Walnut Creek, CA
Population 69,790 · California
About Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 69,790 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $135,665 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 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 Walnut Creek features a median home value of $1,031,100, which is 321% above the national median of $244,900. This places Walnut Creek in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,613, 125% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,618 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (20,726 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (11,416 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Walnut Creek shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Walnut Creek have an average one-way commute time of 32.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
69.4% of Walnut Creek 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 5.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 5.7% Asian residents, with 23.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Walnut Creek, CA
Compared to national averages, Walnut Creek has a median household income of $135,665 (81% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,031,100, which is 321% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,613 is 125% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Walnut Creek's income is 39% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 58% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Walnut Creek, CA?
Walnut Creek offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $135,665, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 69.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,031,100. However, as a mid-sized city, Walnut Creek provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Walnut Creek has a population of 69,790 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare Walnut Creek with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Walnut Creek
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redondo Beach | 69,814 | $144,588 | $1,225,400 | Compare |
| Tulare | 69,984 | $69,517 | $301,200 | Compare |
| Yuba City | 69,545 | $72,322 | $405,900 | Compare |
| Eastvale | 70,179 | $161,322 | $752,000 | Compare |
| Camarillo | 70,244 | $109,390 | $766,100 | Compare |
| Dublin | 70,542 | $205,046 | $1,224,100 | Compare |
| Baldwin Park | 70,720 | $79,087 | $588,100 | Compare |
| Union City | 68,141 | $137,194 | $1,058,200 | 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 Walnut Creek With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Walnut Creek
What is the population of Walnut Creek, CA?
The population of Walnut Creek, CA is 69,790 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 Walnut Creek?
The median household income in Walnut Creek, CA is $135,665 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Walnut Creek?
The median home value in Walnut Creek, CA is $1,031,100, which is 321% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Walnut Creek?
The median monthly rent in Walnut Creek, CA is $2,613, which is 125% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Walnut Creek?
The unemployment rate in Walnut Creek, CA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Walnut Creek, CA a good place to live?
Walnut Creek offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 69,790 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Walnut Creek, CA?
69.4% of residents in Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Walnut Creek, CA: median home value is $1,031,100 (321% above national), median rent is $2,613/month, and median household income is $135,665. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Walnut Creek?
The poverty rate in Walnut Creek, CA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Walnut Creek, CA?
Walnut Creek's population is 5.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 23.6% of residents are foreign-born.