Castro Valley, CA
Population 65,389 · California
About Castro Valley, CA
Castro Valley is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 65,389 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $138,069 per year, which is 84% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Castro Valley features a median home value of $1,058,200, which is 332% above the national median of $244,900. This places Castro Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,499, 115% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,909 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (15,892 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (6,350 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Castro Valley shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Castro Valley have an average one-way commute time of 33.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.9% of Castro Valley 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 11.5% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 30.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Castro Valley, CA
Compared to national averages, Castro Valley has a median household income of $138,069 (84% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,058,200, which is 332% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,499 is 115% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Castro Valley's income is 41% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 62% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Castro Valley, CA?
Castro Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $138,069, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 43.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,058,200. However, as a mid-sized city, Castro Valley provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Castro Valley has a population of 65,389 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Castro Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Castro Valley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynwood | 65,291 | $70,236 | $569,400 | Compare |
| Brentwood | 64,609 | $139,567 | $791,600 | Compare |
| South San Francisco | 64,487 | $135,909 | $1,160,100 | Compare |
| Laguna Niguel | 64,023 | $140,605 | $1,123,000 | Compare |
| Davis | 66,801 | $87,421 | $829,000 | Compare |
| Lodi | 67,008 | $84,402 | $468,800 | Compare |
| Madera | 67,133 | $63,619 | $335,900 | Compare |
| Palo Alto | 67,231 | $220,408 | $2,000,001 | 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 Castro Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Castro Valley
What is the population of Castro Valley, CA?
The population of Castro Valley, CA is 65,389 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 Castro Valley?
The median household income in Castro Valley, CA is $138,069 per year, which is 84% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Castro Valley?
The median home value in Castro Valley, CA is $1,058,200, which is 332% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Castro Valley?
The median monthly rent in Castro Valley, CA is $2,499, which is 115% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Castro Valley?
The unemployment rate in Castro Valley, CA is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Castro Valley, CA a good place to live?
Castro Valley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 65,389 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Castro Valley, CA?
43.9% of residents in Castro Valley 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 Castro Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Castro Valley, CA: median home value is $1,058,200 (332% above national), median rent is $2,499/month, and median household income is $138,069. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Castro Valley?
The poverty rate in Castro Valley, CA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Castro Valley, CA?
Castro Valley's population is 11.5% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 8.6% two or more races. 30.8% of residents are foreign-born.