During the central city rezoning process of 2018 an analysis was done of the demographics in the midtown/downtown area. There is no question the core area is going through radical changes as it transitions into an urban infill hotspot. This trend has been jumpstarted by the initiative to build 10000 units in the core area by 2025.
One third of the core area is now between the ages of 25 and 34 which is twice the rate of the rest of the City. This age groups percentage grew from 25.4% of the total in 2000 to 33.2% in 2014. Sacramento was ranked as a top city for millenial migration due to its quality of life as well as affordability. In a 2015 Redfin report, the top destination for Millennial’s leaving the Bay Area was Seattle, while Sacramento was No. 2.
The only other age group that didn’t decline in population was the 55-74 year old demographic which actually posted the highest growth rate in the core area between 2010 and 2014.
The decline of people in child-rearing years has resulted in the population of under 18 year olds shrinking by an average of 1.3% a year. This makes logical sense considering both of the highest growing demographic segments are outside of the prime child rearing years. It makes further sense looking at the types of households in the core. 61.6% are one-person households and two person households represent another 27%.
The $150,000 and up income range was the fastest growing in the core area at 9.9% a year while the $25,000-$34,999 declined by 2.8% a year. This increase in income is perfect for infill developers as the higher income brackets are needed to support rental and for sale housing developments. The two different growing age groups represent different opportunities when it comes to a mix of for sale and rental housing.