Kensington CA is a very appealing place to live if you want quiet hillside streets, strong community ties, and easy access to Berkeley and El Cerrito. Housing in Kensington features diverse architecture, including Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Revival homes.
Kensington lies directly on the Hayward Fault, which runs through the center of town parallel to Arlington Avenue and across Blake Garden, a 10.5‑acre teaching landscape managed by UC Berkeley. This geology influences building and construction standards, with Alquist‑Priolo fault‑zone regulations guiding new structures and retrofits.
Residents of Kensington engage in local events and civic activities through groups like the Kensington Improvement Club and the Kensington Community Council, which support public improvements, parks, and town‑hall style meetings. Local amenities include small shopping districts along Colusa Circle and Arlington Avenue, with cafés, markets, and services clustered in walkable nodes.
If you plan on moving to Kensington, get in touch with us at 650-284-2931 for a free estimate now.
Where Is Kensington?
Kensington is in Contra Costa County, inside the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Kensington does not border San Francisco, but it does border cities in Contra Costa County like El Cerrito, Albany, and Berkeley. Kensington is in the Berkeley Hills, bordering the Tilden Nature Area. It’s a well-developed community, though it contains only small commercial sectors. It is 7.7 miles from Oakland to Kensington, and it is 14.2 miles from San Francisco to Kensington.
The Ohlone people lived in the Kensington area for thousands of years before Spanish settlers arrived in 1772. In 1823, the Mexican government granted the area as a ranch to a Mexican Army veteran. The area did not become a part of the United States until California became a state in 1850. Even after California became a state, Kensington remained an agricultural and small community, with very few people moving to Kensington.
Residents living in Kensington CA have limited direct public transportation; most bus routes and BART stations are in nearby El Cerrito and Berkeley, such as El Cerrito Plaza and Downtown Berkeley BART, which many locals drive or walk to. The community is compact with a gridlike structure to the streets, so you can walk to most locations in Kensington. The closest major road to Kensington is Interstate 80, which you can use for moving to Kensington and visiting cities near San Francisco, including Los Altos and Danville.
Kensington Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Kensington population in 2020 was 5,428, up by 6.9% since 2010. Kensington is one of the largest census-designated places in Contra Costa County, though it’s smaller than every city and town in the county. The Kensington population density is 5,630.7 people living in Kensington CA per square mile, up by nearly 300 people since 2010.
Notable people living in Kensington CA include Martin Eberhard, Marsha Hunt, and Kit Woolsey. Notable Kensington demographics include:
- 51.4% female, 48.6% male
- Median age of residents living in Kensington CA: 46.0
- Racial and ethnic composition of people living in Kensington CA: 71.0% White (68.7% non-Hispanic or Latino), 14.0% two or more races, 11.1% Asian, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
- Median household income: $209,137 (twice the California median)
- Educational attainment: 99.2% older than 25 graduated high school, 81.4% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population: 13.4%
The Kensington median age is 8.4 years higher than the California median age. 14.1% of residents living in Kensington CA are younger than 10 years old, but 23.4% of residents are older than 65.
Many retirees are currently moving to Kensington, usually from major cities, so they can enjoy the quieter atmosphere. Kensington is one of the wealthiest unincorporated communities in the Bay Area. The per capita income among residents living in Kensington CA is $104,366, which is nearly 2.2 times higher than the California per capita income.
Is Kensington Safe to Live In?
Yes, Kensington is very safe to live in. In 2024, Kensington CA recorded a violent crime rate of about 111.2 crimes per 100,000 residents (6 violent offenses) and a property crime rate of roughly 1,241.2 crimes per 100,000 residents (67 property offenses). Overall crime is estimated to be 36–46% lower than the national average, though some sites note recent upticks.
The Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District employs seven police officers who respond to all emergencies in Kensington.
Cost of Living in Kensington
While Kensington cost of living statistics can be hard to find, due to close proximity, you can use San Francisco cost of living statistics as a rough estimate. The San Francisco cost of living index is 170, meaning items in the San Francisco area cost 70% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Contra Costa County needs to earn roughly $125,672 per year (about $10,473 per month) to cover their cost of living.
Kensington Real Estate
Kensington real estate is expensive, though you have options for high-end and upscale properties while living in Kensington CA. According to Redfin, Kensington homes for sale have a median sale price of about $1.7 million as of May 2026, and the Kensington housing market is very competitive. There are very few Kensington apartments or houses for rent in Kensington, and you may need to look in two districts or communities to rent real estate.
Typical Kensington* Living Expenses
- 12 regular eggs: $5.73
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.78
- 1 pound of oranges: $2.38
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $5.22
- Average Kensington* utilities per month: $234.43
- 1 pair of jeans: $63.33
Source: Numbeo
*Expenses actually for San Francisco
Kensington Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Kensington
Kensington does not have any formal neighborhoods, which can make finding Kensington real estate a little tricky. The Kensington real estate market is very small, with few, if any, options for properties for rent in Kensington on a regular basis. There are also few options for condos or townhomes, with nearly all Kensington homes for sale being single-family properties.
Properties vary in footprints and features, but many homes for sale in Kensington are modern and luxurious. You can buy a home with a wood-burning fireplace, spacious balconies with mountain views, and bay windows. Prices vary, with some homes costing well over $1 million. However, you may be able to find a two-bedroom home with roughly 1,200 square feet for around $750,000 after moving to Kensington.
Kensington Weather and Climate
Kensington has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool and mild winters. The temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the summer. August and September have identical temperatures, with an average temperature of 63 degrees and an average high of 75. Temperatures only fall in earnest in mid-October and level out in late December. January is the coldest month of Kensington weather, with an average temperature of 48 degrees and an average low of 42.
The summers in Kensington are very sunny, with July and August having 91% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days. The winters are more overcast and rainy, and most rain falls during the winter months. Kensington receives 18.9 inches of rain and no snow every year. Kensington can experience a strong thunderstorm or wind gales, but you shouldn’t expect to experience severe weather while living in Kensington CA.
Kensington is a great place to visit at any time. August is the best month to visit and start moving to Kensington. You can enjoy the warm but not too hot temperatures while wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. You won’t experience humidity while living in Kensington CA, so you can visit several parks and enjoy iced drinks at family-friendly coffee shops.
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Things to Do in Kensington
You can find many top things to do in Kensington, including kid-friendly attractions and beautiful outdoor points of interest! Kensington is also a hub for local stores. You can buy groceries at Colusa Market, Young’s Market, and Kensington Farmers’ Market.
Tilden Nature Area
Tilden Nature Area (not to be confused with Tilden Park) is a nature preserve with over 10 miles of hiking trails. You can go birdwatching and view wildlife in woodlands, grasslands, and eucalyptus forests spread across 740 acres.
1500 Central Park Drive, Berkeley, CA, 94708, 510-544-2233
Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a 10-acre botanic garden that specializes in California native plants. You can go on guided tours on weekends and weekdays, or you can visit the garden by yourself for free.
1550 Wildcat Canyon Road, Berkeley, CA, 94708, 510-544-3169
Tilden Park Golf Course
Tilden Park Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course with over 6,200 yards of greens. The course also contains a heated and covered three-tiered driving range. Tilden Park Golf Course also contains an on-site restaurant and PGA professionals who offer classes for kids and adults.
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10 Golf Course Drive, Berkeley, CA, 94708, 510-848-7373
Additional Things to Do in Kensington
If you’re wondering what to do in Kensington, the Kensington Parks and Recreation Department serves all residents living in Kensington CA and maintains several parks in the community. The department also helps arrange special events like parties. You can see when these events will occur using the Kensington events calendar.
Kensington Restaurants
The San Francisco area contains kid-friendly and delicious restaurants, including great places for crab legs, Chinese food, and Mission burritos. Restaurants in Kensington have many of the same treats, and you can enjoy affordable and romantic experiences!
Talavera
Talavera is an authentic Mexican restaurant that serves tacos, burritos, and breakfast dishes, including huevos rancheros and breakfast enchiladas. Most dishes cost less than $20, making Talavera one of the most affordable Mexican restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1561 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94707, 510-558-8565
iScream
iScream is the top ice cream parlor in Kensington. iScream offers a range of flavors, including unique ones like hibiscus sorbet and Valencia orange.
1819 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94707
Lavender Bakery
Lavender Bakery is a romantic and European-inspired bakery that serves cakes, pastries, and savory items. You can order custom items as well, making Lavender Bakery perfect for special occasions while living in Kensington CA.
1820 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94707, 510-529-4433
Kensington Jobs
According to DataUSA, 2,629 people have jobs in Kensington. The job market in Kensington has stayed relatively consistent in recent years, hovering around 2,750 Kensington jobs. Professional services, educational services, and health care are the three largest sectors in Kensington. They account for nearly 60% of Kensington jobs, and each sector has median earnings of over $230,000 a year.
According to Payscale, Kensington jobs have an average salary of $90,000 a year. Hourly jobs are not common in Kensington. Top employers in Kensington include Safeway, Ace Hardware, and the University of California Berkeley. You can use Indeed to look for jobs in Kensington, and you can apply for Contra Costa County jobs on the county government’s website.
Kensington Schools
The West Contra Costa Unified School District is the official Kensington school district that serves all students living in Kensington CA. Kensington Hilltop Elementary School is a K-6 school located in Kensington. US News considers it to be the best elementary school in the district. 78% of students at the school test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 35 percentage points higher than the state average.
There are no other schools in Kensington, including high schools in Kensington. Students living in Kensington CA then attend Korematsu Middle School and El Cerrito High School. El Cerrito High School is well known for its art programs, including its marching band, which was one of the first high school marching bands to appear on television.
There are no private schools in Kensington or colleges. The Kensington Library serves all residents living in Kensington CA.
Kensington Statistics and Information
- County: Contra Costa County
- Kensington area: 0.956 square miles
- Kensington zip code: 94707 and 94708
- Kensington area code: 341 and 510
- Kensington elevation: 587 feet
- Kensington time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Kensington: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 26.8 miles from Kensington
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FAQs
Where Is Kensington California?
Kensington California is a small unincorporated community north of Berkeley in the San Francisco–Oakland–Berkeley metro area, set on hillside land above El Cerrito with views of the bay. Arlington Avenue and Colusa Circle form its local commercial core, while Blake Garden and nearby open space connect residents to nature. Living in Kensington CA means close access to Berkeley and Richmond for work, culture, and transit.
What County Is Kensington CA In?
Kensington CA is a census‑designated place in Contra Costa County, governed through county agencies and special districts rather than an incorporated city government. The Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District handles police, trash, and recycling services, while Contra Costa County oversees public works and code enforcement. Owners and renters living in Kensington CA rely on this community services district structure for local life and infrastructure.
What Is the Zip Code for Kensington CA?
Kensington CA uses several Berkeley‑area ZIP codes: 94706, 94707, and 94708, all within the broader East Bay postal region north of Oakland. These ZIPs cover residential hills, Colusa Circle’s small commercial district, and streets adjacent to El Cerrito and Berkeley. Your ZIP code influences school zones, delivery routes, and some local services coordinated through the Census Bureau and county agencies.
What Cities Are Close to Kensington CA?
Kensington CA sits just north of Berkeley and adjacent to El Cerrito, with Albany and Richmond nearby, all part of the inner East Bay. Residents can reach downtown Berkeley, UC Berkeley, and El Cerrito Plaza BART in minutes, making commuting across the region relatively easy. Living in Kensington CA, you enjoy close access to these cities’ jobs, recreation, and transit while residing in a quieter hillside neighborhood.
What Are the Demographics of Kensington CA?
Kensington CA had 5,428 residents in the 2020 Census, with a 2019–2023 median household income of $209,137 and per‑capita income of $104,366. Owner‑occupied housing is 85.3%, median home value is $1,412,500, and average household size is 2.48 people. Living in Kensington CA, most adults hold college degrees (81.4% bachelor’s or higher), foreign‑born residents are 13.4%, and poverty is roughly 4.6%, indicating a highly educated, affluent community.
Is Kensington, CA a Good Place to Live?
Kensington CA is widely considered a desirable place to live, with hillside views, low overall crime compared to national averages, and excellent schools and incomes. Median home values exceed $1.4M, reflecting demand for quiet residential streets and nearby Blake Garden and regional parks. Families living in Kensington CA benefit from strong public services and close access to Berkeley’s universities and cultural venues.
What Is Kensington, CA Known For?
Kensington CA is known for its compact hillside neighborhood feel, high median home values, and proximity to UC Berkeley and local gardens. Blake Garden, a 10.5‑acre teaching landscape run by UC Berkeley, is a standout attraction, offering bay views and native plantings. Colusa Circle and Arlington Avenue host small shops and cafés. Living in Kensington CA, residents enjoy a quiet, residential lifestyle with rich academic and cultural ties.
What Is the Crime Rate in Kensington CA?
In 2024, Kensington CA recorded a violent crime rate of about 111.2 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,241.2 per 100,000, with only six violent crimes and 67 property crimes reported. Overall crime is roughly 36% lower than the national average, though rates vary by category. Living in Kensington CA, residents see relatively low crime for the region, supported by local policing through the Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District.
How Many People Live in Kensington, CA?
Kensington CA had 5,428 residents at the 2020 Census and around 5,100–5,200 people in recent estimates, reflecting modest growth since 2010. Population density is about 5,630.7 residents per square mile, concentrated on steep hillside streets overlooking the bay. The Census Bureau reports 2,131 households with an average household size of 2.48 people. Living in Kensington CA means being part of a small, close‑knit East Bay community.
Kensington Map
You can find businesses, Kensington restaurants, and other things to do using this Kensington map.
Start Living in Kensington CA
Living in Kensington CA can be an incredible experience! You can raise a family on peaceful streets, enjoy delicious restaurants, and have fun with great things to do. Moving to Kensington can also be incredible, especially with a team of top Kensington movers. AMS Relocation has a team of the best Kensington movers. Call 650-284-2931 for a free estimate now.
