Brooklyn’s population will continue to record  moderate gains over the next five years. In absolute numbers, the next five years will see the addition of approximately 39,000 residents through a combination of migration and natural increase. Net migration is not, however, forecast to make a substantial contribution to growth during the next five years. The majority of population growth will come as a result of natural increases. The birth rate in Brooklyn currently exceeds the death rate by two to one. At 34.9 years, the average age of residents in the area is similar to the national average. Through 2012, the population and number of households are both expected to increase by approximately 1.5 percent. The median household income in Brooklyn is $37,000, compared to $51,000 nationally. This has contributed to the lower homeownership rate in Brooklyn. With a median home price higher than the national median price, the majority of residents are priced out of the for-sale market. This bodes well for the rental market as more than 70 percent of households do not own their primary residence. The long-term outlook for Brooklyn indicates a moderately expanding population, relatively young residents and a captive renter pool.