Berkeley, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
66,391
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$106,066/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
31,194
0.1% year-over-year change

Berkeley population

How many people live in Berkeley

Berkeley is home to 66,391 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Berkeley locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
66,391
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
31,129
Female
53.1%
35,262
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,129 46.9% 1.3%
Female 35,262 53.1% 0.3%
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 Berkeley is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.9% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.2% of the population, while another 27.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32% are 65 or older.

Median age
48
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.9%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
18.2%
45 to 64
27.2%
Over 65
32%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,572 12.9% -3.6%
15 to 24 6,469 9.7% 5.4%
25 to 44 12,063 18.2% -3.4%
45 to 64 18,058 27.2% 1.8%
Over 65 21,228 32% 3.0%
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 Berkeley, 89.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80% of locals are Caucasian, 4.3% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.9%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 59,529 89.7% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,258 7.9% 4.0%
Non-citizens 1,605 2.4% 20.8%
Racial breakdown
White
80%
Black or African American
4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.3%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 53,111 80%
Black or African American 2,846 4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 363 0.6%
Asian 1,608 2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 83 0.1%
Two or more races 6,165 9.3%
Other 2,216 3.3%

Households in Berkeley

A peek inside Berkeley households

Berkeley has 28,668 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
28,668
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,287
Family households
17,381
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,287 39.4% 0.5%
Family households 17,381 60.6% 0.8%
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 Berkeley

The housing landscape of Berkeley

Berkeley's housing consists of 31,194 units, with 92.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
31,194
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 28,737 92.1%
1 unit, attached 463 1.5%
2 units 82 0.3%
3 or 4 units 509 1.6%
5 to 9 units 420 1.4%
10 to 19 units 468 1.5%
20 to 49 units 137 0.4%
50 or more units 80 0.3%
Mobile home 299 1%
Homes built since 2020
147
79.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Berkeley

In Berkeley, the median construction year is 1978. About 4.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% 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, 4% 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 1,393 4.5% 2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 545 1.8% -22.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,101 6.7% 2.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,654 11.7% -0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,786 28.2% 2.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,858 25.2% -2.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,179 10.2% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,278 7.3% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,253 4% 13.3%
Built in 2020 or later 147 0.5% 79.3%
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.

Berkeley occupancy rates

Out of the 28,668 occupied housing units in Berkeley, 87.8% are owner-occupied, while 12.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
28,668
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,499
Owner occupied
25,169
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,499 12.2% -5.0%
Owner occupied 25,169 87.8% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
8.1%
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.

Berkeley housing costs

Housing costs in Berkeley come to a median of $1,783 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,640.

Median housing costs per month
$1,783/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 Berkeley
$1,640/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 Berkeley

Berkeley education at a glance

About 44.5% of the population in Berkeley went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 16.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,546 2.8% 18.8%
High school diploma 24,906 44.5% 0.3%
College diploma 11,528 20.6% 3.8%
Associate degree 4,802 8.6% -0.7%
Bachelor's degree 9,362 16.7% -2.1%
Graduate degree 3,783 6.8% 4.5%
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 Berkeley

How much people earn in Berkeley

The average annual household income in Berkeley was $100,043 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $106,066, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Berkeley
$100,043/year
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Berkeley
$106,066/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Berkeley income by age

In Berkeley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $126,708. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $127,850 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,906, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,166 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,906 92.3%
25 - 44 $126,708 4.9%
45 - 64 $127,850 3.4%
Over 65 $66,166 -2.1%
Above poverty level
60,258
Below poverty level
5,210
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 60,258 92% 0.5%
Below poverty level 5,210 8% 6.6%

Employment in Berkeley

Workforce and job types in Berkeley

78.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 18.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
23,282
Blue collar
6,363
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,282 78.5% 2.4%
Blue collar 6,363 21.5% 0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
18.3%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,239 7.6% 3.6%
Private companies 19,597 66.1% 1.7%
Governmental workers 5,430 18.3% 1.8%
Not for profit companies 2,378 8% 4.4%

Transportation in Berkeley

How people get around in Berkeley

Commuting methods vary: 97.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 24,798 97.9% -0.4%
Taxicab 20 0.1% -13.0%
Bus or trolleybus 140 0.6% -19.5%
Railroad 14 0.1% -70.2%
Ferryboat 61 0.2% 32.6%
Motorcycle 55 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 58 0.2% -26.6%
Walk 179 0.7% 64.2%
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 Berkeley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08734 7,879 2,682 $116,000 $135,645
08740 1,599 710 $69,397 $103,640
08741 2,709 1,052 $143,094 $163,943
08721 22,783 8,458 $105,273 $123,682
08722 11,088 4,003 $106,858 $123,720
08757 36,087 18,094 $58,319 $83,681

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FAQs about Berkeley demographics 

What is the total population of Berkeley?

Berkeley has a total population of 66,391 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Berkeley?

The gender ratio in Berkeley is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (31,129 residents)
  • 53.1% females (35,262 residents)

What is the median age in Berkeley?

The median age in Berkeley is 48.

What is the age distribution of the population in Berkeley?

The age distribution in Berkeley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.9% (8,572 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (6,469 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.2% (12,063 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.2% (18,058 residents)
  • Over 65: 32% (21,228 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Berkeley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Berkeley is as follows:
  • White: 80% (53,111 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.3% (2,846 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (363 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (1,608 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (83 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.3% (6,165 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (2,216 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.7% of the population in Berkeley.

How many housing units are there in Berkeley?

There are 31,194 housing units in Berkeley, 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 Berkeley and what is the average household size?

Berkeley has a total of 28,668 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Berkeley?

Berkeley has a median household income of $106,066, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Berkeley?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.5% (23,282 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.5% (6,363 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (2,239 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (19,597 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.3% (5,430 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (2,378 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