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

Total population
5,356
5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,139/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,583
0.1% year-over-year change

Washington Highlands population

How many people live in Washington Highlands

Washington Highlands is home to 5,356 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Washington Highlands locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
5,356
5.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
2,647
Female
50.6%
2,709
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,647 49.4% 9.3%
Female 2,709 50.6% 1.8%
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 Washington Highlands is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.8% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.4% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.8%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
30.4%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,221 22.8% 12.1%
15 to 24 641 12% 7.5%
25 to 44 1,626 30.4% -0.8%
45 to 64 1,171 21.9% 4.7%
Over 65 697 13% 8.7%
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 Washington Highlands, 93.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 8% of locals are Caucasian, 81% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.9%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,005 93.4% 4.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 210 3.9% -2.3%
Non-citizens 141 2.6% 53.3%
Racial breakdown
White
8%
Black or African American
81%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.3%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 427 8%
Black or African American 4,338 81%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.2%
Asian 30 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 445 8.3%
Other 104 1.9%

Households in Washington Highlands

A peek inside Washington Highlands households

Washington Highlands has 2,310 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.6% are families, while the remaining 51.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,310
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,189
Family households
1,122
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,189 51.5% -5.9%
Family households 1,122 48.6% 5.2%
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 Washington Highlands

The housing landscape of Washington Highlands

Washington Highlands's housing consists of 2,583 units, with 5.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 25.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,583
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 139 5.4%
1 unit, attached 650 25.2%
2 units 45 1.7%
3 or 4 units 322 12.5%
5 to 9 units 474 18.4%
10 to 19 units 560 21.7%
20 to 49 units 92 3.6%
50 or more units 300 11.6%
Homes built since 2020
13
44.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Washington Highlands

In Washington Highlands, the median construction year is 1966. About 10.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 262 10.1% 5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 311 12% -1.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 505 19.5% -10.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 388 15% 6.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 292 11.3% -8.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 144 5.6% 4.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 172 6.7% 1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 295 11.4% 8.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 202 7.8% 12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 13 0.5% 44.4%
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.

Washington Highlands occupancy rates

Out of the 2,310 occupied housing units in Washington Highlands, 22.6% are owner-occupied, while 77.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,310
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,789
Owner occupied
522
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,789 77.4% -1.1%
Owner occupied 522 22.6% 0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.6%
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.

Washington Highlands housing costs

Housing costs in Washington Highlands come to a median of $1,388 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,317.

Median housing costs per month
$1,388/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 Washington Highlands
$1,317/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 Washington Highlands

Washington Highlands education at a glance

About 51% of the population in Washington Highlands went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 9.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 128 3.3% 16.4%
High school diploma 1,996 51% 10.0%
College diploma 806 20.6% -4.5%
Associate degree 175 4.5% -18.6%
Bachelor's degree 364 9.3% -3.7%
Graduate degree 446 11.4% 3.0%
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 Washington Highlands

How much people earn in Washington Highlands

The average annual household income in Washington Highlands was $79,503 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,139, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Washington Highlands
$79,503/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Washington Highlands
$49,139/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Washington Highlands income by age

In Washington Highlands, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $63,374. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,735 overall. Overall, 70.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $63,374 9.1%
45 - 64 $54,735 11.8%
Over 65 $24,886 -20.1%
Above poverty level
3,621
Below poverty level
1,545
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,621 70.1% -2.8%
Below poverty level 1,545 29.9% 27.8%

Employment in Washington Highlands

Workforce and job types in Washington Highlands

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, 8.3% run their own businesses, 51.6% are employed by private companies, and 26.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,645
Blue collar
228
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,645 87.8% -2.4%
Blue collar 228 12.2% -1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
51.6%
Governmental workers
26.7%
Not for profit companies
13.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 155 8.3% 4.0%
Private companies 965 51.6% -3.7%
Governmental workers 499 26.7% -5.5%
Not for profit companies 253 13.5% 5.4%

Transportation in Washington Highlands

How people get around in Washington Highlands

In Washington Highlands, the average commute time is 4 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 69.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% 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
-20.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 929 69.1% -3.2%
Taxicab 21 1.6% 40.0%
Bus or trolleybus 299 22.2% -0.7%
Railroad 30 2.2% 25.0%
Bicycle 3 0.2% -40.0%
Walk 62 4.6% 29.2%
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 Washington Highlands by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20032 40,920 17,651 $49,139 $79,503

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Washington Highlands demographics 

What is the total population of Washington Highlands?

Washington Highlands has a total population of 5,356 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 +5.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Washington Highlands?

The gender ratio in Washington Highlands is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (2,647 residents)
  • 50.6% females (2,709 residents)

What is the median age in Washington Highlands?

The median age in Washington Highlands is 34.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Washington Highlands?

The age distribution in Washington Highlands is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.8% (1,221 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (641 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.4% (1,626 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (1,171 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (697 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Washington Highlands?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Washington Highlands is as follows:
  • White: 8% (427 residents)
  • Black or African American: 81% (4,338 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (30 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.3% (445 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (104 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.4% of the population in Washington Highlands.

How many housing units are there in Washington Highlands?

There are 2,583 housing units in Washington Highlands, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Washington Highlands has a total of 2,310 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Washington Highlands?

Washington Highlands has a median household income of $49,139, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Washington Highlands?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.8% (1,645 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.2% (228 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (155 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.6% (965 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.7% (499 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.5% (253 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