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

Total population
5,818
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$138,059/yr
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,512
0.8% year-over-year change

Shaw population

How many people live in Shaw

Shaw is home to 5,818 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Shaw locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
5,818
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
2,904
Female
50.1%
2,915
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,904 49.9% 1.3%
Female 2,915 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 Shaw is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.8% 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
7.8%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
52.6%
45 to 64
17.1%
Over 65
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 451 7.8% 3.0%
15 to 24 831 14.3% 7.9%
25 to 44 3,063 52.6% -0.1%
45 to 64 994 17.1% -2.8%
Over 65 480 8.2% 8.1%
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 Shaw, 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, 30.6% 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 4,905 84.3% 3.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 463 8% -13.8%
Non-citizens 450 7.7% -2.4%
Racial breakdown
White
47.6%
Black or African American
30.6%
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 2,769 47.6%
Black or African American 1,784 30.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.2%
Asian 459 7.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 7 0.1%
Two or more races 516 8.9%
Other 273 4.7%

Households in Shaw

A peek inside Shaw households

Shaw has 3,113 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
3,113
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,251
Family households
862
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,251 72.3% 0.7%
Family households 862 27.7% -1.3%
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 Shaw

The housing landscape of Shaw

Shaw's housing consists of 3,512 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
3,512
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 158 4.5%
1 unit, attached 627 17.9%
2 units 267 7.6%
3 or 4 units 149 4.2%
5 to 9 units 120 3.4%
10 to 19 units 200 5.7%
20 to 49 units 242 6.9%
50 or more units 1,746 49.7%
Mobile home 2 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
140
105.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shaw

In Shaw, 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 1,146 32.6% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 99 2.8% -2.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 77 2.2% -4.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 130 3.7% 13.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 214 6.1% 7.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 140 4% 4.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 76 2.2% -24.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 597 17% -6.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 893 25.4% 1.8%
Built in 2020 or later 140 4% 105.9%
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.

Shaw occupancy rates

Out of the 3,113 occupied housing units in Shaw, 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
3,113
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,072
Owner occupied
1,040
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,072 66.6% 0.6%
Owner occupied 1,040 33.4% -0.9%
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.

Shaw housing costs

Housing costs in Shaw 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 Shaw
$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 Shaw

Shaw education at a glance

About 11.7% of the population in Shaw went to high school, while 12.4% pursued college studies. Another 1.4% earned an associate degree and 33.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 39% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 127 2.4% -4.5%
High school diploma 620 11.7% 7.8%
College diploma 656 12.4% 5.3%
Associate degree 77 1.4% -23.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,752 33.1% -1.8%
Graduate degree 2,068 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 Shaw

How much people earn in Shaw

The average annual household income in Shaw 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 Shaw
$173,629/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shaw
$138,059/year
-0.5% year-over-year change

Shaw income by age

In Shaw, 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
4,707
Below poverty level
741
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,707 86.4% -0.6%
Below poverty level 741 13.6% 11.3%

Employment in Shaw

Workforce and job types in Shaw

97.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.8% run their own businesses, 50% are employed by private companies, and 23.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,947
Blue collar
111
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,947 97.3% -0.1%
Blue collar 111 2.7% 18.1%
Employer type
Self employees
4.8%
Private companies
50%
Governmental workers
23.2%
Not for profit companies
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 194 4.8% -2.0%
Private companies 2,027 50% 1.6%
Governmental workers 942 23.2% -3.4%
Not for profit companies 895 22.1% 1.9%

Transportation in Shaw

How people get around in Shaw

In Shaw, the average commute time is 4 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 44.9% 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
4 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 920 44.9% 1.1%
Taxicab 28 1.4% -24.3%
Bus or trolleybus 223 10.9% -12.6%
Railroad 13 0.6% 85.7%
Motorcycle 10 0.5% -16.7%
Bicycle 195 9.5% -10.6%
Walk 658 32.1% -6.5%
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 Shaw 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 Shaw demographics 

What is the total population of Shaw?

Shaw has a total population of 5,818 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shaw?

The gender ratio in Shaw is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (2,904 residents)
  • 50.1% females (2,915 residents)

What is the median age in Shaw?

The median age in Shaw is 32.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shaw?

The age distribution in Shaw is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.8% (451 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (831 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 52.6% (3,063 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.1% (994 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.2% (480 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shaw?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shaw is as follows:
  • White: 47.6% (2,769 residents)
  • Black or African American: 30.6% (1,784 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 7.9% (459 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.9% (516 residents)
  • Other: 4.7% (273 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Shaw?

There are 3,512 housing units in Shaw, 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 Shaw and what is the average household size?

Shaw has a total of 3,113 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shaw?

Shaw 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 Shaw?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.3% (3,947 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.7% (111 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.8% (194 residents)
  • Private companies: 50% (2,027 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.2% (942 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22.1% (895 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