Observatory Circle, Washington, DC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,851
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$133,104/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,097
0.3% year-over-year change

Observatory Circle population

How many people live in Observatory Circle

Observatory Circle is home to 1,851 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Observatory Circle locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
1,851
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
851
Female
54%
1,000
Value Percent YoY change
Male 851 46% 4.9%
Female 1,000 54% 1.3%
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 Observatory Circle is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.8% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.8%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
36%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
18%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 236 12.8% 12.4%
15 to 24 193 10.4% 4.9%
25 to 44 667 36% 1.8%
45 to 64 422 22.8% 5.5%
Over 65 333 18% -4.9%
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 Observatory Circle, 75.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.3% of locals are Caucasian, 8.5% are African American and 7.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.4%
Non-citizens
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,402 75.7% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 249 13.4% 1.6%
Non-citizens 200 10.8% 19.8%
Racial breakdown
White
69.3%
Black or African American
8.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
7.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.5%
Other
2.9%
Value Percent
White 1,284 69.3%
Black or African American 158 8.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.4%
Asian 134 7.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 213 11.5%
Other 54 2.9%

Households in Observatory Circle

A peek inside Observatory Circle households

Observatory Circle has 1,001 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 37.5% are families, while the remaining 62.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,001
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
627
Family households
375
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 627 62.6% 0.5%
Family households 375 37.5% 2.2%
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 Observatory Circle

The housing landscape of Observatory Circle

Observatory Circle's housing consists of 1,097 units, with 12.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,097
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 137 12.5%
1 unit, attached 187 17%
2 units 13 1.2%
3 or 4 units 24 2.2%
5 to 9 units 49 4.5%
10 to 19 units 34 3.1%
20 to 49 units 103 9.4%
50 or more units 551 50.2%
Homes built since 2020
2
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Observatory Circle

In Observatory Circle, the median construction year is 1951. About 36.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 403 36.7% -0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 114 10.4% -8.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 171 15.6% -2.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 128 11.7% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 80 7.3% 6.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 91 8.3% 3.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 36 3.3% 12.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 31 2.8% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 41 3.7% 13.9%
Built in 2020 or later 2 0.2% N/A
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.

Observatory Circle occupancy rates

Out of the 1,001 occupied housing units in Observatory Circle, 43.1% are owner-occupied, while 56.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,001
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
570
Owner occupied
431
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 570 56.9% 0.5%
Owner occupied 431 43.1% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Observatory Circle housing costs

Housing costs in Observatory Circle come to a median of $2,334 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,156.

Median housing costs per month
$2,334/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 Observatory Circle
$2,156/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 Observatory Circle

Observatory Circle education at a glance

About 4.9% of the population in Observatory Circle went to high school, while 8.4% pursued college studies. Another 1.5% earned an associate degree and 31.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 53.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13 0.8% -7.1%
High school diploma 77 4.9% 2.7%
College diploma 132 8.4% -7.0%
Associate degree 23 1.5% -4.2%
Bachelor's degree 492 31.2% 1.9%
Graduate degree 842 53.3% 3.1%
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 Observatory Circle

How much people earn in Observatory Circle

The average annual household income in Observatory Circle was $215,402 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $133,104, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Observatory Circle
$215,402/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Observatory Circle
$133,104/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

Observatory Circle income by age

In Observatory Circle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $120,918. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $192,316 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $130,614 in earnings. Overall, 92.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,000 -4.9%
25 - 44 $120,918 4.4%
45 - 64 $192,316 -1.3%
Over 65 $130,614 -3.7%
Above poverty level
1,645
Below poverty level
141
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,645 92.1% 2.8%
Below poverty level 141 7.9% 1.4%

Employment in Observatory Circle

Workforce and job types in Observatory Circle

98% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 39.7% are employed by private companies, and 25% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,100
Blue collar
23
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,100 98% 2.8%
Blue collar 23 2% 9.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
39.7%
Governmental workers
25%
Not for profit companies
24.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 119 10.6% 9.2%
Private companies 446 39.7% 0.2%
Governmental workers 281 25% 6.8%
Not for profit companies 277 24.7% 1.1%

Transportation in Observatory Circle

How people get around in Observatory Circle

In Observatory Circle, the average commute time is 1 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 62.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 18.5% 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
-50.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 316 62.8% 0.3%
Taxicab 6 1.2% -14.3%
Bus or trolleybus 53 10.5% -15.9%
Railroad 2 0.4% -33.3%
Motorcycle 3 0.6% 50.0%
Bicycle 30 6% -11.8%
Walk 93 18.5% -1.1%
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 Observatory Circle by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20007 24,602 12,027 $140,996 $237,628
20008 29,434 16,818 $125,212 $197,561

Explore more communities

FAQs about Observatory Circle demographics 

What is the total population of Observatory Circle?

Observatory Circle has a total population of 1,851 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 Observatory Circle?

The gender ratio in Observatory Circle is as follows:
  • 46% males (851 residents)
  • 54% females (1,000 residents)

What is the median age in Observatory Circle?

The median age in Observatory Circle is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Observatory Circle?

The age distribution in Observatory Circle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.8% (236 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (193 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36% (667 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (422 residents)
  • Over 65: 18% (333 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Observatory Circle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Observatory Circle is as follows:
  • White: 69.3% (1,284 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.5% (158 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 7.2% (134 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.5% (213 residents)
  • Other: 2.9% (54 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.7% of the population in Observatory Circle.

How many housing units are there in Observatory Circle?

There are 1,097 housing units in Observatory Circle, 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 Observatory Circle and what is the average household size?

Observatory Circle has a total of 1,001 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Observatory Circle?

Observatory Circle has a median household income of $133,104, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Observatory Circle?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98% (1,100 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2% (23 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (119 residents)
  • Private companies: 39.7% (446 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25% (281 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 24.7% (277 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