University Heights, Washington, DC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,169
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$106,300/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
794
5.2% year-over-year change

University Heights population

How many people live in University Heights

University Heights is home to 3,169 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.8% of University Heights locals are male, and 56.2% are female.

Total population
3,169
4.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.8%
1,387
Female
56.2%
1,782
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,387 43.8% -2.2%
Female 1,782 56.2% 11.2%
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 University Heights is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.2% are children under 15, then 48.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.6% of the population, while another 11.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
28
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.2%
15 to 24
48.9%
25 to 44
20.6%
45 to 64
11.7%
Over 65
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 324 10.2% -8.5%
15 to 24 1,549 48.9% 12.9%
25 to 44 653 20.6% 6.2%
45 to 64 370 11.7% 5.4%
Over 65 272 8.6% -17.3%
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 University Heights, 83.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 45% of locals are Caucasian, 33.8% are African American and 6.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.6%
Non-citizens
7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,643 83.4% 3.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 304 9.6% 18.8%
Non-citizens 222 7% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
45%
Black or African American
33.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.5%
Other
4%
Value Percent
White 1,426 45%
Black or African American 1,072 33.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.1%
Asian 208 6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 334 10.5%
Other 126 4%

Households in University Heights

A peek inside University Heights households

University Heights has 738 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 54.2% are families, while the remaining 45.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
738
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
338
Family households
400
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 338 45.8% 9.4%
Family households 400 54.2% 0.2%
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 University Heights

The housing landscape of University Heights

University Heights's housing consists of 794 units, with 18.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 36% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
794
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 145 18.3%
1 unit, attached 286 36%
2 units 13 1.6%
3 or 4 units 73 9.2%
5 to 9 units 35 4.4%
10 to 19 units 71 8.9%
20 to 49 units 28 3.5%
50 or more units 143 18%
Homes built since 2020
37
117.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in University Heights

In University Heights, the median construction year is 1956. About 28.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 14.5% 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, 12.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 229 28.9% -5.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 115 14.5% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 82 10.3% 12.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 53 6.7% 39.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 79 10% 1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 57 7.2% -1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14 1.8% -26.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 28 3.5% 12.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 99 12.5% 11.2%
Built in 2020 or later 37 4.7% 117.7%
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.

University Heights occupancy rates

Out of the 738 occupied housing units in University Heights, 57.6% are owner-occupied, while 42.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
738
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
313
Owner occupied
425
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 313 42.4% 3.6%
Owner occupied 425 57.6% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
7.1%
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.

University Heights housing costs

Housing costs in University Heights come to a median of $2,152 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,839.

Median housing costs per month
$2,152/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 University Heights
$1,839/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 University Heights

University Heights education at a glance

About 26.3% of the population in University Heights went to high school, while 40.3% pursued college studies. Another 1.9% earned an associate degree and 13.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 41 1.5% 10.8%
High school diploma 737 26.3% -4.8%
College diploma 1,129 40.3% 22.9%
Associate degree 52 1.9% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 373 13.3% -0.8%
Graduate degree 469 16.7% 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 University Heights

How much people earn in University Heights

The average annual household income in University Heights was $69,381 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $106,300, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in University Heights
$69,381/year
6.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in University Heights
$106,300/year
4.7% year-over-year change

University Heights income by age

In University Heights, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $124,381. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $128,500 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $28,281, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,000 in earnings. Overall, 86.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $28,281 -29.3%
25 - 44 $124,381 -14.1%
45 - 64 $128,500 12.6%
Over 65 $60,000 8.0%
Above poverty level
1,428
Below poverty level
223
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,428 86.5% 2.5%
Below poverty level 223 13.5% -31.0%

Employment in University Heights

Workforce and job types in University Heights

93.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 45.7% are employed by private companies, and 21.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,330
Blue collar
87
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,330 93.9% 12.4%
Blue collar 87 6.1% -18.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
45.7%
Governmental workers
21.9%
Not for profit companies
26%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 90 6.4% 8.4%
Private companies 648 45.7% -0.5%
Governmental workers 311 21.9% 17.4%
Not for profit companies 369 26% 26.8%

Transportation in University Heights

How people get around in University Heights

In University Heights, the average commute time is 3 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 51.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 36.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
3 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 381 51.6% -2.6%
Taxicab 7 1% -58.8%
Bus or trolleybus 41 5.6% -8.9%
Railroad 11 1.5% 120.0%
Bicycle 31 4.2% 34.8%
Walk 268 36.3% 20.7%
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 University Heights by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20017 21,208 9,037 $106,300 $144,360
20064 1,442 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about University Heights demographics 

What is the total population of University Heights?

University Heights has a total population of 3,169 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 +4.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in University Heights?

The gender ratio in University Heights is as follows:
  • 43.8% males (1,387 residents)
  • 56.2% females (1,782 residents)

What is the median age in University Heights?

The median age in University Heights is 28.

What is the age distribution of the population in University Heights?

The age distribution in University Heights is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.2% (324 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 48.9% (1,549 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.6% (653 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 11.7% (370 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.6% (272 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of University Heights?

The racial and ethnic makeup of University Heights is as follows:
  • White: 45% (1,426 residents)
  • Black or African American: 33.8% (1,072 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 6.6% (208 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.5% (334 residents)
  • Other: 4% (126 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.4% of the population in University Heights.

How many housing units are there in University Heights?

There are 794 housing units in University Heights, reflecting a +5.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

University Heights has a total of 738 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in University Heights?

University Heights has a median household income of $106,300, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for University Heights?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.9% (1,330 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.1% (87 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (90 residents)
  • Private companies: 45.7% (648 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.9% (311 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 26% (369 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