I am often asked about population and other census data for Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda. While official census numbers are taken every ten years, the Census Bureau conducts an annual survey called the American Community Survey (ACS) and reports California data by state, county and city. 2012 ACS data has just been published. Updated Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda data on population, median age, median income and education levels are summarized below.
| ACS Census Data* | Lafayette | Moraga | Orinda | |
| Population | 24,073 | 16,167 | 17,868 | |
| Median Age | 44.5 | 43.6 | 46.1 | |
| Median Income | $136,438 | $119,416 | $162,267 | |
| Education | ||||
| High School Degree | 98% | 98% | 98% | |
| College Degree | 40% | 39% | 41% | |
| Graduate Degree | 33% | 36% | 37% |
Since the official data takes so much time to collect and analyze, I wanted to share what I’ve seen happening in Lamorinda during 2013, at least with changes in owners of single family homes.
With rare exception, most new home buyers are families with young children looking to take advantage of our wonderful schools or families with older children, moving from out of area, who have heard about our wonderful Lamorinda lifestyle.
Most people are established in their careers, highly educated and with relatively high dollar earning capabilities. It takes these qualifications to attain the kind of mortgage you need to buy a home here. By definition, to be at this level, it typically means at least one parent is in their 30s, 40s or older.
Sellers tend to be empty nesters, although job loss, divorce or death prompts a sale, too. This has been true for as long as I’ve been selling homes, and long before. In addition, there are always a healthy mix of people (of varied ages) who are moving to follow an out of area job opportunity. Plus, we continue to see local people buying and selling to adjust square footage to meet lifestyle needs.
To me, all these people aren’t statistics. I meet them, work with many of them, and help them through these times of transition. What I really love about all this coming and going has nothing to do with age or income — it’s how excited all the buyers are to move here – and even how many people who are selling homes are sad about leaving.
It proves what I know to be true: It really is a wonderful life here!
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*Source: 2008-2012 American Community Survey (ACS) 5 Year Estimates • www.dof.ca.gov