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

Total population
9,841
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,278/yr
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,189
-0.3% year-over-year change

Downtown Washington population

How many people live in Downtown Washington

Downtown Washington is home to 9,841 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Downtown Washington locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
9,841
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
4,896
Female
50.2%
4,945
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,896 49.8% 1.0%
Female 4,945 50.2% 1.2%
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 Downtown Washington is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 5.1% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 55.5% of the population, while another 17.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
34
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.1%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
55.5%
45 to 64
17.9%
Over 65
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 500 5.1% -1.4%
15 to 24 1,282 13% 9.7%
25 to 44 5,462 55.5% 0.2%
45 to 64 1,762 17.9% -0.4%
Over 65 834 8.5% -0.8%
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 Downtown Washington, 74.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.4% of locals are Caucasian, 12.7% are African American and 11.6% have Asian roots. Another 1.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.8%
Non-citizens
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,355 74.7% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,068 10.8% 1.7%
Non-citizens 1,418 14.4% 5.3%
Racial breakdown
White
57.4%
Black or African American
12.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
11.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.7%
Other
6.8%
Value Percent
White 5,652 57.4%
Black or African American 1,254 12.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 161 1.6%
Asian 1,145 11.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0.1%
Two or more races 951 9.7%
Other 670 6.8%

Households in Downtown Washington

A peek inside Downtown Washington households

Downtown Washington has 6,462 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 17.5% are families, while the remaining 82.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,462
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
5,333
Family households
1,128
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,333 82.5% 0.5%
Family households 1,128 17.5% -1.7%
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 Downtown Washington

The housing landscape of Downtown Washington

Downtown Washington's housing consists of 7,189 units, with 0.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.4% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,189
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 65 0.9%
1 unit, attached 389 5.4%
2 units 202 2.8%
3 or 4 units 130 1.8%
5 to 9 units 418 5.8%
10 to 19 units 302 4.2%
20 to 49 units 686 9.5%
50 or more units 4,961 69%
Mobile home 36 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
88
72.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Washington

In Downtown Washington, the median construction year is 1969. About 24.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,736 24.2% -10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 318 4.4% 9.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 492 6.8% 4.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,172 16.3% 4.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 751 10.4% 2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 598 8.3% -16.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 297 4.1% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,203 16.7% 13.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 534 7.4% 1.5%
Built in 2020 or later 88 1.2% 72.5%
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.

Downtown Washington occupancy rates

Out of the 6,462 occupied housing units in Downtown Washington, 31.8% are owner-occupied, while 68.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,462
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,403
Owner occupied
2,058
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,403 68.1% -0.7%
Owner occupied 2,058 31.8% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
10.1%
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.

Downtown Washington housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Washington come to a median of $2,302 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,280.

Median housing costs per month
$2,302/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 Downtown Washington
$2,280/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 Downtown Washington

Downtown Washington education at a glance

About 7.3% of the population in Downtown Washington went to high school, while 9.2% pursued college studies. Another 0.9% earned an associate degree and 33.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 44.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 385 4.1% 19.2%
High school diploma 678 7.3% 2.4%
College diploma 855 9.2% -0.2%
Associate degree 84 0.9% -25.7%
Bachelor's degree 3,131 33.6% 0.7%
Graduate degree 4,181 44.9% 0.8%
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 Downtown Washington

How much people earn in Downtown Washington

The average annual household income in Downtown Washington was $124,996 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $108,278, reflecting a -0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Washington
$124,996/year
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Washington
$108,278/year
-0.6% year-over-year change

Downtown Washington income by age

In Downtown Washington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $124,814. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,625 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,004, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,600 in earnings. Overall, 87.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,004 -4.4%
25 - 44 $124,814 -0.9%
45 - 64 $107,625 10.7%
Over 65 $66,600 4.0%
Above poverty level
8,292
Below poverty level
1,172
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,292 87.6% 0.9%
Below poverty level 1,172 12.4% -1.2%

Employment in Downtown Washington

Workforce and job types in Downtown Washington

99.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 0.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.1% run their own businesses, 49.9% are employed by private companies, and 26.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,164
Blue collar
63
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,164 99.1% 0.7%
Blue collar 63 0.9% -54.0%
Employer type
Self employees
5.1%
Private companies
49.9%
Governmental workers
26.2%
Not for profit companies
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 366 5.1% -2.4%
Private companies 3,604 49.9% -1.7%
Governmental workers 1,895 26.2% 3.8%
Not for profit companies 1,363 18.9% -1.7%

Transportation in Downtown Washington

How people get around in Downtown Washington

In Downtown Washington, the average commute time is 1 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 29.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 53.8% 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
-92.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,046 29.8% 1.6%
Taxicab 96 2.7% -2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 126 3.6% -18.2%
Railroad 19 0.5% 58.3%
Motorcycle 3 0.1% -25.0%
Bicycle 332 9.5% 10.7%
Walk 1,885 53.8% -10.3%
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 Downtown Washington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20001 44,616 23,868 $138,059 $173,629
20005 13,131 8,667 $116,724 $167,695
20006 1,362 729 $35,011 $49,947
20036 4,605 3,885 $99,832 $140,243

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FAQs about Downtown Washington demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Washington?

Downtown Washington has a total population of 9,841 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 Downtown Washington?

The gender ratio in Downtown Washington is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (4,896 residents)
  • 50.2% females (4,945 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Washington?

The median age in Downtown Washington is 34.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downtown Washington?

The age distribution in Downtown Washington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.1% (500 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (1,282 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 55.5% (5,462 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.9% (1,762 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.5% (834 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Washington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Washington is as follows:
  • White: 57.4% (5,652 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.7% (1,254 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (161 residents)
  • Asian: 11.6% (1,145 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.7% (951 residents)
  • Other: 6.8% (670 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.7% of the population in Downtown Washington.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Washington?

There are 7,189 housing units in Downtown Washington, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Downtown Washington has a total of 6,462 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Washington?

Downtown Washington has a median household income of $108,278, representing a -0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Washington?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 99.1% (7,164 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 0.9% (63 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.1% (366 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.9% (3,604 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.2% (1,895 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 18.9% (1,363 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