Berkeley, CA Census Data
The 52nd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Berkeley is the 52nd largest city in California by population and ranks 67th of 188 for median household income. With 120,223 residents, its poverty rate of 16.8% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
120,223
48.4% male · 51.6% female
Median Age
32.9
5.8 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$108,558
$30,020 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
75.1%
40.1% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 96.1%
Poverty Rate
16.8%
4.4% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 2.9%
Broadband Access
97.5%
7.8% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$1,351,100
Median rent: $2,127 · 43% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
Labor force participation: 57.6%
Per Capita Income
$50,887
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.0%
Disability rate: 10.2%
How Berkeley Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 52nd of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 67th of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 169th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 3rd of 188 | Top 10% |
| Highest Home Value | 15th of 188 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Berkeley, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Berkeley, CA?
The population of Berkeley, CA is 120,223 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 32.9 years.
What is the median household income in Berkeley?
The median household income in Berkeley, CA is $108,558, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $50,887.
What is the poverty rate in Berkeley?
The poverty rate in Berkeley, CA is 16.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 2.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Berkeley residents have a college degree?
75.1% of adults (25+) in Berkeley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 96.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Berkeley?
The median home value in Berkeley, CA is $1,351,100. Median rent is $2,127 per month, with 43% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Berkeley?
Berkeley's population is 54.8% White, 7.4% Black, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 20.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Berkeley rank among California cities?
Berkeley is the 52nd largest city in California by population, the 67th highest for median household income, the 169th lowest for poverty rate, the 3rd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Berkeley?
The unemployment rate in Berkeley, CA is 6.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.6%. Per capita income is $50,887.
Cities Similar to Berkeley
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.