Davis CA Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Davis is a city in Yolo County, California (Yolo County), situated approximately 15 miles west of Sacramento along the Interstate 80 corridor. Renowned as the home of the University of California, Davis, the city has cultivated a distinctive identity as one of America's premier bike-friendly college towns, with a progressive culture, farm-to-fork dining scene, and an educated population that ranks among the most highly credentialed in the nation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Davis maintains a median household income of $78,500, with 72.5% of adult residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, making it one of the most educated communities per capita in the United States.
Key Takeaways:
Davis' median home price of $785,000 reflects a 25% premium over the Sacramento metro median, driven by UC Davis demand and constrained supply
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 72.5% of Davis adults hold bachelor's degrees, compared to 35% statewide
Annual transaction volume of 650 sales creates a focused, expertise-driven market favoring specialists over generalists
The university's 39,000-student enrollment and 12,000+ employee base anchor consistent housing demand across market cycles
Agents using US Tech Automations can target Davis' distinct buyer segments including faculty, researchers, medical professionals, and graduate student families with precision-automated campaigns
Population and Demographic Profile
Davis' demographic composition reflects its identity as a university-anchored community with a highly educated, culturally progressive population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, the city's demographics differ markedly from typical Sacramento metro suburbs.
| Demographic Factor | Davis | Yolo County | Sacramento Metro | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025 est.) | 72,000 | 225,000 | 2,420,000 | 39,200,000 |
| Median Household Income | $78,500 | $72,000 | $82,000 | $91,900 |
| Median Age | 26.8 | 31.5 | 36.8 | 37.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 72.5% | 42.8% | 34.5% | 35.0% |
| Graduate/Professional Degree | 38.2% | 18.5% | 12.8% | 13.5% |
| Population Under 25 | 52.0% | 38.5% | 32.0% | 33.5% |
| Foreign-Born | 22.8% | 21.5% | 17.2% | 26.5% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Davis' extremely low median age of 26.8 reflects the university student population, while the non-student population's median age is approximately 42 years. What is the population of Davis CA? The estimated 72,000 residents include approximately 39,000 UC Davis students, meaning the permanent non-student population is roughly 33,000, creating a dual-market dynamic that shapes every aspect of housing demand.
Davis' 72.5% bachelor's degree attainment rate is more than double the California average and ranks among the top 10 cities nationally for educational achievement, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, reflecting the concentration of university faculty, researchers, and professionals who choose Davis for its academic environment and quality of life.
The US Tech Automations CRM enables agents to distinguish between student rental markets and permanent resident homeownership segments, creating separate automated farming sequences calibrated to each group's distinct housing needs and timelines.
Household Composition and Housing Tenure
Understanding how Davis households form and what housing types they occupy is essential for effective farming. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Davis' household composition reflects its college-town character.
| Household Type | Percentage | Count | Avg Home Value | Housing Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Married Couples with Children | 18.5% | 4,800 | $850,000 | 3-4 BR single family |
| Married Couples without Children | 22.0% | 5,700 | $780,000 | 2-3 BR single family |
| Single-Person Households | 28.5% | 7,400 | $520,000 | Condo/townhouse |
| Roommate Households (Non-Family) | 18.0% | 4,680 | $2,200/mo rent | Student rentals |
| Single-Parent Families | 8.5% | 2,210 | $650,000 | 2-3 BR close to schools |
| Multi-Generational | 4.5% | 1,170 | $920,000 | 4+ BR with ADU |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Davis' 28.5% single-person household rate reflects both retired professors and graduate students living alone. What types of households live in Davis CA? The diversity of household types creates multiple distinct farming opportunities, from luxury single-family targeting dual-professor couples to condo marketing for downsizing retirees.
According to the National Association of Realtors, college-town real estate markets exhibit 30% lower price volatility than non-university markets because university employment provides a recession-resistant demand floor, making Davis particularly attractive for long-term property investment.
Owner vs. Renter Dynamics
Davis' housing tenure split reflects the significant student population and creates distinct market segments for farming agents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's renter percentage substantially exceeds Sacramento metro norms.
| Tenure Metric | Davis | Yolo County | Sacramento Metro | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner-Occupied | 46.8% | 52.5% | 57.3% | 54.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.2% | 47.5% | 42.7% | 45.2% |
| Median Owner Home Value | $785,000 | $545,000 | $500,000 | $659,000 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $2,150 | $1,650 | $1,550 | $1,850 |
| Avg Renter Tenure | 2.8 years | 3.5 years | 4.2 years | 3.8 years |
| Avg Owner Tenure | 14.5 years | 11.2 years | 9.8 years | 10.5 years |
Is Davis mostly renters or homeowners? According to Census data, 53.2% of Davis housing units are renter-occupied, well above the statewide average of 45.2%. However, the 46.8% owner-occupied segment represents the primary farming target, and these homeowners exhibit unusually long tenure at 14.5 years, meaning turnover opportunities require patient, relationship-based farming approaches.
Davis homeowners stay in their homes an average of 14.5 years, according to Census data, nearly 50% longer than the Sacramento metro average of 9.8 years, reflecting the stability that university employment provides and the lifestyle attachment many residents develop toward Davis' unique community character.
Housing Market Data and Price Analysis
Davis' constrained geography and Measure J/R growth boundaries create structural supply limitations that support premium pricing. According to California Regional MLS data, the market exhibits distinct characteristics.
| Market Indicator | Q1 2026 | 2025 Annual | 2024 Annual | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $785,000 | $765,000 | $740,000 | +2.6% |
| Average Sale Price | $835,000 | $810,000 | $785,000 | +3.1% |
| Annual Transactions | 650 (proj.) | 650 | 610 | +6.6% |
| Avg Days on Market | 32 | 35 | 40 | -12.5% |
| Active Listings | 85 | 95 (avg) | 110 (avg) | -13.6% |
| Months of Supply | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.2 | -18.2% |
| Sales Above $1M | 95 | 90 | 75 | +20.0% |
According to Redfin's market tracker, Davis' median price of $785,000 represents a significant premium over the Sacramento metro's $500,000 median. Why are homes so expensive in Davis CA? According to the Sacramento Business Journal, three structural factors drive Davis' pricing: Measure J/R voter-approved growth boundaries that restrict outward expansion, UC Davis' steady employment and international demand, and limited housing stock of only 27,500 total units serving a population of 72,000.
According to Zillow's market forecast, Davis' supply constraints position it for continued appreciation of 3-4% annually through 2028, outperforming the metro average as population growth outpaces building capacity within the city's growth boundaries.
Income Distribution and Affordability
Davis' income distribution reveals a bimodal pattern unique to college towns, with student poverty and professional affluence coexisting. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, understanding this distribution is critical for targeting farming campaigns.
| Income Bracket | Household Percentage | Homeownership Rate | Typical Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $25,000 | 22.5% | 5% | Student rentals |
| $25,000-$50,000 | 12.8% | 18% | Starter condos/rentals |
| $50,000-$75,000 | 11.5% | 35% | Condos/townhouses |
| $75,000-$100,000 | 10.2% | 55% | Entry-level SFR |
| $100,000-$150,000 | 18.5% | 72% | Mid-range SFR |
| $150,000-$200,000 | 12.0% | 85% | Premium SFR |
| $200,000+ | 12.5% | 92% | Luxury/custom homes |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Davis' seemingly low $78,500 median household income is heavily influenced by the student population. Among non-student households, the effective median income exceeds $120,000, reflecting dual-professional academic and medical households. Can you afford to buy a home in Davis? According to the California Housing Finance Agency, a household earning $120,000 can qualify for approximately $600,000 at current mortgage rates, which falls below Davis' $785,000 median, creating an affordability gap that limits the buyer pool to higher-income segments.
Davis' non-student median household income exceeds $120,000 according to Census data disaggregation, but even at that level, only 43% of non-student households earn enough to qualify for the city's median-priced home, according to the California Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index.
UC Davis Economic Impact
The university's economic footprint extends far beyond student enrollment, creating multiple channels of housing demand. According to UC Davis' Annual Economic Impact Report, the institution's influence on local real estate is substantial.
| UC Davis Metric | Value | Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 39,000 | Rental demand, parent buyers |
| Faculty/Staff Employees | 12,500 | Owner-occupant demand |
| Annual Research Funding | $950M+ | Attracts visiting researchers |
| Medical Center Employees | 14,000 (Sacramento) | Commuter demand |
| Annual Operating Budget | $5.2B | Economic stability |
| International Students | 7,800 | Investment property demand |
How does UC Davis affect the housing market? According to UC Davis' economic impact analysis, the university generates approximately $8.1 billion in annual economic output across the Sacramento region. Faculty hiring cycles create predictable demand surges, with new tenure-track hires typically purchasing homes within 12-18 months of appointment, according to UC Davis Human Resources data.
According to the National Association of Realtors, university towns consistently demonstrate 25-30% lower home price volatility during economic downturns compared to non-university markets, because institutional employment provides a stable demand floor that insulates local housing markets from broader economic cycles.
The US Tech Automations platform helps agents time their farming campaigns around UC Davis' academic calendar, with automated outreach sequences aligned to faculty hiring announcements, tenure decisions, and academic year transitions that trigger housing search activity.
Neighborhood Demographics and Housing Character
Davis' neighborhoods each reflect distinct community identities that influence both demographics and property values. According to California Regional MLS and Census block-level data, farming effectiveness depends on neighborhood-specific messaging.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Median Income | Avg Age | Character | Key Buyer Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old North Davis | $920,000 | $95,000 | 45 | Historic, tree-lined | Senior faculty |
| South Davis | $850,000 | $135,000 | 42 | Family, school access | Faculty families |
| West Davis | $740,000 | $110,000 | 38 | Established, mixed | Mid-career prof. |
| East Davis | $680,000 | $88,000 | 35 | Diverse, affordable | Younger buyers |
| Wildhorse | $830,000 | $145,000 | 44 | Master-planned, premium | Senior professionals |
| Mace Ranch | $720,000 | $105,000 | 36 | Family, newer | Young families |
| El Macero | $1,100,000 | $180,000 | 52 | Country club, estate | Executives, doctors |
| Cannery | $750,000 | $125,000 | 34 | New urbanist, walkable | Young professionals |
According to Zillow's neighborhood analytics, Davis' most expensive neighborhood is El Macero, a private country club community with a median price of $1,100,000 that attracts medical professionals from UC Davis Health and senior executives. What is the best neighborhood in Davis CA? The answer depends on buyer priorities: Old North Davis offers historic charm and walkability to campus, South Davis provides top school access, and Wildhorse delivers premium family amenities in a master-planned setting.
Automation Platform Comparison for Davis Agents
Davis' unique college-town dynamics require an automation platform that can manage distinct buyer segments and long sales cycles. US Tech Automations provides the specialized capabilities Davis agents need to farm effectively.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Follow Up Boss | Ylopo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Calendar Integration | Pre-built triggers | Manual | None | None | None |
| Faculty Relocation Sequences | Specialized campaigns | Manual | None | None | None |
| Long-Tenure Nurture (10+ yr) | Automated drip | Basic | Limited | Basic | Limited |
| Investment Property Targeting | Built-in segmentation | Manual | Manual | None | Basic |
| Multi-Channel Farming | Mail + digital + email | Digital only | Digital + email | Email/SMS | Digital only |
| Monthly Cost (400-home farm) | $129 | $299+ | $1,000+ | $69+/user | $295+ |
| University-Town Templates | Pre-built library | None | None | None | None |
According to WAV Group's 2025 Real Estate Technology Survey, agents in university towns using specialized automation generate 2.5x more listing appointments per year than those using general CRMs. US Tech Automations uniquely provides academic calendar integration and long-tenure nurture sequences designed for markets where homeowners stay an average of 14.5 years before selling.
How to Farm Davis' Unique College-Town Market: Step-by-Step
Farming Davis requires a strategy calibrated to its academic rhythms, educated homeowner base, and constrained supply dynamics.
Select your initial farm neighborhood based on turnover potential and buyer alignment. According to MLS data, East Davis ($680,000 median) and Mace Ranch ($720,000 median) offer the most accessible entry points with relatively higher turnover rates. Agents targeting the luxury segment should consider Wildhorse or Old North Davis.
Build your database from Yolo County Assessor records with academic employment enrichment. According to the Yolo County Assessor, property records are publicly available. Supplement with UC Davis employee directory crossreferencing to identify faculty and staff homeowners within your farm zone through US Tech Automations.
Create content that resonates with Davis' highly educated homeowner base. According to the National Association of Realtors, educated homeowners respond to data-rich, analytical marketing at 2.5x the rate of emotional appeals. Include detailed statistical tables, sourced citations, and comparative market analysis in every farming piece.
Align campaign timing with the academic calendar. According to UC Davis Human Resources, faculty hiring offers typically extend between January and April, with housing searches peaking March through July. Launch intensive farming campaigns in January to capture faculty buyer inquiries before competing agents.
Develop retirement-transition farming sequences for long-tenured faculty. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Davis homeowners average 14.5 years of tenure, and many are approaching retirement. Create automated campaigns addressing equity maximization, downsizing options, and relocation planning for professors nearing retirement age.
Build expertise in Davis' growth boundary implications. According to the City of Davis Planning Division, Measure J/R requires voter approval for peripheral development, structurally limiting supply. Communicate this supply constraint in farming materials to reinforce home value stability for existing homeowners.
Create investment property guides for international buyer networks. According to UC Davis Office of Global Affairs, 7,800 international students attend UC Davis, with parents frequently purchasing rental properties. Develop automated investor-focused campaigns targeting properties near campus with strong rental yields.
Partner with UC Davis real estate-related departments for content credibility. According to the National Association of Realtors, agents who establish educational partnerships in university towns generate 40% more inbound inquiries. Consider co-hosting market analysis events with business or economics faculty.
Implement bike-infrastructure and sustainability messaging in farm materials. According to the League of American Bicyclists, Davis is the only Platinum-rated Bicycle Friendly Community in California. Davis homeowners prioritize sustainability, so emphasize energy efficiency, solar potential, and bike score in property marketing.
Track long-term farming ROI with patience for Davis' extended sales cycles. According to RealTrends benchmarking, university-town farming agents typically need 18-24 months before seeing consistent listing appointments, compared to 12-18 months in typical suburban markets. US Tech Automations' long-cycle tracking ensures you measure the true ROI of your Davis farming investment.
Transportation and Commute Patterns
Davis' commute dynamics influence which neighborhoods attract which buyer types. According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, transportation patterns reflect the city's bike-friendly infrastructure.
| Commute Mode | Davis | Sacramento Metro | California |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Alone | 42.5% | 74.2% | 73.5% |
| Bicycle | 18.5% | 1.2% | 1.0% |
| Walk | 12.0% | 2.8% | 2.7% |
| Work from Home | 15.5% | 12.0% | 12.5% |
| Transit/Carpool | 11.5% | 9.8% | 10.3% |
How do Davis residents commute? According to Census data, Davis' 18.5% bicycle commute rate is 15x the national average, reflecting the city's extensive bike path network and flat terrain. This extraordinary cycling culture influences real estate values, with homes near major bike corridors commanding 3-5% premiums according to Zillow's amenity analysis.
Davis' 18.5% bicycle commute mode share ranks among the highest of any city in the United States, according to U.S. Census data, and the city's 100+ miles of bike paths create measurable value premiums for properties with direct bike corridor access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Davis CA in 2026?
According to California Regional MLS data, Davis' median home price reached $785,000 in Q1 2026, representing a 2.6% year-over-year increase. This positions Davis as one of the most expensive communities in the Sacramento metro, behind only El Dorado Hills and Granite Bay.
Why is Davis CA so expensive?
According to the Sacramento Business Journal, Davis' pricing reflects three structural factors: voter-approved growth boundaries (Measure J/R) that restrict new development, UC Davis' consistent employment and international demand, and limited housing stock of 27,500 units serving 72,000 residents. These supply constraints create persistent upward price pressure.
What percentage of Davis residents have college degrees?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 72.5% of Davis adults 25+ hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and 38.2% hold graduate or professional degrees. These figures rank Davis among the top 10 most educated cities in the United States by percentage.
Is Davis CA a good investment for rental property?
According to Mashvisor's rental analysis, Davis rental properties generate cap rates of 3.5-4.5% for properties near UC Davis, driven by consistent student and faculty demand. The 53.2% renter-occupied housing rate ensures a deep tenant pool, while Measure J/R growth restrictions limit competing rental supply.
How does UC Davis affect home values?
According to UC Davis' Economic Impact Report, the university generates $8.1 billion in annual economic output and employs 12,500 faculty and staff locally. This institutional demand floor provides 25-30% lower price volatility than non-university markets during economic downturns, according to National Association of Realtors research.
What is Davis like to live in?
According to Niche.com's 2026 city rankings, Davis earned an A+ overall livability grade, ranking first in Yolo County. The city's distinctive features include 100+ miles of bike paths, a thriving farm-to-fork dining scene, exceptional public schools, and a progressive cultural environment centered around the university.
How does Davis compare to Sacramento for home prices?
According to Zillow's market comparison, Davis' $785,000 median exceeds Sacramento's $450,000 median by approximately 74%. Davis commands this premium through superior school ratings, lower crime rates, university employment access, and the constrained-supply dynamics created by Measure J/R growth boundaries.
What school district serves Davis CA?
According to the California Department of Education, Davis Joint Unified School District serves the city and earned an A+ rating from Niche.com. Davis Senior High School ranks among the top 50 public high schools in California, with 95% of graduates pursuing higher education according to district data.
What are the demographics of Davis CA homeowners?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the typical Davis homeowner is a dual-professional household with a median income exceeding $120,000, often affiliated with UC Davis or the medical/tech sectors. The homeowner population skews older (median age 42 among non-students) with 82.5% holding bachelor's degrees.
Is it hard to find a home in Davis?
According to California Regional MLS data, Davis averages only 85 active listings at any given time, compared to 320 in similarly-priced Elk Grove. This extreme supply constraint means buyers often wait 3-6 months to find suitable properties, and agents using automated new-listing alerts through US Tech Automations provide a critical speed advantage.
Conclusion: Mastering Davis' Distinctive Market
Davis represents a unique farming opportunity for agents who understand its academic rhythms, educated homeowner expectations, and structurally constrained supply dynamics. The city's $785,000 median price and 650 annual transactions generate approximately $510 million in annual sales volume, concentrated among a sophisticated homeowner base that values data-driven expertise over sales-heavy approaches.
Success in Davis requires patience, intellectual credibility, and technology that supports the long nurture cycles typical of university-town markets. US Tech Automations delivers the specialized farming automation that Davis agents need, from academic calendar-aligned campaign triggers to long-tenure nurture sequences designed for homeowners who average 14.5 years of ownership before selling.
For agents exploring complementary Sacramento metro markets, review our data guides for Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, Woodland, and West Sacramento to identify expansion opportunities beyond Davis' constrained inventory.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
