Orinda, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Orinda, California had a total population of 19,514, the 356th largest city in California, with a median household income of $250,000+, which is 152% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 152% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.2% — among the lowest in California.
- 85.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.5x the median household income.
Orinda Quick Facts
How Orinda Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,472 | 19,514 | +0.2% |
| Median household income | $250,000+ | $250,000+ | +0.0% |
| Median home value | $1,804,400 | $1,863,200 | +3.3% |
How Orinda Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Orinda Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Contra Costa County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concord | 124,035 | $108,709 | 8.2% | $797,600 |
| Antioch | 116,477 | $97,465 | 11.4% | $629,700 |
| Richmond | 115,505 | $95,391 | 13.6% | $668,200 |
| San Ramon | 85,993 | $196,161 | 4.4% | $1,509,500 |
| Pittsburg | 76,257 | $99,861 | 11.2% | $597,900 |
| Walnut Creek | 70,088 | $130,432 | 6.4% | $1,057,300 |
| Brentwood | 65,208 | $142,494 | 8.3% | $836,600 |
| Oakley | 45,183 | $137,677 | 6.1% | $660,200 |
| Danville | 43,401 | $232,216 | 3.8% | $1,681,700 |
| Martinez | 36,903 | $127,355 | 6.3% | $859,800 |
Cities Similar to Orinda
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Cañada Flintridge | 19,935 | $241,875 | $2,000,000+ | 75.1% | 3.5% |
| Agoura Hills | 19,721 | $171,302 | $1,098,000 | 67.5% | 6.6% |
| Moraga | 16,769 | $216,193 | $1,663,200 | 81.8% | 7.3% |
| Hermosa Beach | 19,063 | $166,442 | $2,000,000+ | 76.0% | 5.6% |
| Granite Bay | 21,673 | $184,606 | $1,135,900 | 63.7% | 5.1% |
Population Overview
Orinda is a small city located in California, within Contra Costa County. The total population is 19,514. It ranks as the 356th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Orinda is 47.5 years. This is 25% higher than the state median of 37.9 years. 12.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Orinda is $250,000+. This is 152% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 210% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 2.2%. This is 82% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 49% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $1,863,200. Housing costs are 154% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 91.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 63% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Orinda is White (non-Hispanic), making up 66.8% of the population. Asian residents account for 16.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (66.8% vs 33.8%). The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.5%) is well below the state average of 40.2%.
Education
85.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Orinda in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 132% higher than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 98.2%. Notably, 47.0% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Orinda, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Orinda, California?
Orinda, California has a population of 19,514 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Orinda, CA?
The median household income in Orinda is $250,000+, which is 210% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Orinda, CA?
The poverty rate in Orinda is 2.2%. This means approximately 421 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Orinda, California?
Orinda's population is 66.8% White, 0.4% Black, 6.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 16.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Orinda, CA?
The median home value in Orinda is $1,863,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x.
How educated is Orinda, California?
85.9% of adults (25+) in Orinda hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 47.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.