Kensington, CA
Population 5,292 · California
About Kensington, CA
Kensington is a small town located in California with a population of 5,292 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $209,137 per year, which is 178% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46 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 Kensington features a median home value of $1,412,500, which is 477% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kensington in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,258 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (1,818 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (313 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kensington shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kensington have an average one-way commute time of 36.8 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
81.4% of Kensington 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 3.7% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 13.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kensington Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Kensington, CA
Compared to national averages, Kensington has a median household income of $209,137 (178% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,412,500, which is 477% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Kensington's income is 114% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 116% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Kensington, CA?
Kensington offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $209,137, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 81.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,412,500. However, Kensington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kensington has a population of 5,292 with a median age of 46 years. Compare Kensington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Kensington
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayflower Village | 5,303 | $95,521 | $841,200 | Compare |
| Ione | 5,306 | $78,661 | $448,300 | Compare |
| Keyes | 5,330 | $59,338 | $335,500 | Compare |
| Boulder Creek | 5,353 | $106,842 | $785,200 | Compare |
| El Granada | 5,231 | $226,384 | $1,425,800 | Compare |
| St. Helena | 5,378 | $158,218 | $1,964,300 | Compare |
| Old Fig Garden | 5,387 | $100,833 | $460,800 | 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 Kensington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kensington
What is the population of Kensington, CA?
The population of Kensington, CA is 5,292 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 Kensington?
The median household income in Kensington, CA is $209,137 per year, which is 178% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kensington?
The median home value in Kensington, CA is $1,412,500, which is 477% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kensington?
The median monthly rent in Kensington, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kensington?
The unemployment rate in Kensington, CA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kensington, CA a good place to live?
Kensington offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,292 and a median age of 46, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kensington, CA?
81.4% of residents in Kensington 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 Kensington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kensington, CA: median home value is $1,412,500 (477% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $209,137. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kensington?
The poverty rate in Kensington, CA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kensington, CA?
Kensington's population is 3.7% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 13.4% of residents are foreign-born.