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

Total population
13,047
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$159,958/yr
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,497
0.4% year-over-year change

Palisades population

How many people live in Palisades

Palisades is home to 13,047 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.8% of Palisades locals are male, and 53.2% are female.

Total population
13,047
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
6,108
Female
53.2%
6,939
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,108 46.8% 3.6%
Female 6,939 53.2% 3.4%
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 Palisades is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 18.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.3% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
18.4%
25 to 44
21.3%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,992 15.3% 3.3%
15 to 24 2,405 18.4% 14.4%
25 to 44 2,781 21.3% -2.4%
45 to 64 3,164 24.2% 4.8%
Over 65 2,705 20.7% -0.1%
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 Palisades, 77% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74% of locals are Caucasian, 6.8% are African American and 5.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.6%
Non-citizens
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,049 77% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,774 13.6% 9.5%
Non-citizens 1,224 9.4% 6.9%
Racial breakdown
White
74%
Black or African American
6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.1%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 9,660 74%
Black or African American 889 6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.1%
Asian 771 5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0%
Two or more races 1,443 11.1%
Other 272 2.1%

Households in Palisades

A peek inside Palisades households

Palisades has 5,899 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.4% are families, while the remaining 52.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,899
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,100
Family households
2,798
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,100 52.6% 4.8%
Family households 2,798 47.4% -0.3%
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 Palisades

The housing landscape of Palisades

Palisades's housing consists of 6,497 units, with 30% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 15.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,497
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,948 30%
1 unit, attached 1,005 15.5%
2 units 46 0.7%
3 or 4 units 205 3.2%
5 to 9 units 441 6.8%
10 to 19 units 158 2.4%
20 to 49 units 531 8.2%
50 or more units 2,163 33.3%
Homes built since 2020
54
390.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palisades

In Palisades, the median construction year is 1950. About 35.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,310 35.6% -2.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 848 13% -3.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 951 14.6% -0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 752 11.6% 3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 427 6.6% 16.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 535 8.2% 1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 169 2.6% 7.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 228 3.5% -6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 224 3.4% -7.8%
Built in 2020 or later 54 0.8% 390.9%
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.

Palisades occupancy rates

Out of the 5,899 occupied housing units in Palisades, 61.9% are owner-occupied, while 38.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,899
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,247
Owner occupied
3,651
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,247 38.1% 3.3%
Owner occupied 3,651 61.9% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
9.2%
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.

Palisades housing costs

Housing costs in Palisades come to a median of $2,538 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,232.

Median housing costs per month
$2,538/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 Palisades
$2,232/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 Palisades

Palisades education at a glance

About 6.4% of the population in Palisades went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 1.7% earned an associate degree and 25% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 49.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 94 0.9% 10.6%
High school diploma 689 6.4% 4.1%
College diploma 1,761 16.5% 13.3%
Associate degree 183 1.7% -2.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,669 25% 0.9%
Graduate degree 5,282 49.5% 1.7%
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 Palisades

How much people earn in Palisades

The average annual household income in Palisades was $257,431 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $159,958, reflecting a -0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palisades
$257,431/year
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palisades
$159,958/year
-0.6% year-over-year change

Palisades income by age

In Palisades, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $154,986. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $206,802 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,378, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $142,492 in earnings. Overall, 91.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,378 -13.6%
25 - 44 $154,986 -0.1%
45 - 64 $206,802 -8.3%
Over 65 $142,492 -1.1%
Above poverty level
10,875
Below poverty level
997
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,875 91.6% 2.2%
Below poverty level 997 8.4% 5.8%

Employment in Palisades

Workforce and job types in Palisades

98.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.1% run their own businesses, 45.4% are employed by private companies, and 20.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
6,587
Blue collar
106
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,587 98.4% 2.7%
Blue collar 106 1.6% -12.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12.1%
Private companies
45.4%
Governmental workers
20.1%
Not for profit companies
22.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 811 12.1% 1.6%
Private companies 3,035 45.4% 2.9%
Governmental workers 1,346 20.1% -1.3%
Not for profit companies 1,501 22.4% 5.4%

Transportation in Palisades

How people get around in Palisades

Commuting methods vary: 67.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 14.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,434 67.1% -1.8%
Taxicab 29 0.8% -42.0%
Bus or trolleybus 448 12.4% -3.5%
Railroad 4 0.1% -60.0%
Motorcycle 23 0.6% -17.9%
Bicycle 153 4.2% -19.1%
Walk 535 14.8% -0.7%
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 Palisades by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20007 24,602 12,027 $140,996 $237,628
20016 32,730 14,294 $178,920 $265,827

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FAQs about Palisades demographics 

What is the total population of Palisades?

Palisades has a total population of 13,047 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palisades?

The gender ratio in Palisades is as follows:
  • 46.8% males (6,108 residents)
  • 53.2% females (6,939 residents)

What is the median age in Palisades?

The median age in Palisades is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palisades?

The age distribution in Palisades is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (1,992 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.4% (2,405 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.3% (2,781 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (3,164 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (2,705 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palisades?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palisades is as follows:
  • White: 74% (9,660 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.8% (889 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 5.9% (771 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.1% (1,443 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (272 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 77% of the population in Palisades.

How many housing units are there in Palisades?

There are 6,497 housing units in Palisades, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Palisades has a total of 5,899 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palisades?

Palisades has a median household income of $159,958, representing a -0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Palisades?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.4% (6,587 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.6% (106 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.1% (811 residents)
  • Private companies: 45.4% (3,035 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.1% (1,346 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22.4% (1,501 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