El Cerrito, CA
Population 5,121 · California
About El Cerrito, CA
El Cerrito is a small town located in California with a population of 5,121 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $122,472 per year, which is 63% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 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 El Cerrito features a median home value of $598,000, which is 144% above the national median of $244,900. This places El Cerrito in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,776, 53% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,521 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (1,160 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (301 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Cerrito shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in El Cerrito have an average one-way commute time of 41.8 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
14.3% of El Cerrito residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 41.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 19.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in El Cerrito, CA
Compared to national averages, El Cerrito has a median household income of $122,472 (63% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $598,000, which is 144% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,776 is 53% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, El Cerrito's income is 25% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 9% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in El Cerrito, CA?
El Cerrito offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $122,472, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $598,000. However, El Cerrito’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Cerrito has a population of 5,121 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare El Cerrito with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near El Cerrito
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Lakes | 5,095 | $100,227 | $353,700 | Compare |
| Buellton | 5,090 | $96,028 | $704,200 | Compare |
| Denair | 5,085 | $97,468 | $407,800 | Compare |
| Lakeport | 5,085 | $59,294 | $327,600 | Compare |
| Calistoga | 5,159 | $84,892 | $702,700 | Compare |
| Mayfair | 5,173 | $59,638 | $244,200 | Compare |
| Jackson | 5,061 | $75,051 | $432,600 | Compare |
| Woodside | 5,181 | $250,001 | $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 El Cerrito With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Cerrito
What is the population of El Cerrito, CA?
The population of El Cerrito, CA is 5,121 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in El Cerrito?
The median household income in El Cerrito, CA is $122,472 per year, which is 63% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Cerrito?
The median home value in El Cerrito, CA is $598,000, which is 144% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Cerrito?
The median monthly rent in El Cerrito, CA is $1,776, which is 53% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Cerrito?
The unemployment rate in El Cerrito, CA is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Cerrito, CA a good place to live?
El Cerrito offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,121 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is El Cerrito, CA?
14.3% of residents in El Cerrito aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in El Cerrito?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Cerrito, CA: median home value is $598,000 (144% above national), median rent is $1,776/month, and median household income is $122,472. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in El Cerrito?
The poverty rate in El Cerrito, CA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is El Cerrito, CA?
El Cerrito's population is 41.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 19.4% of residents are foreign-born.