Emeryville, CA
Population 12,756 · California
About Emeryville, CA
Emeryville is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 12,756 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $120,302 per year, which is 60% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 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 Emeryville features a median home value of $598,300, which is 144% above the national median of $244,900. This places Emeryville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,833, 144% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,447 total housing units, 30% are owner-occupied (2,327 units) and 70% are renter-occupied (5,320 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 Emeryville shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Emeryville have an average one-way commute time of 30.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
74.9% of Emeryville 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 4.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian residents, with 31.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Emeryville, CA
Compared to national averages, Emeryville has a median household income of $120,302 (60% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $598,300, which is 144% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,833 is 144% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Emeryville's income is 23% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 8% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Emeryville, CA?
Emeryville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $120,302, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 74.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $598,300. However, Emeryville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emeryville has a population of 12,756 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Emeryville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Emeryville
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Anselmo | 12,711 | $170,457 | $1,524,300 | Compare |
| Marysville | 12,703 | $58,150 | $282,700 | Compare |
| Grover Beach | 12,687 | $82,534 | $691,900 | Compare |
| Solana Beach | 12,841 | $150,820 | $1,934,700 | Compare |
| Larkspur | 12,856 | $134,744 | $1,805,100 | Compare |
| Diamond Springs | 12,642 | $83,288 | $409,000 | Compare |
| Kingsburg | 12,589 | $82,562 | $356,900 | Compare |
| Avocado Heights | 12,934 | $95,000 | $668,700 | 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 Emeryville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emeryville
What is the population of Emeryville, CA?
The population of Emeryville, CA is 12,756 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 Emeryville?
The median household income in Emeryville, CA is $120,302 per year, which is 60% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emeryville?
The median home value in Emeryville, CA is $598,300, which is 144% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Emeryville?
The median monthly rent in Emeryville, CA is $2,833, which is 144% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emeryville?
The unemployment rate in Emeryville, CA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Emeryville, CA a good place to live?
Emeryville offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,756 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Emeryville, CA?
74.9% of residents in Emeryville 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 Emeryville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emeryville, CA: median home value is $598,300 (144% above national), median rent is $2,833/month, and median household income is $120,302. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Emeryville?
The poverty rate in Emeryville, CA is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Emeryville, CA?
Emeryville's population is 4.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, and 17.3% two or more races. 31.8% of residents are foreign-born.