2024 District of Columbia Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for the District of Columbia, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2024 American Community Survey Estimates.
District of Columbia Key Demographic Statistics (2024 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
District of Columbia Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2024)
Key Demographic Indicators for District of Columbia
The following statistics highlight the District of Columbia population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 702,250
- Median Age (Total)
- 34.9 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 35.0 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 34.9 years
District of Columbia Age Distribution Comparison with United States 2024
Compare District of Columbia age demographics with United States to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 34.9 yrs | 39.2 yrs | -4.3 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.62% | 5.40% | +0.2pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 12.89% | 16.04% | -3.1pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 10.09% | 9.19% | +0.9pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 27.77% | 25.52% | +2.2pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 12.91% | 18.01% | -5.1pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 45.83 | 65.15 | -19.3 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 45.83
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 27.00 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 18.83 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
District of Columbia Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2024)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of District of Columbia
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of the District of Columbia are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 68.26
- Diversity Tier
- high
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia racial and ethnic demographics with United States to understand regional diversity patterns.
District of Columbia Diversity
68.26
highUnited States Diversity
62.36
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black/African American Alone | 40.70% | 11.75% | +29.0pp |
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 36.22% | 56.27% | -20.1pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 12.59% | 20.00% | -7.4pp |
| Asian Alone | 4.93% | 6.19% | -1.3pp |
| Two or More Races | 4.69% | 4.56% | +0.1pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.74% | 0.54% | +0.2pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.12% | 0.52% | -0.4pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.02% | 0.17% | -0.2pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 68.26 | 62.36 | +5.9 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
District of Columbia Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2024)
Economic Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of the District of Columbia, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $109,707 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 329,687
Income Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia household income with United States to understand regional economic patterns.
District of Columbia
$109,707
United States
$81,604
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 13.49% | 11.15% | +2.3pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 7.38% | 9.53% | -2.1pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 5.28% | 9.89% | -4.6pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 10.54% | 15.64% | -5.1pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 26.57% | 30.39% | -3.8pp |
| $150,000 or more | 36.74% | 23.40% | +13.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to United States.
District of Columbia Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2024)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in the District of Columbia, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $733,400
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 134,836 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia property values with United States to understand regional real estate market patterns.
District of Columbia
$733,400
United States
$360,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.34% | 2.88% | -1.5pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 0.36% | 2.13% | -1.8pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 0.67% | 5.17% | -4.5pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 1.91% | 13.25% | -11.3pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 23.66% | 44.81% | -21.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 58.30% | 28.03% | +30.3pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 13.76% | 3.72% | +10.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to United States.
District of Columbia Educational Attainment Statistics (2024)
Education Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in the District of Columbia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 91.95%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 65.46%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 501,372
Education Level Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia educational attainment with United States to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in District of Columbia
65.46%
Bachelor's+ in United States
36.85%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 8.05% | 10.08% | -2.0pp |
| HS Graduate | 14.29% | 25.73% | -11.4pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 12.20% | 27.34% | -15.1pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 27.13% | 22.14% | +5.0pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 38.33% | 14.71% | +23.6pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 91.95% | 89.92% | +2.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to United States.
District of Columbia Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2024)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of the District of Columbia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 4.5%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 31,061
- Total Civilian Population
- 691,979
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia health insurance coverage with United States to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in District of Columbia
4.5%
Uninsured in United States
8.2%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | District of Columbia | United States | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 2.3% | 3.0% | 6.1% | 5.9% |
| 18-34 years | 10.2% | 4.6% | 16.1% | 12.0% |
| 35-64 years | 5.4% | 3.7% | 10.9% | 8.6% |
| 65+ years | 1.5% | 0.8% | 0.9% | 0.8% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
District of Columbia Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2024)
Citizenship Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in the District of Columbia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 91.4% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 47,824 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 60,718
Citizenship Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia citizenship and nativity with United States to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in District of Columbia
91.4%
Citizenship in United States
92.8%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 82.6% | 83.5% | -0.9pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.2% | 0.6% | -0.4pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.8% | 1.1% | +0.7pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 6.8% | 7.6% | -0.8pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 8.6% | 7.2% | +1.4pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 91.4% | 92.8% | -1.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to United States.
District of Columbia Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2024)
Commuter Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in the District of Columbia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 33.4%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 26.6%
- Work From Home Rate
- 22.9%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 388,136
Transportation Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia commuting patterns with United States to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in District of Columbia
33.4%
Drove in United States
78.4%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 33.4% | 78.4% | -45.0pp |
| Public transportation | 26.6% | 3.7% | +22.9pp |
| Bicycle | 4.0% | 0.5% | +3.5pp |
| Walked | 10.7% | 2.4% | +8.3pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 2.4% | 1.7% | +0.7pp |
| Worked from home | 22.9% | 13.3% | +9.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to United States.
District of Columbia Employment by Class of Worker (2024)
Workforce Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in the District of Columbia by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 389,016
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia employment patterns with United States to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in District of Columbia
11.4% (M) / 14.2% (F)
Government Employment in United States
6.3% (M) / 8.3% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 25.8% F: 24.0% | M: 39.3% F: 31.0% | M: -13.5pp F: -7.0pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 8.3% F: 12.1% | M: 3.1% F: 6.0% | M: +5.2pp F: +6.1pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 11.4% F: 14.2% | M: 6.3% F: 8.3% | M: +5.1pp F: +5.9pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 1.9% F: 2.3% | M: 3.4% F: 2.5% | M: -1.5pp F: -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to United States.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
District of Columbia Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2024)
Veteran Community Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in the District of Columbia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 20,481
- Primary Service Era
- Post-9/11 Only
5,472 veterans (26.7%)
Veteran Population Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia veteran demographics with United States to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in District of Columbia
20,481
Total Veterans in United States
16,569,149
- District of Columbia: Post-9/11 Only (26.7%)
- United States: Vietnam Era Only (31.5%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-9/11 Only | 26.7% (5,472) | 16.4% (2,721,701) | +10.3pp |
| Vietnam Era Only | 25.5% (5,215) | 31.5% (5,221,921) | -6.0pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 13.5% (2,756) | 15.2% (2,511,442) | -1.7pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 10.2% (2,094) | 8.0% (1,320,312) | +2.2pp |
| Gulf War Only | 9.9% (2,037) | 13.8% (2,288,705) | -3.9pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 5.5% (1,117) | 6.6% (1,088,163) | -1.1pp |
| Korean War Only | 5.0% (1,017) | 4.6% (760,295) | +0.4pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 1.4% (292) | 0.5% (76,601) | +0.9pp |
| WWII Only | 1.0% (215) | 1.2% (195,123) | -0.2pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.8% (154) | 1.6% (262,446) | -0.8pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.2% (43) | 0.3% (57,148) | -0.1pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.2% (35) | 0.1% (16,439) | +0.1pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.1% (25) | 0.2% (39,260) | -0.1pp |
| Vietnam + Korean + WWII | 0.0% (9) | 0.0% (7,826) | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
District of Columbia Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2024)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following data categorizes families in the District of Columbia by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 13.8% (18,927 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 17.9% (24,547 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 68.3% (93,767 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia poverty levels with United States to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in District of Columbia
13.8%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in United States
8.5%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | District of Columbia | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 13.8% (18,927) | 8.5% (7,231,051) | +5.3pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 17.9% (24,547) | 27.5% (23,395,492) | -9.6pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 68.3% (93,767) | 64.0% (54,339,996) | +4.3pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 7.7% | 3.9% | +3.8pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 3.1% | 2.1% | +1.0pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 3.0% | 2.5% | +0.5pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2.2% | 2.9% | -0.7pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.9% | 3.2% | -0.3pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.0% | 3.4% | -1.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to United States.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
District of Columbia SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2024)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for District of Columbia
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the District of Columbia, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 52,355 (15.88% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 18,217 (34.80% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 329,687
SNAP Participation Comparison with United States
Compare District of Columbia SNAP participation with United States to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in District of Columbia
15.88%
52,355 householdsSNAP Participation in United States
11.78%
15,632,675 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | District of Columbia | United States | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 5.03% (2,634) | 4.01% (2,102) | 15.12% (2,363,868) | 9.10% (1,423,294) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 2.58% (1,349) | 5.04% (2,638) | 5.05% (790,094) | 3.49% (544,937) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 27.19% (14,234) | 9.26% (4,846) | 22.84% (3,571,051) | 9.32% (1,457,200) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.00% (0) | 46.90% (24,552) | 0.56% (87,057) | 34.51% (5,395,174) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 52,355 (15.88% of households) | 15,632,675 (11.78% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.