Penn Quarter, Washington, DC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,781
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$138,059/yr
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,690
0.4% year-over-year change

Penn Quarter population

How many people live in Penn Quarter

Penn Quarter is home to 3,781 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Penn Quarter locals are male, and 48.1% are female.

Total population
3,781
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
1,960
Female
48.1%
1,820
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,960 51.8% 1.5%
Female 1,820 48.1% 2.4%
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 Penn Quarter is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 5.6% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 54.8% of the population, while another 19.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.6%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
54.8%
45 to 64
19.3%
Over 65
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 212 5.6% 0.5%
15 to 24 357 9.4% 7.2%
25 to 44 2,074 54.8% 1.5%
45 to 64 730 19.3% 1.0%
Over 65 408 10.8% 2.8%
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 Penn Quarter, 78.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59.1% of locals are Caucasian, 17.5% are African American and 7.6% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.7% 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
78.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.9%
Non-citizens
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,969 78.5% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 411 10.9% 3.3%
Non-citizens 401 10.6% 0.8%
Racial breakdown
White
59.1%
Black or African American
17.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
7.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.9%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 2,234 59.1%
Black or African American 661 17.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 39 1%
Asian 289 7.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0.1%
Two or more races 338 8.9%
Other 216 5.7%

Households in Penn Quarter

A peek inside Penn Quarter households

Penn Quarter has 2,344 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 23.9% are families, while the remaining 76.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,344
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
1,784
Family households
561
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,784 76.1% -1.3%
Family households 561 23.9% 6.0%
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 Penn Quarter

The housing landscape of Penn Quarter

Penn Quarter's housing consists of 2,690 units, with 1.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,690
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 49 1.8%
1 unit, attached 205 7.6%
2 units 95 3.5%
3 or 4 units 53 2%
5 to 9 units 119 4.4%
10 to 19 units 101 3.8%
20 to 49 units 241 9%
50 or more units 1,821 67.7%
Mobile home 7 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
39
116.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Penn Quarter

In Penn Quarter, the median construction year is 1986. About 24.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 659 24.5% -3.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 64 2.4% -7.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 158 5.9% 0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 216 8% 18.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 187 7% 8.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 202 7.5% -9.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 264 9.8% -12.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 608 22.6% 4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 292 10.9% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 39 1.4% 116.7%
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.

Penn Quarter occupancy rates

Out of the 2,344 occupied housing units in Penn Quarter, 34.7% are owner-occupied, while 65.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,344
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,530
Owner occupied
814
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,530 65.3% -1.7%
Owner occupied 814 34.7% 4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
12.9%
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.

Penn Quarter housing costs

Housing costs in Penn Quarter 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 Penn Quarter
$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 Penn Quarter

Penn Quarter education at a glance

About 7.7% of the population in Penn Quarter went to high school, while 7.5% pursued college studies. Another 1.2% earned an associate degree and 34.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 45.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 119 3.4% 14.4%
High school diploma 274 7.7% 4.2%
College diploma 266 7.5% -2.2%
Associate degree 41 1.2% -19.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,229 34.6% 2.9%
Graduate degree 1,620 45.6% 1.2%
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 Penn Quarter

How much people earn in Penn Quarter

The average annual household income in Penn Quarter was $196,313 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% 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 Penn Quarter
$196,313/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Penn Quarter
$138,059/year
-0.5% year-over-year change

Penn Quarter income by age

In Penn Quarter, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $147,500. 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 $63,995, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,600 in earnings. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,995 1.9%
25 - 44 $147,500 2.8%
45 - 64 $151,111 12.3%
Over 65 $66,600 4.0%
Above poverty level
3,324
Below poverty level
344
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,324 90.6% 2.5%
Below poverty level 344 9.4% -5.8%

Employment in Penn Quarter

Workforce and job types in Penn Quarter

98.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.5% run their own businesses, 49.5% are employed by private companies, and 27.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,804
Blue collar
32
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,804 98.9% 2.1%
Blue collar 32 1.1% -33.3%
Employer type
Self employees
5.5%
Private companies
49.5%
Governmental workers
27.6%
Not for profit companies
17.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 156 5.5% -3.1%
Private companies 1,403 49.5% 3.5%
Governmental workers 784 27.6% 6.0%
Not for profit companies 493 17.4% -8.4%

Transportation in Penn Quarter

How people get around in Penn Quarter

In Penn Quarter, the average commute time is 1 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 33% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 51.5% 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
-75.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 461 33% 1.5%
Taxicab 38 2.7% -2.6%
Bus or trolleybus 65 4.6% -22.6%
Railroad 3 0.2% 50.0%
Motorcycle 2 0.1% -33.3%
Bicycle 109 7.8% 16.0%
Walk 719 51.5% -8.2%
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 Penn Quarter by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20001 44,616 23,868 $138,059 $173,629
20004 1,831 1,274 $184,792 $236,922
20005 13,131 8,667 $116,724 $167,695

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FAQs about Penn Quarter demographics 

What is the total population of Penn Quarter?

Penn Quarter has a total population of 3,781 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 +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Penn Quarter?

The gender ratio in Penn Quarter is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (1,960 residents)
  • 48.1% females (1,820 residents)

What is the median age in Penn Quarter?

The median age in Penn Quarter is 34.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Penn Quarter?

The age distribution in Penn Quarter is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.6% (212 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (357 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 54.8% (2,074 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.3% (730 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.8% (408 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Penn Quarter?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Penn Quarter is as follows:
  • White: 59.1% (2,234 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.5% (661 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (39 residents)
  • Asian: 7.6% (289 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.9% (338 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (216 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.5% of the population in Penn Quarter.

How many housing units are there in Penn Quarter?

There are 2,690 housing units in Penn Quarter, 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 Penn Quarter and what is the average household size?

Penn Quarter has a total of 2,344 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Penn Quarter?

Penn Quarter 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 Penn Quarter?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.9% (2,804 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.1% (32 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.5% (156 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.5% (1,403 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.6% (784 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.4% (493 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