Howard University, Washington, DC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,804
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$138,059/yr
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,900
0.8% year-over-year change

Howard University population

How many people live in Howard University

Howard University is home to 4,804 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Howard University locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
4,804
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
2,397
Female
50.1%
2,407
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,397 49.9% 1.3%
Female 2,407 50.1% 1.4%
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 Howard University is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.7% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 52.6% of the population, while another 17.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.7%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
52.6%
45 to 64
17.1%
Over 65
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 372 7.7% 3.0%
15 to 24 686 14.3% 7.9%
25 to 44 2,529 52.6% -0.1%
45 to 64 821 17.1% -2.7%
Over 65 396 8.2% 8.2%
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 Howard University, 84.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.6% of locals are Caucasian, 30.7% are African American and 7.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8%
Non-citizens
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,050 84.3% 3.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 382 8% -13.8%
Non-citizens 372 7.7% -2.4%
Racial breakdown
White
47.6%
Black or African American
30.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.9%
Other
4.7%
Value Percent
White 2,286 47.6%
Black or African American 1,473 30.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.2%
Asian 379 7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0.1%
Two or more races 426 8.9%
Other 225 4.7%

Households in Howard University

A peek inside Howard University households

Howard University has 2,570 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 27.7% are families, while the remaining 72.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,570
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,859
Family households
711
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,859 72.3% 0.8%
Family households 711 27.7% -1.4%
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 Howard University

The housing landscape of Howard University

Howard University's housing consists of 2,900 units, with 4.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.9% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,900
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 130 4.5%
1 unit, attached 518 17.9%
2 units 221 7.6%
3 or 4 units 123 4.2%
5 to 9 units 99 3.4%
10 to 19 units 165 5.7%
20 to 49 units 200 6.9%
50 or more units 1,442 49.7%
Mobile home 2 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
116
107.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Howard University

In Howard University, the median construction year is 1986. About 32.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 25.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 946 32.6% -2.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 82 2.8% -2.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 63 2.2% -6.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 107 3.7% 12.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 176 6.1% 6.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 115 4% 4.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 63 2.2% -23.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 493 17% -6.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 737 25.4% 1.8%
Built in 2020 or later 116 4% 107.1%
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.

Howard University occupancy rates

Out of the 2,570 occupied housing units in Howard University, 33.4% are owner-occupied, while 66.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,570
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,711
Owner occupied
859
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,711 66.6% 0.7%
Owner occupied 859 33.4% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
11.4%
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.

Howard University housing costs

Housing costs in Howard University come to a median of $2,700 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,499.

Median housing costs per month
$2,700/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 Howard University
$2,499/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 Howard University

Howard University education at a glance

About 11.7% of the population in Howard University went to high school, while 12.4% pursued college studies. Another 1.4% earned an associate degree and 33% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 39% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 105 2.4% -4.5%
High school diploma 512 11.7% 7.8%
College diploma 542 12.4% 5.2%
Associate degree 63 1.4% -24.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,446 33% -1.8%
Graduate degree 1,708 39% 1.1%
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 Howard University

How much people earn in Howard University

The average annual household income in Howard University was $173,629 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $138,059, reflecting a -0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Howard University
$173,629/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Howard University
$138,059/year
-0.5% year-over-year change

Howard University income by age

In Howard University, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $165,337. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $151,111 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,490, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,221 in earnings. Overall, 86.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,490 -0.9%
25 - 44 $165,337 -0.2%
45 - 64 $151,111 12.3%
Over 65 $39,221 13.6%
Above poverty level
3,887
Below poverty level
612
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,887 86.4% -0.6%
Below poverty level 612 13.6% 11.3%

Employment in Howard University

Workforce and job types in Howard University

97.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.8% run their own businesses, 49.9% are employed by private companies, and 23.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,259
Blue collar
92
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,259 97.2% -0.1%
Blue collar 92 2.8% 19.5%
Employer type
Self employees
4.8%
Private companies
49.9%
Governmental workers
23.2%
Not for profit companies
22%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 161 4.8% -1.8%
Private companies 1,674 49.9% 1.7%
Governmental workers 778 23.2% -3.4%
Not for profit companies 739 22% 1.9%

Transportation in Howard University

How people get around in Howard University

In Howard University, the average commute time is 3 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 45% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 32.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
3 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 760 45% 1.2%
Taxicab 23 1.4% -25.8%
Bus or trolleybus 184 10.9% -12.8%
Railroad 11 0.6% 83.3%
Motorcycle 8 0.5% -20.0%
Bicycle 161 9.5% -10.6%
Walk 543 32.1% -6.7%
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 Howard University by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20001 44,616 23,868 $138,059 $173,629

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FAQs about Howard University demographics 

What is the total population of Howard University?

Howard University has a total population of 4,804 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Howard University?

The gender ratio in Howard University is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (2,397 residents)
  • 50.1% females (2,407 residents)

What is the median age in Howard University?

The median age in Howard University is 32.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Howard University?

The age distribution in Howard University is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.7% (372 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (686 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 52.6% (2,529 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.1% (821 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.2% (396 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Howard University?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard University is as follows:
  • White: 47.6% (2,286 residents)
  • Black or African American: 30.7% (1,473 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 7.9% (379 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.9% (426 residents)
  • Other: 4.7% (225 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.3% of the population in Howard University.

How many housing units are there in Howard University?

There are 2,900 housing units in Howard University, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Howard University has a total of 2,570 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Howard University?

Howard University has a median household income of $138,059, representing a -0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Howard University?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.2% (3,259 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.8% (92 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.8% (161 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.9% (1,674 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.2% (778 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22% (739 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