Cheney city, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Cheney city, Washington has a total population of 12,830, the 103rd largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $47,039, which is 50% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 34.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 50% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (34.6%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.0x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 12.7% is notably above the national average.
Cheney city Quick Facts
How Cheney city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 55 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Cheney city Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Cities Similar to Cheney city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelso city | 12,697 | $59,462 | $302,300 | 11.8% | 19.5% |
| Fort Lewis CDP | 13,983 | $54,902 | N/A | 22.5% | 16.4% |
| Sedro-Woolley city | 12,633 | $72,140 | $390,200 | 17.1% | 14.7% |
| Grandview city | 11,042 | $59,875 | $232,500 | 6.6% | 19.0% |
| Sunnyside city | 16,329 | $53,350 | $207,200 | 9.0% | 17.4% |
Population Overview
Cheney city is a small city located in Washington. The total population is 12,830. It ranks as the 103rd most populous out of 631 cities and towns in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Cheney city is 23.9 years. This is 37% lower than the state median of 38.2 years. Only 14.3% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Cheney city is $47,039. This is 50% lower than the state median of $94,952. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% lower. The poverty rate stands at 34.6%. This is 249% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 12.7%. This is 155% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $330,300. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $519,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.0x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 31.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 52% lower than the state average of 63.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Cheney city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 74.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 10.5%. The Asian population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 9.3%.
Education
36.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Cheney city, Washington is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 631 Census-designated places in Washington. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Cheney city, Washington?
Cheney city, Washington has a population of 12,830 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Cheney city, WA?
The median household income in Cheney city is $47,039, which is 40% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Cheney city, WA?
The poverty rate in Cheney city is 34.6%. This means approximately 3,954 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Cheney city, Washington?
Cheney city's population is 74.5% White, 2.7% Black, 10.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Cheney city, WA?
The median home value in Cheney city is $330,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x.
How educated is Cheney city, Washington?
36.8% of adults (25+) in Cheney city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.