El Cerrito city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, El Cerrito city, California has a total population of 25,781, the 295th largest city in California, with a median household income of $127,475, which is 32% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- 66.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.7x the median household income.
El Cerrito city Quick Facts
How El Cerrito city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
El Cerrito city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to El Cerrito city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor town | 26,179 | $129,004 | $763,200 | 34.3% | 4.7% |
| South Pasadena city | 26,297 | $128,105 | $1,545,100 | 72.7% | 5.1% |
| Hercules city | 26,245 | $130,583 | $741,200 | 46.3% | 5.4% |
| Norco city | 25,211 | $125,117 | $731,900 | 21.0% | 5.7% |
| Benicia city | 26,861 | $125,040 | $778,600 | 45.5% | 6.9% |
Population Overview
El Cerrito city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 25,781. It ranks as the 295th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in El Cerrito city is 42.4 years. This is 13% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in El Cerrito city is $127,475. This is 32% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 62% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%. This is 37% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.9%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,107,500. Housing costs are 59% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 57.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in El Cerrito city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 45.1% of the population. Asian residents account for 29.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (14.3%) is well below the state average of 39.8%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (29.1% vs 15.0%).
Education
66.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places El Cerrito city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 82% higher than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.0%. Notably, 32.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for El Cerrito city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of El Cerrito city, California?
El Cerrito city, California has a population of 25,781 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in El Cerrito city, CA?
The median household income in El Cerrito city is $127,475, which is 62% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in El Cerrito city, CA?
The poverty rate in El Cerrito city is 7.5%. This means approximately 1,924 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of El Cerrito city, California?
El Cerrito city's population is 45.1% White, 4.3% Black, 14.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 29.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in El Cerrito city, CA?
The median home value in El Cerrito city is $1,107,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x.
How educated is El Cerrito city, California?
66.3% of adults (25+) in El Cerrito city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 32.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.