Report: Renters overtaking homeowners in some Bay Area cities

American suburbs have been demographically reshaped in the past decade – according to Census data. Between 2010 and 2019, the number of suburban renters grew by 22%, which drove 103 suburbs in the nation’s largest metros to flip to a renter-majority population, according to a new report from RENTCafé .

California had the most suburbs that made the switch, 23, with five of those in the Bay Area.

The report shows that:

• Of the suburbs in the Bay Area that became renter majority over the decade, San Pablo holds the highest share of renters – 60% (and third highest nationwide). Renter population there built up from 47% over the decade. Nearby Richmond, now holds a share of 51% renters, up from 45% in 2010.
• Renter population growth indicates that two other suburbs in the Bay Area might change from owner to renter majority in the following years – Bay Point and Pittsburg.
• Other Bay Area suburbs have seen strong growth in renter population, despite still being owner-dominated. Newark in Alameda County is No. 1 on this list, with a strong 30% increase in renter share.