Cathedral Heights DC Demographics Housing Data 2026
Cathedral Heights is a neighborhood in northwest Washington, District of Columbia, bounded by Woodley Road to the south, Wisconsin Avenue to the east, Garfield Street to the north, and 38th Street to the west. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cathedral Heights falls within Census Tract 7.03 in Ward 3, situated in the shadow of the Washington National Cathedral — one of the most iconic landmarks in the capital. This affluent residential enclave is home to embassy residences, Sidwell Friends School families, and established professionals drawn by the neighborhood's prestige, mature tree canopy, and proximity to the Cathedral Close grounds.
Key Takeaways:
Cathedral Heights median household income exceeds $168,000, ranking in the top 10% of DC neighborhoods according to U.S. Census Bureau data
Population of approximately 5,800 residents with a median age of 42.5 years reflects an established, affluent community
Owner-occupancy rate of 58% provides strong farming potential across a concentrated residential base
Median home price of $1,250,000 positions Cathedral Heights in DC's upper-tier luxury corridor
Agents using demographic-driven farming automation through US Tech Automations build systematic outreach to this high-net-worth community
Population and Demographic Profile
Cathedral Heights' demographics define an affluent, established residential community with distinctive characteristics that shape farming strategy. According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 estimates, the population profile reveals a neighborhood where education levels, income, and homeownership rates significantly exceed DC averages.
| Demographic Metric | Cathedral Heights | DC Average | Ward 3 Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,800 | N/A | 83,200 |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 34.0 | 39.8 |
| Median Household Income | $168,000 | $101,700 | $128,400 |
| Owner-Occupancy Rate | 58% | 41% | 62% |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 82% | 63% | 78% |
| Graduate/Professional Degree | 52% | 35% | 48% |
| Population Growth (5-Year) | +2.1% | +5.1% | +3.8% |
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Cathedral Heights' racial composition is approximately 72% White, 10% Black, 8% Asian, 6% Hispanic/Latino, and 4% multiracial or other. The neighborhood's relative demographic homogeneity compared to other DC neighborhoods reflects its price barriers and established residential character.
What is the income level in Cathedral Heights DC?
According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, Cathedral Heights' median household income of $168,000 exceeds the DC-wide median by 65% and the Ward 3 average by 31%. More notably, 38% of households earn above $200,000 annually — positioning Cathedral Heights among the District's most affluent residential enclaves, comparable to Chevy Chase DC and portions of Wesley Heights.
Cathedral Heights' 52% graduate/professional degree rate — the highest in Ward 3 — reflects the neighborhood's concentration of senior government officials, attorneys, physicians, and diplomatic corps members who form the core of the local real estate buyer and seller pool, according to U.S. Census Bureau educational attainment data.
Age Distribution and Life Stage Analysis
| Age Group | Population Share | Housing Preference | Price Range | Farming Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 16% | Family housing (school-driven) | N/A | Parent targeting |
| 18-34 | 14% | Condos, rentals | $400,000-$650,000 | First-time buyer |
| 35-44 | 18% | Move-up detached homes | $1,000,000-$1,600,000 | School-focused family |
| 45-54 | 20% | Established detached | $1,200,000-$2,000,000 | Renovation/equity |
| 55-64 | 17% | Transition-ready | $1,000,000-$1,800,000 | Potential listing |
| 65+ | 15% | Downsizing candidates | $600,000-$1,200,000 | Estate/transition listing |
According to NAR's generational housing trends report, the 45-64 age cohort — which represents 37% of Cathedral Heights' population — holds the greatest concentration of potential listing activity. These homeowners typically have 15+ years of ownership tenure, significant equity accumulation, and approaching life-stage transitions (children departing for college, retirement planning, downsizing consideration).
Household Income and Economic Profile
Cathedral Heights' income distribution reveals a community with substantial purchasing power concentrated in upper-income brackets.
| Income Bracket | Household Share | Typical Housing Budget | Target Property Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $75,000 | 12% | Up to $400,000 | Small condos, rentals |
| $75,000-$125,000 | 18% | $400,000-$700,000 | Condos, co-ops |
| $125,000-$200,000 | 32% | $700,000-$1,200,000 | Semi-detached, rowhouses |
| $200,000-$350,000 | 25% | $1,200,000-$2,200,000 | Detached homes |
| $350,000+ | 13% | $2,200,000+ | Premium detached, estates |
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Cathedral Heights' income distribution is skewed heavily toward upper brackets — 70% of households earn above $125,000, compared to 48% DC-wide. This concentration creates farming opportunities focused on luxury and upper-middle segments where per-transaction commission justifies sustained investment in relationship building.
How wealthy is Cathedral Heights compared to other DC neighborhoods?
According to U.S. Census Bureau comparative income data, Cathedral Heights ranks 6th among DC neighborhoods for median household income at $168,000. It trails Chevy Chase DC ($215,000), Wesley Heights ($195,000), Kent ($188,000), Spring Valley ($182,000), and Forest Hills ($175,000) but exceeds Woodley Park ($112,000), Cleveland Park ($122,000), and Tenleytown ($105,000).
The 38% of Cathedral Heights households earning above $200,000 annually translates to approximately 870 households with the financial capacity to purchase or upgrade to premium homes in the $1.5M+ range — a concentrated luxury buyer pool within a single farming territory, according to U.S. Census Bureau income distribution data.
Housing Stock Characteristics
According to DC Office of Tax and Revenue property assessment records, Cathedral Heights' housing stock reflects its mid-20th century development pattern with distinctive architectural character.
| Housing Type | Share of Stock | Median Value | Avg Year Built | Avg Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Single-Family | 35% | $1,450,000 | 1942 | 2,800 |
| Semi-Detached | 18% | $1,050,000 | 1938 | 2,200 |
| Large Condo (2BR+) | 22% | $685,000 | 1965 | 1,150 |
| Small Condo/Co-op | 15% | $425,000 | 1960 | 780 |
| Townhouse/Row | 10% | $1,125,000 | 1948 | 2,000 |
According to Bright MLS data, Cathedral Heights' detached homes — which comprise 35% of the housing stock — command a $1,450,000 median that reflects generous lot sizes, mature landscaping, and proximity to the Cathedral Close. The condo segment, concentrated in mid-century apartment buildings along Wisconsin Avenue, provides entry points for buyers seeking the neighborhood's prestige at more accessible price tiers.
What types of homes are in Cathedral Heights DC?
According to the DC Historic Preservation Office, Cathedral Heights features a mix of Colonial Revival, Tudor, and mid-century modern detached homes, many on lots exceeding 6,000 square feet. The neighborhood also includes several notable mid-century apartment buildings along Wisconsin Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue that have been converted to condominiums, providing housing diversity within an otherwise single-family-dominant landscape.
National Cathedral Proximity Premium
The Washington National Cathedral's influence on local real estate is measurable. According to Bright MLS paired-sale analysis and DC Office of Tax and Revenue assessment data:
| Distance from Cathedral Close | Median Premium | Buyer Motivation | Typical Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within 2 blocks | +18% above neighborhood median | Prestige, grounds access | Diplomats, senior officials |
| 2-4 blocks | +10% above neighborhood median | Views, character | Established professionals |
| 4-6 blocks | Baseline pricing | Neighborhood benefits | Families, professionals |
| 6+ blocks (Wisconsin Ave) | -8% below median | Condo convenience | Young professionals |
Education and Institutional Influence
Cathedral Heights' proximity to elite educational institutions shapes buyer demographics and housing demand in ways unique to this neighborhood.
| Institution | Distance | Annual Tuition | Family Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidwell Friends School | Adjacent | $48,000+ | High-income family magnet |
| National Cathedral School | 0.3 miles | $50,000+ | Girls' school families |
| St. Albans School | 0.3 miles | $50,000+ | Boys' school families |
| Beauvoir School | 0.4 miles | $42,000+ | Pre-K through Grade 3 |
| Georgetown Day School | 1.2 miles | $45,000+ | Progressive education families |
| Eaton Elementary (DCPS) | 0.5 miles | Public | Budget-conscious families |
According to Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS data, families with children enrolled in or seeking admission to Cathedral Heights' cluster of elite private schools comprise approximately 22% of neighborhood home purchases. These buyers prioritize walking distance to campus, willingness to pay premiums of $100,000-$200,000 for homes within the immediate school zone, according to Bright MLS buyer survey data.
US Tech Automations enables agents to build targeted campaigns around school enrollment cycles — reaching families during the admission decision window when relocation plans crystallize and urgency peaks.
Farming Automation for Cathedral Heights Demographics
Cathedral Heights' affluent, educated demographics require a farming approach calibrated for sophisticated homeowners who expect substantive communication over generic marketing.
| Demographic Segment | Farm Size | Optimal Touchpoints/Month | Channel Mix | Expected Response Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Owners (15+ yrs) | 680 | 2-3 | Premium mail + email | 3.2% |
| School-Connected Families | 480 | 2 | Email + community events | 2.8% |
| Embassy Residences | 85 | 1-2 | Direct outreach | 4.5% |
| Condo Owners (Wisconsin Ave) | 520 | 2 | Email + digital | 2.1% |
| Pre-Retirement (55-64) | 390 | 2-3 | Premium mail + phone | 3.8% |
| Senior Homeowners (65+) | 350 | 2 | Direct mail + phone | 4.2% |
How do agents farm an affluent neighborhood like Cathedral Heights?
According to NAR's luxury market guide, affluent homeowners respond to information-rich communications that demonstrate market expertise rather than promotional messaging. In Cathedral Heights specifically, farming content should reference National Cathedral events, Sidwell Friends/NCS/St. Albans admissions cycles, and premium market data — topics that signal neighborhood fluency. US Tech Automations provides affluent-market templates designed for this communication style.
USTA Platform Comparison for Affluent Demographic Farming
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | Luxury Presence | Corcoran Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Net-Worth Segmentation | Income + asset + tenure | Basic demographics | Not available | Brand-provided |
| School Cycle Campaigns | Enrollment-triggered | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Embassy/Diplomatic Lists | Custom institutional targeting | Not available | Not available | Network referrals |
| Premium Report Formatting | Executive-quality templates | Standard templates | Custom design | Brand templates |
| Estate Transition Workflows | Probate + sensitivity | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Monthly Cost (Solo Agent) | $149-$299 | $499+ | $500+ custom | Brokerage-included |
The US Tech Automations platform excels in affluent neighborhoods because it automates the data-intensive aspects of luxury farming (income segmentation, equity tracking, school cycle timing) while preserving the premium communication quality that high-net-worth homeowners expect.
Transaction Volume and Market Activity
According to Bright MLS data, Cathedral Heights' transaction activity reflects its smaller geographic footprint and premium price positioning.
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Closed Sales | 58 | 63 | 68 | +7.9% |
| Median Sold Price | $1,148,000 | $1,195,000 | $1,250,000 | +4.6% |
| Avg Days on Market | 30 | 28 | 26 | -7.1% |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 97.8% | 98.2% | 98.8% | +0.6 pts |
| Total Sales Volume | $66.6M | $75.3M | $85.0M | +12.9% |
| Sales Above Asking | 22% | 26% | 30% | +4 pts |
According to Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS data, Cathedral Heights' 68 annual transactions generate $85 million in sales volume — a concentrated market where each transaction represents approximately $1.25 million. This high per-transaction value rewards agents who build deep relationships within the neighborhood's 2,300 households.
Cathedral Heights' 30% above-asking-price rate indicates growing competition among buyers in 2025, driven by the combination of limited inventory (average 1.9 months supply) and sustained demand from school-connected families and embassy personnel, according to Bright MLS trend data.
Is Cathedral Heights a sellers market?
According to Bright MLS inventory data, Cathedral Heights' months of supply averaged 1.9 in 2025 — below the 3.0 balanced market threshold. Detached homes in the Cathedral-adjacent micro-zone experienced the tightest conditions at 1.4 months supply, reflecting the prestige premium that limits options for buyers seeking this specific location.
How to Build a Demographic-Driven Farming System in Cathedral Heights
Compile homeowner profiles from DC Office of Tax and Revenue records. Pull property assessment data for all residential parcels in Census Tract 7.03 and cross-reference with homestead exemption records. Identify owner-occupants, ownership tenure, and assessed value trends to build your master farming database.
Layer U.S. Census Bureau demographic data for segmentation. Match tract-level income, age, education, and household composition data to your property records. Cathedral Heights' small population (5,800) means Census data provides relatively fine-grained insights for a single-tract analysis.
Identify school-connected family clusters. Research enrollment at Sidwell Friends, National Cathedral School, St. Albans, and Beauvoir to estimate the number of Cathedral Heights families with children in these schools. Build targeted campaigns around admissions cycles and graduation timelines when families may consider relocating. US Tech Automations automates school-cycle campaign triggers.
Map embassy and diplomatic residences. According to the State Department's Diplomatic List, approximately 15-20 embassy-affiliated residences are located in Cathedral Heights. Build a specialized outreach track for diplomatic housing coordinators, offering market intelligence and relocation support services.
Segment your farm into 5-6 demographic cohorts. Based on the age, income, tenure, and institutional affiliation data assembled, create distinct farming segments with tailored messaging. Long-term owners (15+ years) receive equity-focused content while school families receive lifestyle and community updates.
Design premium-quality communication materials. Cathedral Heights homeowners with $168,000+ median income and 82% college graduation rates expect communications that reflect their sophistication. Use executive-quality formatting, substantive data, and tasteful design for all automated outreach.
Deploy multi-channel sequences calibrated to segment preferences. According to NAR data, affluent homeowners aged 45-64 respond best to premium direct mail and email combination, while younger professionals engage more with digital touchpoints. Match your channel mix to each segment's demonstrated preferences.
Build a professional referral network. Connect with estate planning attorneys, wealth advisors, and private school admissions consultants who serve Cathedral Heights families. These professionals encounter pre-listing situations and relocation decisions before homeowners begin agent conversations.
Implement National Cathedral event integration. The Washington National Cathedral hosts 400+ events annually including concerts, tours, and community gatherings. Use US Tech Automations to trigger community-focused outreach around major Cathedral events, positioning your market expertise within neighborhood cultural context.
Track demographic shifts and adjust campaigns quarterly. Monitor new property assessments, ownership transfers, and Census Bureau population updates to keep your segmentation current. Cathedral Heights' stable demographics shift slowly, but early detection of turnover acceleration enables proactive listing outreach.
The Washington National Cathedral's annual Flower Mart — drawing 15,000+ visitors — represents Cathedral Heights' largest community gathering and an ideal networking opportunity for farming agents building neighborhood visibility, according to the All Hallows Guild event data.
Comparable Neighborhood Demographics
| Neighborhood | Median Income | Owner-Occupancy | Median Age | Median Home Price | Education (BA+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral Heights | $168,000 | 58% | 42.5 | $1,250,000 | 82% |
| Chevy Chase DC | $215,000 | 78% | 44.2 | $1,450,000 | 85% |
| Cleveland Park | $122,000 | 52% | 38.8 | $1,085,000 | 76% |
| Woodley Park | $112,000 | 48% | 36.5 | $1,125,000 | 74% |
| Glover Park | $108,000 | 62% | 36.5 | $895,000 | 70% |
| Wesley Heights | $195,000 | 82% | 48.5 | $1,680,000 | 88% |
According to U.S. Census Bureau comparative data, Cathedral Heights occupies a clear position in DC's affluent Northwest corridor — wealthier and more established than Cleveland Park and Woodley Park, but more accessible than Chevy Chase DC and Wesley Heights. This positioning attracts affluent professionals who want prestigious addresses without the ultra-premium price points of DC's most exclusive enclaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median income in Cathedral Heights DC?
The median household income in Cathedral Heights is $168,000, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data. This exceeds the DC-wide median by 65% and positions the neighborhood among the top 10 most affluent residential areas in the District of Columbia.
What is the population of Cathedral Heights?
Cathedral Heights has a population of approximately 5,800 residents across Census Tract 7.03, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The neighborhood's 2.1% five-year growth rate is below the DC average, reflecting its established character and limited new housing development capacity.
How educated are Cathedral Heights residents?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 82% of Cathedral Heights adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and 52% hold graduate or professional degrees — the highest rate in Ward 3. This educational profile reflects the concentration of attorneys, physicians, senior government officials, and diplomatic corps members in the neighborhood.
What is the homeownership rate in Cathedral Heights?
Cathedral Heights' owner-occupancy rate is approximately 58%, according to DC Office of Tax and Revenue homestead exemption data. This exceeds the DC average of 41% and provides a strong foundation for listing-focused geographic farming.
How does the National Cathedral affect property values?
According to Bright MLS paired-sale analysis, properties within two blocks of the Cathedral Close command an 18% premium over the neighborhood median, reflecting the prestige, green space access, and architectural backdrop that Cathedral proximity provides. The Cathedral's 57-acre grounds function as a private park for adjacent homeowners.
What schools are near Cathedral Heights?
According to enrollment data, Cathedral Heights is within walking distance of five elite private schools: Sidwell Friends ($48,000+), National Cathedral School ($50,000+), St. Albans ($50,000+), Beauvoir ($42,000+), and Georgetown Day School ($45,000+). Eaton Elementary serves as the local DCPS option.
How many homes sell in Cathedral Heights each year?
Cathedral Heights recorded 68 closed residential sales in 2025, according to Bright MLS data, generating approximately $85 million in total sales volume. The neighborhood's premium pricing means each transaction averages approximately $1.25 million.
Is Cathedral Heights good for real estate farming?
According to Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS data, Cathedral Heights' combination of high per-transaction value ($1,250,000 median), 58% owner-occupancy, and concentrated geography (2,300 households) creates a lucrative farming opportunity. The high income demographics justify premium outreach investment.
What is the average age of Cathedral Heights residents?
The median age in Cathedral Heights is 42.5 years, according to U.S. Census Bureau data — significantly above DC's 34.0 median. The 45-64 age group (37% of population) holds the greatest concentration of potential listing activity due to approaching life-stage transitions.
Conclusion: Leverage Cathedral Heights Demographics for Premium Farming
Cathedral Heights' demographic profile — affluent, highly educated, established homeowners clustered around one of Washington's most iconic landmarks — creates a farming environment where quality of outreach matters more than quantity. With 68 annual transactions averaging $1.25 million, even single listing wins produce substantial commission income that justifies sustained investment in relationship building.
The agents capturing market share in Cathedral Heights understand that this community responds to substance over salesmanship. Market intelligence that demonstrates genuine neighborhood expertise, communications formatted for executive-level consumption, and professional referral networks that signal competence at the luxury tier — these are the farming fundamentals that convert Cathedral Heights' demographics into closed transactions.
Build your Cathedral Heights farming operation with US Tech Automations — the platform that transforms demographic data, institutional relationships, and market intelligence into automated campaigns calibrated for DC's most discerning homeowners.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
