River Terrace, Washington, DC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,719
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,296/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,250
-0.4% year-over-year change

River Terrace population

How many people live in River Terrace

River Terrace is home to 2,719 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of River Terrace locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
2,719
-1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
1,260
Female
53.7%
1,459
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,260 46.3% -2.1%
Female 1,459 53.7% -1.1%
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 River Terrace is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.4% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31% of the population, while another 21% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.4%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
31%
45 to 64
21%
Over 65
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 637 23.4% -3.0%
15 to 24 298 11% -10.0%
25 to 44 842 31% 1.6%
45 to 64 572 21% -2.2%
Over 65 369 13.6% 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 River Terrace, 92.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 2.7% of locals are Caucasian, 87% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,526 92.9% -2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 102 3.8% -8.1%
Non-citizens 91 3.4% 31.9%
Racial breakdown
White
2.7%
Black or African American
87%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
5.9%
Value Percent
White 74 2.7%
Black or African American 2,367 87%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.1%
Asian 7 0.3%
Two or more races 108 4%
Other 160 5.9%

Households in River Terrace

A peek inside River Terrace households

River Terrace has 1,126 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.9% are families, while the remaining 45.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,126
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
509
Family households
618
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 509 45.2% -1.7%
Family households 618 54.9% -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 River Terrace

The housing landscape of River Terrace

River Terrace's housing consists of 1,250 units, with 16.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 30.7% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,250
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 210 16.8%
1 unit, attached 384 30.7%
2 units 24 1.9%
3 or 4 units 161 12.9%
5 to 9 units 123 9.8%
10 to 19 units 167 13.4%
20 to 49 units 34 2.7%
50 or more units 145 11.6%
Mobile home 2 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
17
88.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in River Terrace

In River Terrace, the median construction year is 1958. About 11.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 22% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.6% 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 144 11.5% 9.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 275 22% -4.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 255 20.4% -4.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 163 13% 4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 105 8.4% 11.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 37 3% -13.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 30 2.4% 7.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 91 7.3% -22.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 132 10.6% 10.9%
Built in 2020 or later 17 1.4% 88.9%
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.

River Terrace occupancy rates

Out of the 1,126 occupied housing units in River Terrace, 41.8% are owner-occupied, while 58.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,126
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
655
Owner occupied
471
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 655 58.2% -2.8%
Owner occupied 471 41.8% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.9%
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.

River Terrace housing costs

Housing costs in River Terrace come to a median of $1,375 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,222.

Median housing costs per month
$1,375/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 River Terrace
$1,222/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 River Terrace

River Terrace education at a glance

About 44.3% of the population in River Terrace went to high school, while 21.2% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 15.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 68 3.5% -10.5%
High school diploma 865 44.3% -5.2%
College diploma 415 21.2% -1.2%
Associate degree 95 4.9% -8.7%
Bachelor's degree 304 15.6% 12.2%
Graduate degree 207 10.6% 7.2%
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 River Terrace

How much people earn in River Terrace

The average annual household income in River Terrace was $83,582 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,296, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in River Terrace
$83,582/year
7.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in River Terrace
$58,296/year
2.2% year-over-year change

River Terrace income by age

In River Terrace, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,410. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,716 overall. Overall, 73.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $67,410 3.0%
45 - 64 $70,716 1.3%
Over 65 $38,516 7.1%
Above poverty level
1,968
Below poverty level
698
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,968 73.8% -3.1%
Below poverty level 698 26.2% 3.7%

Employment in River Terrace

Workforce and job types in River Terrace

87.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 40.7% are employed by private companies, and 35.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
942
Blue collar
131
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 942 87.8% -0.2%
Blue collar 131 12.2% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
40.7%
Governmental workers
35.5%
Not for profit companies
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 99 9.2% 6.5%
Private companies 437 40.7% -2.0%
Governmental workers 381 35.5% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 156 14.5% -2.5%

Transportation in River Terrace

How people get around in River Terrace

Commuting methods vary: 78.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% 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 540 78.3% -2.4%
Taxicab 14 2% 16.7%
Bus or trolleybus 111 16.1% -8.3%
Railroad 2 0.3% 0.0%
Bicycle 9 1.3% 12.5%
Walk 14 2% 27.3%
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 River Terrace by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20019 63,380 26,254 $58,296 $90,435

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FAQs about River Terrace demographics 

What is the total population of River Terrace?

River Terrace has a total population of 2,719 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 -1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in River Terrace?

The gender ratio in River Terrace is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (1,260 residents)
  • 53.7% females (1,459 residents)

What is the median age in River Terrace?

The median age in River Terrace is 34.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in River Terrace?

The age distribution in River Terrace is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.4% (637 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (298 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31% (842 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21% (572 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.6% (369 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of River Terrace?

The racial and ethnic makeup of River Terrace is as follows:
  • White: 2.7% (74 residents)
  • Black or African American: 87% (2,367 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (108 residents)
  • Other: 5.9% (160 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.9% of the population in River Terrace.

How many housing units are there in River Terrace?

There are 1,250 housing units in River Terrace, 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 River Terrace and what is the average household size?

River Terrace has a total of 1,126 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in River Terrace?

River Terrace has a median household income of $58,296, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for River Terrace?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.8% (942 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.2% (131 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (99 residents)
  • Private companies: 40.7% (437 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 35.5% (381 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.5% (156 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