Albany, CA
Population 19,768 · California
About Albany, CA
Albany is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 19,768 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $135,927 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Albany features a median home value of $1,188,600, which is 385% above the national median of $244,900. This places Albany in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,389, 105% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,000 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (4,114 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (3,559 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Albany shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Albany have an average one-way commute time of 32.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
76.4% of Albany residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.6% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 26.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Albany experiences an annual average temperature of 56.6°F with 35.62" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 77°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 45°F (December–January).
Cost of Living in Albany, CA
Compared to national averages, Albany has a median household income of $135,927 (81% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,188,600, which is 385% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,389 is 105% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Albany's income is 39% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 82% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Albany, CA?
Albany offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $135,927, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 76.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,188,600. However, Albany’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Albany has a population of 19,768 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Albany with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Albany
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenfield | 19,759 | $78,946 | $462,400 | Compare |
| Oroville | 19,855 | $51,893 | $280,600 | Compare |
| Agoura Hills | 19,881 | $171,944 | $1,072,200 | Compare |
| Casa de Oro-Mount Helix | 19,651 | $123,037 | $906,500 | Compare |
| La Crescenta-Montrose | 19,940 | $119,775 | $1,151,100 | Compare |
| Mead Valley | 19,588 | $90,358 | $417,700 | Compare |
| Arvin | 19,478 | $49,984 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Orinda | 19,472 | $250,001 | $1,804,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Albany
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 55 | 56 | 64 | 64 | 68 | 76 | 79 | 74 | 75 | 65 | 60 |
| Low °F | 44 | 40 | 43 | 46 | 51 | 54 | 55 | 58 | 57 | 55 | 48 | 47 |
| Rain " | 12.0 | 3.9 | 9.7 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.8 | 4.7 |
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Albany With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Albany
What is the population of Albany, CA?
The population of Albany, CA is 19,768 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Albany?
The median household income in Albany, CA is $135,927 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Albany?
The median home value in Albany, CA is $1,188,600, which is 385% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Albany?
The median monthly rent in Albany, CA is $2,389, which is 105% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Albany?
The unemployment rate in Albany, CA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Albany, CA a good place to live?
Albany offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 19,768 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Albany, CA?
76.4% of residents in Albany aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Albany?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Albany, CA: median home value is $1,188,600 (385% above national), median rent is $2,389/month, and median household income is $135,927. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Albany?
The poverty rate in Albany, CA is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Albany, CA?
Albany's population is 6.6% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 26.1% of residents are foreign-born.