Orinda, CA
Population 19,472 · California
About Orinda, CA
Orinda is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 19,472 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.1 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 Orinda features a median home value of $1,804,400, which is 637% above the national median of $244,900. This places Orinda in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,407, 107% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,584 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (6,807 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (579 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Orinda shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Orinda have an average one-way commute time of 36.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
85.4% of Orinda 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 2.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 19.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Orinda Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Orinda, CA
Compared to national averages, Orinda has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,804,400, which is 637% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,407 is 107% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Orinda's income is 156% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 176% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Orinda, CA?
Orinda offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and a well-educated community where 85.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,804,400. However, Orinda’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Orinda has a population of 19,472 with a median age of 49.1 years. Compare Orinda with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Orinda
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arvin | 19,478 | $49,984 | $247,800 | Compare |
| South El Monte | 19,413 | $67,153 | $578,100 | Compare |
| Mead Valley | 19,588 | $90,358 | $417,700 | Compare |
| Rosedale | 19,325 | $134,697 | $594,000 | Compare |
| Santa Fe Springs | 19,310 | $86,857 | $624,700 | Compare |
| Casa de Oro-Mount Helix | 19,651 | $123,037 | $906,500 | Compare |
| Prunedale | 19,286 | $106,442 | $760,200 | Compare |
| Valle Vista | 19,263 | $61,799 | $315,400 | 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 Orinda With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Orinda
What is the population of Orinda, CA?
The population of Orinda, CA is 19,472 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 Orinda?
The median household income in Orinda, CA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Orinda?
The median home value in Orinda, CA is $1,804,400, which is 637% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Orinda?
The median monthly rent in Orinda, CA is $2,407, which is 107% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Orinda?
The unemployment rate in Orinda, CA is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Orinda, CA a good place to live?
Orinda offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 19,472 and a median age of 49.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Orinda, CA?
85.4% of residents in Orinda 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 Orinda?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Orinda, CA: median home value is $1,804,400 (637% above national), median rent is $2,407/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Orinda?
The poverty rate in Orinda, CA is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Orinda, CA?
Orinda's population is 2.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 19.9% of residents are foreign-born.