Berkeley, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Berkeley, California is 120,223 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest city in California. The median household income is $108,558, the median home value is $1,351,100, and the median age is 32.9.
The population has grown 7.8% since 2010 (112,889 → 121,749).
120,223
Population
11524
People / sq mi
$108,558
Median Income
$1,351,100
Median Home Value
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Berkeley covers 10.4 sq mi of land at 11524 people per square mile.
About Berkeley, CA
In Berkeley, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $1,351,100. With 120,223 residents, Berkeley is a city in California.
The typical household earns $108,558 a year, above the US median of $78,538. Only 3.4% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $1,351,100, with typical rent around $2,127.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US cities — 75.1% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 32.5% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Berkeley — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Berkeley city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Berkeley city had a population of 112,889 in 2010 and 121,749 in 2024, a 7.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 124,219 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.57%.
121,749
Population (2024)
112,889
Population (2010)
124,219
Peak (2020)
0.57%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 112,889 |
| 2011 | 113,968 |
| 2012 | 115,309 |
| 2013 | 116,944 |
| 2014 | 118,697 |
| 2015 | 120,749 |
| 2016 | 121,547 |
| 2017 | 122,164 |
| 2018 | 121,663 |
| 2019 | 121,363 |
| 2020 | 124,219 |
| 2021 | 115,555 |
| 2022 | 119,429 |
| 2023 | 120,320 |
| 2024 | 121,749 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 54.8% |
| Black or African American | 7.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$108,558
Median Household Income
$66,936
Per Capita Income
3.4%
Poverty Rate
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$1,351,100
Median Home Value
$2,127
Median Rent
43.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.1%
High School+
75.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
15.8%
Drive Alone
27.4%
Public Transit
32.5%
Work From Home
29.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
29.6%
Foreign Born
70.2%
Non-English at Home
2.0%
Veterans
10.2%
With Disability
97.1%
Health Insurance
97.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 31.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 23.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.3% |
| Information | 5.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 5.1% |
| Manufacturing | 4.3% |
| Public Administration | 3.6% |
| Construction | 3.2% |
| Retail Trade | 2.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Berkeley, California has a population of 120,223 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest city in California.
The median household income in Berkeley, California is $108,558, with 3.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Berkeley, California is $1,351,100, with median monthly rent at $2,127 and a homeownership rate of 43.3%.
The median age in Berkeley, California is 32.9 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The population has grown 7.8% since 2010 (112,889 → 121,749).
Berkeley city, CA Climate
Berkeley city, CA has an average annual temperature of 14.9°C (59°F) and receives about 684 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is September and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.9°C
Avg Temp
684
Precip (mm/yr)
Sep
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10° / 50° | 145 mm |
| February | 12° / 53° | 124 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 103 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 40 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 15 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 4 mm |
| July | 19° / 66° | 2 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 2 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 8 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 38 mm |
| November | 13° / 56° | 98 mm |
| December | 10° / 50° | 105 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Berkeley city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Berkeley city, CA are typically August, September and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is September (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near 6°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Berkeley
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.