Anacostia, Washington, DC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,579
-1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,032/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,234
-1.2% year-over-year change

Anacostia population

How many people live in Anacostia

Anacostia is home to 6,579 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.6% of Anacostia locals are male, and 56.4% are female.

Total population
6,579
-1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.6%
2,868
Female
56.4%
3,710
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,868 43.6% -0.9%
Female 3,710 56.4% -2.2%
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 Anacostia is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.8% are children under 15, then 10.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.8% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.8%
15 to 24
10.1%
25 to 44
28.8%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,630 24.8% -2.3%
15 to 24 664 10.1% -2.1%
25 to 44 1,896 28.8% -2.7%
45 to 64 1,557 23.7% -2.6%
Over 65 832 12.6% 4.8%
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 Anacostia, 94.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 2.9% of locals are Caucasian, 90.8% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,231 94.7% -2.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 252 3.8% 12.5%
Non-citizens 95 1.4% 79.2%
Racial breakdown
White
2.9%
Black or African American
90.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 191 2.9%
Black or African American 5,975 90.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0.3%
Asian 35 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2 0%
Two or more races 282 4.3%
Other 72 1.1%

Households in Anacostia

A peek inside Anacostia households

Anacostia has 2,848 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.6% are families, while the remaining 46.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,848
-2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,320
Family households
1,528
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,320 46.4% -0.8%
Family households 1,528 53.6% -3.8%
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 Anacostia

The housing landscape of Anacostia

Anacostia's housing consists of 3,234 units, with 12.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 22.4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,234
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 400 12.4%
1 unit, attached 724 22.4%
2 units 56 1.7%
3 or 4 units 420 13%
5 to 9 units 506 15.6%
10 to 19 units 704 21.8%
20 to 49 units 123 3.8%
50 or more units 295 9.1%
Mobile home 5 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
74
80.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Anacostia

In Anacostia, the median construction year is 1963. About 10.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 16.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 353 10.9% 5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 533 16.5% -6.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 528 16.3% -11.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 672 20.8% -1.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 318 9.8% 16.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 111 3.4% -9.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 181 5.6% -13.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 199 6.2% -6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 265 8.2% 14.2%
Built in 2020 or later 74 2.3% 80.5%
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.

Anacostia occupancy rates

Out of the 2,848 occupied housing units in Anacostia, 30.2% are owner-occupied, while 69.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,848
-2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,988
Owner occupied
860
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,988 69.8% -1.3%
Owner occupied 860 30.2% -4.8%
Unoccupied housing units
11.9%
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.

Anacostia housing costs

Housing costs in Anacostia come to a median of $1,373 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,306.

Median housing costs per month
$1,373/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 Anacostia
$1,306/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 Anacostia

Anacostia education at a glance

About 43.1% of the population in Anacostia went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 16.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 164 3.5% 11.6%
High school diploma 2,011 43.1% 4.8%
College diploma 1,043 22.4% -14.6%
Associate degree 211 4.5% 3.9%
Bachelor's degree 755 16.2% 3.7%
Graduate degree 480 10.3% -8.1%
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 Anacostia

How much people earn in Anacostia

The average annual household income in Anacostia was $77,577 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,032, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Anacostia
$77,577/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Anacostia
$54,032/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Anacostia income by age

In Anacostia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,905. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,670 overall. Overall, 70.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $51,905 -6.3%
45 - 64 $69,670 18.1%
Over 65 $33,463 -8.9%
Above poverty level
4,503
Below poverty level
1,915
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,503 70.2% -5.0%
Below poverty level 1,915 29.8% 8.9%

Employment in Anacostia

Workforce and job types in Anacostia

90.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.9% run their own businesses, 52.7% are employed by private companies, and 27.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,343
Blue collar
245
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,343 90.5% -1.4%
Blue collar 245 9.5% -14.3%
Employer type
Self employees
3.9%
Private companies
52.7%
Governmental workers
27.4%
Not for profit companies
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 102 3.9% 15.9%
Private companies 1,364 52.7% -1.4%
Governmental workers 709 27.4% -10.7%
Not for profit companies 413 16% 3.8%

Transportation in Anacostia

How people get around in Anacostia

In Anacostia, the average commute time is 5 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
5 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,195 73.9% -7.4%
Taxicab 10 0.6% 11.1%
Bus or trolleybus 386 23.9% -4.5%
Bicycle 11 0.7% 22.2%
Walk 16 1% -40.7%
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 Anacostia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20020 53,005 22,943 $54,032 $77,584

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FAQs about Anacostia demographics 

What is the total population of Anacostia?

Anacostia has a total population of 6,579 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 -1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Anacostia?

The gender ratio in Anacostia is as follows:
  • 43.6% males (2,868 residents)
  • 56.4% females (3,710 residents)

What is the median age in Anacostia?

The median age in Anacostia is 33.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Anacostia?

The age distribution in Anacostia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.8% (1,630 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.1% (664 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.8% (1,896 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (1,557 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.6% (832 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Anacostia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Anacostia is as follows:
  • White: 2.9% (191 residents)
  • Black or African American: 90.8% (5,975 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (35 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (2 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (282 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (72 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.7% of the population in Anacostia.

How many housing units are there in Anacostia?

There are 3,234 housing units in Anacostia, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Anacostia has a total of 2,848 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Anacostia?

Anacostia has a median household income of $54,032, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Anacostia?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.5% (2,343 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.5% (245 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.9% (102 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.7% (1,364 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.4% (709 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16% (413 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