Alameda County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in California
The population of Alameda County, California is 1,651,949 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in California. The median household income is $126,240, the median home value is $1,057,400, and the median age is 38.7.
The population of Alameda County has grown 9.0% since 2010 (1,512,997 → 1,649,060), a +0.62% annualized rate.
1,651,949
Population
+0.62%
Annual growth
2240
People / sq mi
$126,240
Median Income
$1,057,400
Median Home Value
Alameda County covers 737 sq mi of land at 2240.1 people per square mile.
About Alameda County, CA
In Alameda County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $1,057,400. With 1,651,949 residents, Alameda County is a county in California. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in California in the country, at #7 by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $126,240, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.6%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $1,057,400, with typical rent around $2,318.
Alameda County is among the best-educated US counties: 51.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 23.2% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Alameda County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Alameda County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Alameda County had a population of 1,512,997 in 2010 and 1,649,060 in 2024, a 9.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,680,614 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.62%.
1,649,060
Population (2024)
1,512,997
Population (2010)
1,680,614
Peak (2020)
0.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,512,997 |
| 2011 | 1,530,893 |
| 2012 | 1,553,729 |
| 2013 | 1,579,508 |
| 2014 | 1,607,638 |
| 2015 | 1,634,326 |
| 2016 | 1,650,765 |
| 2017 | 1,659,824 |
| 2018 | 1,666,596 |
| 2019 | 1,668,412 |
| 2020 | 1,680,614 |
| 2021 | 1,643,856 |
| 2022 | 1,635,693 |
| 2023 | 1,638,142 |
| 2024 | 1,649,060 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 32.0% |
| Black or African American | 9.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
38.7
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
15.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 15.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $126,240+$29,906 vs state |
| Mean household income | $171,948 |
| Per-capita income | $63,442 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Alameda County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.8% of workers.
How residents commute
9.2%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
53.6%
Public transit
23.2%
Work from home
31.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$1,057,400+$362,000 vs state
Median home value
$2,318
Median rent
54.1%
Homeownership rate
630,726
Total housing units
94.0%
Occupied
6.0%
Vacant
45.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
96.9%
With broadband internet
16.0%
Foreign-born
3.2%
Veterans (18+)
9.9%
With a disability
53.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.9%
High School+
51.5%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Alameda County, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Alameda County, California has a population of 1,651,949 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in California. Population density is 2240 people per square mile.
The population of Alameda County has grown 9.0% since 2010 (1,512,997 → 1,649,060), a +0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Alameda County, California is $126,240, with mean (average) household income of $171,948 and per-capita income of $63,442. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Alameda County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (32.0%), Black or African American (9.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Alameda County, California is 38.7 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Alameda County is $1,057,400 and median monthly rent is $2,318. 54.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 630,726 total housing units, 6.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Alameda County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Alameda County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.