Berkeley, CA
Population 120,223 · California
About Berkeley, CA
Berkeley is a major city located in California with a population of 120,223 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $108,558 per year, which is 44% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Berkeley features a median home value of $1,351,100, which is 452% above the national median of $244,900. This places Berkeley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,127, 83% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 52,112 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (20,262 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (26,500 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Berkeley shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Berkeley have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
75.1% of Berkeley 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 6.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 4.5% Asian residents, with 21.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Berkeley, CA
Compared to national averages, Berkeley has a median household income of $108,558 (44% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,351,100, which is 452% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,127 is 83% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Berkeley's income is 11% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 107% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $108,558, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 75.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,351,100. However, as a major city, Berkeley provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Berkeley has a population of 120,223 with a median age of 32.9 years. Compare Berkeley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Berkeley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | 119,985 | $102,321 | $592,500 | Compare |
| Clovis | 122,719 | $100,360 | $453,300 | Compare |
| Concord | 124,260 | $109,195 | $755,900 | Compare |
| Vallejo | 124,637 | $89,496 | $557,500 | Compare |
| Antioch | 115,759 | $94,256 | $607,400 | Compare |
| Richmond | 115,396 | $90,038 | $650,100 | Compare |
| Thousand Oaks | 125,676 | $134,367 | $951,200 | Compare |
| Simi Valley | 125,769 | $117,703 | $753,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Berkeley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Berkeley
What is the population of Berkeley, CA?
The population of Berkeley, CA is 120,223 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Berkeley?
The median household income in Berkeley, CA is $108,558 per year, which is 44% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Berkeley?
The median home value in Berkeley, CA is $1,351,100, which is 452% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Berkeley?
The median monthly rent in Berkeley, CA is $2,127, which is 83% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Berkeley?
The unemployment rate in Berkeley, CA is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Berkeley, CA a good place to live?
Berkeley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 120,223 and a median age of 32.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Berkeley, CA?
75.1% of residents in Berkeley 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 Berkeley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Berkeley, CA: median home value is $1,351,100 (452% above national), median rent is $2,127/month, and median household income is $108,558. The home-value-to-income ratio is 12.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Berkeley?
The poverty rate in Berkeley, CA is 16.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley's population is 6.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 4.5% Asian, and 7.1% two or more races. 21.3% of residents are foreign-born.