El Cerrito, San Diego, San Diego County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,609
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,881/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,800
2.2% year-over-year change

El Cerrito population

How many people live in El Cerrito

El Cerrito is home to 10,609 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of El Cerrito locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
10,609
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
5,426
Female
48.8%
5,183
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,426 51.2% 4.8%
Female 5,183 48.8% 1.0%
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 El Cerrito is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 26.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.2% of the population, while another 18% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
31
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
26.5%
25 to 44
30.2%
45 to 64
18%
Over 65
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,632 15.4% 1.3%
15 to 24 2,813 26.5% 5.5%
25 to 44 3,200 30.2% 2.5%
45 to 64 1,914 18% 3.1%
Over 65 1,050 9.9% 0.1%
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 El Cerrito, 75.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41.2% of locals are Caucasian, 10.4% are African American and 14.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 0.7% are Pacific Islanders, while 12.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 20.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.2%
Non-citizens
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,011 75.5% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,510 14.2% 1.1%
Non-citizens 1,089 10.3% 10.8%
Racial breakdown
White
41.2%
Black or African American
10.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
14.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.7%
Two or more races
20.1%
Other
12.5%
Value Percent
White 4,367 41.2%
Black or African American 1,102 10.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 88 0.8%
Asian 1,521 14.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 76 0.7%
Two or more races 2,132 20.1%
Other 1,324 12.5%

Households in El Cerrito

A peek inside El Cerrito households

El Cerrito has 3,573 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 56.4% are families, while the remaining 43.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,573
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,556
Family households
2,017
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,556 43.6% 3.5%
Family households 2,017 56.4% 3.1%
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 El Cerrito

The housing landscape of El Cerrito

El Cerrito's housing consists of 3,800 units, with 44.4% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,800
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,689 44.4%
1 unit, attached 295 7.8%
2 units 91 2.4%
3 or 4 units 136 3.6%
5 to 9 units 409 10.8%
10 to 19 units 326 8.6%
20 to 49 units 313 8.2%
50 or more units 527 13.9%
Mobile home 14 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0%
Homes built since 2020
15
650.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in El Cerrito

In El Cerrito, the median construction year is 1969. About 6.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 260 6.8% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 379 10% -9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 846 22.3% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 540 14.2% 2.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 637 16.8% 8.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 508 13.4% 7.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 301 7.9% 3.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 219 5.8% 16.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 95 2.5% -21.5%
Built in 2020 or later 15 0.4% 650.0%
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.

El Cerrito occupancy rates

Out of the 3,573 occupied housing units in El Cerrito, 38.8% are owner-occupied, while 61.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,573
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,187
Owner occupied
1,386
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,187 61.2% 3.4%
Owner occupied 1,386 38.8% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.0%
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.

El Cerrito housing costs

Housing costs in El Cerrito come to a median of $1,925 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,869.

Median housing costs per month
$1,925/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 El Cerrito
$1,869/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 El Cerrito

El Cerrito education at a glance

About 26.5% of the population in El Cerrito went to high school, while 31.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 19% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 522 6% 1.6%
High school diploma 2,312 26.5% 2.9%
College diploma 2,776 31.8% 1.6%
Associate degree 603 6.9% 2.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,656 19% 7.3%
Graduate degree 860 9.8% 6.6%
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 El Cerrito

How much people earn in El Cerrito

The average annual household income in El Cerrito was $103,583 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,881, reflecting a +5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in El Cerrito
$103,583/year
6.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in El Cerrito
$73,881/year
5.3% year-over-year change

El Cerrito income by age

In El Cerrito, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,436. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,733 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,540, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,820 in earnings. Overall, 79.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,540 8.2%
25 - 44 $84,436 2.7%
45 - 64 $82,733 9.5%
Over 65 $41,820 7.1%
Above poverty level
7,581
Below poverty level
1,982
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,581 79.3% 2.0%
Below poverty level 1,982 20.7% 1.2%

Employment in El Cerrito

Workforce and job types in El Cerrito

83.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 63.1% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,344
Blue collar
862
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,344 83.4% 3.5%
Blue collar 862 16.6% 3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
63.1%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 550 10.6% 0.9%
Private companies 3,287 63.1% 2.6%
Governmental workers 819 15.7% 8.5%
Not for profit companies 550 10.6% 4.0%

Transportation in El Cerrito

How people get around in El Cerrito

In El Cerrito, the average commute time is 1 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
1 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,946 88.9% 4.1%
Taxicab 12 0.3% 100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 112 2.5% -23.8%
Railroad 2 0% 0.0%
Ferryboat 4 0.1% -50.0%
Motorcycle 25 0.6% -34.2%
Bicycle 30 0.7% -16.7%
Walk 307 6.9% -0.7%
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 El Cerrito by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92105 71,411 22,910 $68,563 $88,513
92115 66,264 22,528 $79,199 $105,967

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FAQs about El Cerrito demographics 

What is the total population of El Cerrito?

El Cerrito has a total population of 10,609 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 El Cerrito?

The gender ratio in El Cerrito is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (5,426 residents)
  • 48.8% females (5,183 residents)

What is the median age in El Cerrito?

The median age in El Cerrito is 31.

What is the age distribution of the population in El Cerrito?

The age distribution in El Cerrito is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (1,632 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 26.5% (2,813 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.2% (3,200 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18% (1,914 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.9% (1,050 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of El Cerrito?

The racial and ethnic makeup of El Cerrito is as follows:
  • White: 41.2% (4,367 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.4% (1,102 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (88 residents)
  • Asian: 14.3% (1,521 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.7% (76 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 20.1% (2,132 residents)
  • Other: 12.5% (1,324 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.5% of the population in El Cerrito.

How many housing units are there in El Cerrito?

There are 3,800 housing units in El Cerrito, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

El Cerrito has a total of 3,573 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in El Cerrito?

El Cerrito has a median household income of $73,881, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for El Cerrito?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.4% (4,344 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.6% (862 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (550 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.1% (3,287 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (819 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (550 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