Living in Kensington, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Kensington · Census data 2020–2024
Kensington has 5,179 residents with a median age of 46.6. The median household income is $237,130 (139% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,539,000, the median rent is $3,501/month.
Kensington at a glance
- Population
- 5,179
- Median age
- 46.6State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $237,130State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,539,000State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $3,501/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 86.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 83.8%
- Average commute
- 33 min
Is Kensington a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 139% higher than the California median; a poverty rate of 3.6%.
Cons: Home values 109% higher than the state median; an average commute of 33 minutes; unemployment of 7.6%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Kensington
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Kensington the median home value is $1,539,000, 363% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $3,501 per month, which is 30.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Kensington median household income
The median household income in Kensington is $237,130 and the income per person is $113,209. 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Kensington: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,207
- Owner-occupied
- 86.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 13.2%
- Vacant
- 2.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1945
- Average household size
- 2.41
Kensington demographics
- Population
- 5,179
- Median age
- 46.6
- Under 18
- 21.5%
- 65 and older
- 23.5%
- Households
- 2,144
- Foreign-born
- 13.9%
- Veterans
- 2.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Kensington ›
Education in Kensington
83.8% of adults 25 and older in Kensington have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 52.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Kensington
- Unemployment rate
- 7.6%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 33 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 54%
- Drive alone
- 27.8%
- Public transit
- 7%
- Walk to work
- 2.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 97.8%
Kensington vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kensington | 5,179 | $237,130 | $1,539,000 | $3,501 |
| El Cerrito | 25,994 | $127,876 | $1,124,400 | $2,548 |
| Albany | 19,414 | $144,107 | $1,202,200 | $2,445 |
| Berkeley | 120,257 | $108,092 | $1,413,900 | $2,133 |
| East Richmond Heights | 3,109 | $134,632 | $915,400 | $2,071 |
| Emeryville | 13,081 | $117,092 | $604,800 | $2,936 |
| El Sobrante | 16,294 | $114,853 | $758,800 | $2,216 |
| Rollingwood | 3,627 | $99,830 | $600,000 | $1,836 |
| San Pablo | 31,720 | $79,478 | $551,700 | $2,018 |
More for people moving to Kensington
Kensington ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Kensington: FAQ
What is the median household income in Kensington, CA?
The median household income in Kensington is $237,130, 139% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Kensington?
The median home value in Kensington is $1,539,000, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Kensington?
The median gross rent in Kensington is $3,501 per month, about 30.7% of household income.
Is Kensington, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 139% higher than the California median; a poverty rate of 3.6%. Minuses: home values 109% higher than the state median; an average commute of 33 minutes; unemployment of 7.6%.
What is the median age in Kensington?
The median age in Kensington is 46.6 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Kensington?
The average commute to work in Kensington is 33 minutes; 54% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Kensington?
The unemployment rate in Kensington is 7.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Kensington?
83.8% of adults in Kensington have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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