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).
Where to stay in Berkeley
Visiting or relocating to Berkeley, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.