Carson, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Carson, Washington had a total population of 2,318, the 297th largest community in Washington, with a median household income of $68,929, which is 30% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.1x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 8.6% is notably above the national average.
Carson Quick Facts
How Carson Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,553 | 2,318 | -9.2% |
| Median household income | $70,347 | $68,929 | -2.0% |
| Median home value | $385,100 | $490,400 | +27.3% |
How Carson Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Carson Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in Skamania County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevenson | 1,603 | $76,563 | 11.9% | $496,500 |
| North Bonneville | 1,112 | $100,417 | 4.6% | $445,900 |
Cities Similar to Carson
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock | 2,217 | $69,639 | $348,600 | 15.8% | 7.0% |
| Okanogan | 2,470 | $68,611 | $248,400 | 24.9% | 10.3% |
| Westport | 2,217 | $64,750 | $196,600 | 17.1% | 7.3% |
| Leavenworth | 2,569 | $69,943 | $617,000 | 45.8% | 2.9% |
| Ocean Park | 2,122 | $65,676 | $350,500 | 24.8% | 10.2% |
Population Overview
Carson is a small community located in Washington, within Skamania County. The total population is 2,318. It ranks as the 297th most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Carson is 53.5 years. This is 40% higher than the state median of 38.3 years. Only 12.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 15.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Carson is $68,929. This is 30% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 15% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%. This is 14% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 8.6%. This is 69% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $490,400. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Carson is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.1%. The Black or African American population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 3.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.1%) is well below the state average of 14.4%.
Education
15.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 60% lower than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Carson, Washington is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 628 Census-designated places in Washington. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Carson, Washington?
Carson, Washington has a population of 2,318 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Carson, WA?
The median household income in Carson is $68,929, which is 15% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Carson, WA?
The poverty rate in Carson is 8.5%. This means approximately 196 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Carson, Washington?
Carson's population is 83.9% White, 1.6% Black, 3.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Carson, WA?
The median home value in Carson is $490,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x.
How educated is Carson, Washington?
15.7% of adults (25+) in Carson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.