
Black or African American 65,860 12.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,701 1.1%
Asian 107,795 20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8,368 1.6%
Two or more races 86,089 16.3%
Other 74,993 14.2%

Households in Sacramento

A peek inside Sacramento households

Sacramento has 200,321 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 58.8% are families, while the remaining 41.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
200,321
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
82,598
Family households
117,723
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 82,598 41.2% 0.2%
Family households 117,723 58.8% 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 Sacramento

The housing landscape of Sacramento

Sacramento's housing consists of 212,485 units, with 59.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% 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 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
212,485
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 125,664 59.1%
1 unit, attached 14,338 6.8%
2 units 6,096 2.9%
3 or 4 units 11,882 5.6%
5 to 9 units 16,108 7.6%
10 to 19 units 10,412 4.9%
20 to 49 units 7,479 3.5%
50 or more units 16,482 7.8%
Mobile home 3,720 1.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 304 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
3,495
74.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sacramento

In Sacramento, the median construction year is 1977. About 10.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 23,003 10.8% -0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14,417 6.8% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 25,989 12.2% 3.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 22,764 10.7% -4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 27,679 13% -1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 32,468 15.3% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 16,521 7.8% 0.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 31,876 15% 0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 14,273 6.7% 8.1%
Built in 2020 or later 3,495 1.6% 74.8%
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.

Sacramento occupancy rates

Out of the 200,321 occupied housing units in Sacramento, 51.7% are owner-occupied, while 48.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
200,321
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
96,750
Owner occupied
103,571
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 96,750 48.3% 0.0%
Owner occupied 103,571 51.7% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
5.7%
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.

Sacramento housing costs

Housing costs in Sacramento come to a median of $1,828 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,779.

Median housing costs per month
$1,828/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 Sacramento
$1,779/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 Sacramento

Sacramento education at a glance

About 28% of the population in Sacramento went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 21.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 28,831 7% 6.2%
High school diploma 116,126 28% -0.2%
College diploma 93,389 22.5% -2.6%
Associate degree 33,966 8.2% 2.0%
Bachelor's degree 90,269 21.8% 1.6%
Graduate degree 52,232 12.6% 5.1%
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 Sacramento

How much people earn in Sacramento

The average annual household income in Sacramento was $111,900 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $87,321, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sacramento
$111,900/year
2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sacramento
$87,321/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Sacramento income by age

In Sacramento, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,930. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $99,175 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,091, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,777 in earnings. Overall, 86.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,091 -0.5%
25 - 44 $95,930 4.1%
45 - 64 $99,175 4.0%
Over 65 $64,777 5.7%
Above poverty level
444,605
Below poverty level
71,898
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 444,605 86.1% 1.3%
Below poverty level 71,898 13.9% -2.2%

Average renter income in Sacramento

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sacramento, their median household income was $56,131 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,131
Rent-to-income ratio
38%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Sacramento

Workforce and job types in Sacramento

The job market in Sacramento is powered by 259,276 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 56.9% are employed by private companies, and 25.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
259,276
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
210,267
Blue collar
49,009
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 210,267 81.1% 0.8%
Blue collar 49,009 18.9% 0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
56.9%
Governmental workers
25.1%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 22,141 8.5% 0.1%
Private companies 147,508 56.9% -0.3%
Governmental workers 65,073 25.1% 1.7%
Not for profit companies 24,554 9.5% 5.0%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
7.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sacramento stands at 6.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Sacramento

How people get around in Sacramento

In Sacramento, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
-1.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 184,159 73% -1.6%
Taxicab 471 0.2% 1.9%
Bus or trolleybus 2,187 0.9% -10.8%
Subway or elevated 350 0.1% N/A
Railroad 434 0.2% 51.8%
Ferryboat 8 0% 33.3%
Motorcycle 603 0.2% -10.4%
Bicycle 3,345 1.3% -4.2%
Walk 6,278 2.5% -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 Sacramento by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95811 8,810 4,911 $80,827 $106,433
95814 12,355 7,154 $58,284 $83,547
95815 26,658 9,668 $60,097 $80,822
95816 19,225 11,109 $90,839 $126,530
95817 14,219 6,754 $64,212 $98,651
95818 22,581 10,916 $118,196 $149,745
95819 19,737 8,417 $136,306 $177,110
95820 35,410 13,511 $78,436 $98,720
95821 38,064 15,500 $64,963 $95,856
95822 46,569 16,695 $86,801 $106,276

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FAQs about Sacramento demographics 

What is the total population of Sacramento?

Sacramento has a total population of 528,706 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sacramento?

The gender ratio in Sacramento is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (260,667 residents)
  • 50.7% females (268,039 residents)

What is the median age in Sacramento?

The median age in Sacramento is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sacramento?

The age distribution in Sacramento is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (93,192 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (68,141 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.9% (173,959 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (118,169 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.2% (75,245 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sacramento?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sacramento is as follows:
  • White: 34% (179,900 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.5% (65,860 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (5,701 residents)
  • Asian: 20.4% (107,795 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.6% (8,368 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.3% (86,089 residents)
  • Other: 14.2% (74,993 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76% of the population in Sacramento.

How many housing units are there in Sacramento?

There are 212,485 housing units in Sacramento, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sacramento has a total of 200,321 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sacramento?

Sacramento has a median household income of $87,321, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sacramento?

The employment rate is 93.4% in Sacramento, with a workforce of 259,276 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.1% (210,267 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.9% (49,009 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (22,141 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.9% (147,508 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.1% (65,073 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (24,554 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