Oakland, CA
Population 438,072 · California
About Oakland, CA
Oakland is a major city located in California with a population of 438,072 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,369 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oakland features a median home value of $924,700, which is 278% above the national median of $244,900. This places Oakland in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,917, 65% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 187,847 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (72,232 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (100,947 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 Oakland 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 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oakland have an average one-way commute time of 30.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.9% of Oakland 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 18.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 8.9% Asian residents, with 27.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oakland Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Oakland, CA
Compared to national averages, Oakland has a median household income of $97,369 (30% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $924,700, which is 278% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,917 is 65% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Oakland's income is 0% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 41% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Oakland, CA?
Oakland offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,369, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 47.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $924,700. However, as a major city, Oakland provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Oakland has a population of 438,072 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Oakland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Oakland
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | 458,491 | $83,969 | $762,200 | Compare |
| Bakersfield | 408,366 | $77,397 | $347,300 | Compare |
| Sacramento | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | Compare |
| Anaheim | 344,553 | $90,583 | $771,700 | Compare |
| Fresno | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Stockton | 320,470 | $76,851 | $412,900 | Compare |
| Riverside | 316,241 | $88,575 | $542,100 | Compare |
| Santa Ana | 311,639 | $88,354 | $657,800 | 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 Oakland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oakland
What is the population of Oakland, CA?
The population of Oakland, CA is 438,072 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 Oakland?
The median household income in Oakland, CA is $97,369 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oakland?
The median home value in Oakland, CA is $924,700, which is 278% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Oakland?
The median monthly rent in Oakland, CA is $1,917, which is 65% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oakland?
The unemployment rate in Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA a good place to live?
Oakland offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 438,072 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oakland, CA?
47.9% of residents in Oakland 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 Oakland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oakland, CA: median home value is $924,700 (278% above national), median rent is $1,917/month, and median household income is $97,369. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Oakland?
The poverty rate in Oakland, CA is 13.7%, 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 Oakland, CA?
Oakland's population is 18.9% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 8.9% Asian, and 20.5% two or more races. 27.1% of residents are foreign-born.