El Cerrito is a small city with proximity to key Bay Area talent pools and technology clusters. Available commercial and light industrial properties support energy-focused research and development, manufacturing, and green service businesses.
As of 2025 the population of El Cerrito is 26,214. The population is expected to grow to 27,083 by 2030 - a growth rate of 0.65%.
The median age of El Cerrito residents is 43.
The diversity index of El Cerrito is 75.9, meaning that there is a 76% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in El Cerrito is $174,497 and projected to be $191,994 in 2030. Per capita income is $70,586, projected to be $77,885 in 2030. 12.81% of households – 3,359 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $2,529,122 and the average disposable income is $124,195.
There are 11,166 housing units in El Cerrito; 6,139 are owner-occupied, 4,462 are rented, and 565 are vacant. The average home value is $1,207,542, with 289 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,490 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 784 businesses in El Cerrito, employing 6,742 workers and pulling from a labor force of 13,593 age 16 and above. 7,025 workers commute into El Cerrito from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
6,565 residents both live and work in/around El Cerrito. The average travel time is 33.1 minutes. 3.09% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 4.42% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 5,575 drive alone, 969 carpool, and 2,347 take public transportation. 809 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 3,749 residents work from home.
2,206 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,158 have associates degrees, 7,107 have bachelor’s degrees, and 6,571 hold a graduate or professional degree.
