Kensington, San Diego, San Diego County, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,821
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,154/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,009
1.4% year-over-year change

Kensington population

How many people live in Kensington

Kensington is home to 8,821 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Kensington locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
8,821
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
4,479
Female
49.2%
4,342
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,479 50.8% 2.5%
Female 4,342 49.2% -0.2%
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 Kensington is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.6% are children under 15, then 5.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 51.6% of the population, while another 20.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.6%
15 to 24
5.6%
25 to 44
51.6%
45 to 64
20.9%
Over 65
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 849 9.6% 2.4%
15 to 24 498 5.6% -6.7%
25 to 44 4,556 51.6% 3.3%
45 to 64 1,842 20.9% -4.2%
Over 65 1,077 12.2% 5.2%
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 Kensington, 84.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59.8% of locals are Caucasian, 4.3% are African American and 6.3% have Asian roots. Another 1.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 19.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.4%
Non-citizens
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,426 84.2% 1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 830 9.4% -3.9%
Non-citizens 565 6.4% 4.6%
Racial breakdown
White
59.8%
Black or African American
4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
6.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
19.9%
Other
8.3%
Value Percent
White 5,271 59.8%
Black or African American 382 4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 113 1.3%
Asian 552 6.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0.1%
Two or more races 1,757 19.9%
Other 736 8.3%

Households in Kensington

A peek inside Kensington households

Kensington has 4,715 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 38.2% are families, while the remaining 61.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,715
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,914
Family households
1,801
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,914 61.8% 3.2%
Family households 1,801 38.2% 1.8%
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 Kensington

The housing landscape of Kensington

Kensington's housing consists of 5,009 units, with 33.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% 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 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,009
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,695 33.8%
1 unit, attached 292 5.8%
2 units 150 3%
3 or 4 units 390 7.8%
5 to 9 units 1,476 29.5%
10 to 19 units 621 12.4%
20 to 49 units 234 4.7%
50 or more units 116 2.3%
Mobile home 35 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
50
400.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kensington

In Kensington, the median construction year is 1968. About 22.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,118 22.3% -6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 370 7.4% -0.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 484 9.7% 9.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 663 13.2% 6.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 926 18.5% 1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 869 17.4% -4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 273 5.4% 12.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 178 3.6% 2.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 78 1.6% 21.9%
Built in 2020 or later 50 1% 400.0%
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.

Kensington occupancy rates

Out of the 4,715 occupied housing units in Kensington, 32.4% are owner-occupied, while 67.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,715
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,188
Owner occupied
1,527
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,188 67.6% 2.3%
Owner occupied 1,527 32.4% 3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
5.9%
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.

Kensington housing costs

Housing costs in Kensington come to a median of $1,990 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,942.

Median housing costs per month
$1,990/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 Kensington
$1,942/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 Kensington

Kensington education at a glance

About 13.3% of the population in Kensington went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 33.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 127 1.6% 19.8%
High school diploma 1,046 13.3% 1.9%
College diploma 1,472 18.7% -8.4%
Associate degree 658 8.4% 5.3%
Bachelor's degree 2,655 33.8% 0.5%
Graduate degree 1,899 24.2% 7.6%
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 Kensington

How much people earn in Kensington

The average annual household income in Kensington was $118,010 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,154, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kensington
$118,010/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kensington
$98,154/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Kensington income by age

In Kensington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $110,621. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,205 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $72,742, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,042 in earnings. Overall, 88.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $72,742 -0.4%
25 - 44 $110,621 1.7%
45 - 64 $85,205 -2.5%
Over 65 $73,042 20.4%
Above poverty level
7,770
Below poverty level
977
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,770 88.8% -1.3%
Below poverty level 977 11.2% 23.2%

Employment in Kensington

Workforce and job types in Kensington

90.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 60.2% are employed by private companies, and 17.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
5,341
Blue collar
585
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,341 90.1% 1.5%
Blue collar 585 9.9% 4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
60.2%
Governmental workers
17.2%
Not for profit companies
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 664 11.2% -6.7%
Private companies 3,568 60.2% 0.4%
Governmental workers 1,019 17.2% 16.5%
Not for profit companies 675 11.4% -1.2%

Transportation in Kensington

How people get around in Kensington

In Kensington, the average commute time is 6 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
6 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,929 90.3% -2.2%
Taxicab 4 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 87 2% -21.6%
Motorcycle 20 0.5% -20.0%
Bicycle 72 1.7% 28.6%
Walk 237 5.4% 35.4%
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 Kensington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92116 31,843 17,022 $98,154 $129,605

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FAQs about Kensington demographics 

What is the total population of Kensington?

Kensington has a total population of 8,821 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kensington?

The gender ratio in Kensington is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (4,479 residents)
  • 49.2% females (4,342 residents)

What is the median age in Kensington?

The median age in Kensington is 35.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kensington?

The age distribution in Kensington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.6% (849 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.6% (498 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 51.6% (4,556 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.9% (1,842 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.2% (1,077 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kensington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kensington is as follows:
  • White: 59.8% (5,271 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.3% (382 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (113 residents)
  • Asian: 6.3% (552 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.9% (1,757 residents)
  • Other: 8.3% (736 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.2% of the population in Kensington.

How many housing units are there in Kensington?

There are 5,009 housing units in Kensington, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Kensington has a total of 4,715 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kensington?

Kensington has a median household income of $98,154, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Kensington?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.1% (5,341 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.9% (585 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (664 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.2% (3,568 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.2% (1,019 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.4% (675 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