Cowiche, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Cowiche, Washington had a total population of 364, the 506th largest community in Washington. The poverty rate is 28.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (28.6%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 8.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
Cowiche Quick Facts
How Cowiche 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 | 449 | 364 | -18.9% |
| Median home value | $218,600 | $219,900 | +0.6% |
How Cowiche 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Cowiche Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in Yakima County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima | 96,961 | $62,815 | 16.6% | $297,600 |
| Sunnyside | 16,277 | $60,923 | 18.5% | $240,700 |
| Grandview | 11,187 | $61,106 | 17.9% | $265,300 |
| Terrace Heights | 10,041 | $83,016 | 14.4% | $377,300 |
| Toppenish | 8,723 | $67,854 | 18.0% | $230,000 |
| Selah | 8,437 | $74,783 | 13.9% | $414,600 |
| Union Gap | 6,584 | $59,651 | 13.8% | $210,600 |
| Moxee | 4,625 | $100,512 | 7.8% | $362,800 |
| Wapato | 4,538 | $52,019 | 24.5% | $185,100 |
| Ahtanum | 3,777 | $96,149 | 2.6% | $337,500 |
Cities Similar to Cowiche
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quilcene | 362 | $34,464 | $274,300 | 13.5% | 26.5% |
| Metaline Falls | 361 | $46,500 | $281,300 | 25.9% | 5.3% |
| Almira | 360 | $52,333 | $204,000 | 10.4% | 18.3% |
| Nespelem Community | 358 | $104,063 | $173,400 | 18.1% | 2.6% |
| LaCrosse | 357 | $33,621 | $112,700 | 37.3% | 19.2% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 364, Cowiche's ACS estimates come from a small number of survey responses and carry wide margins of error. Individual percentages below — particularly rates that round to 0% or 100% — are approximations, not precise measurements. See data.census.gov for the published margins of error.
Population Overview
Cowiche is a small community located in Washington, within Yakima County. The total population is 364. It ranks as the 506th most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Cowiche is 54.3 years. This is 42% higher than the state median of 38.3 years. 19.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 28.6%. This is 189% 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 survey records no unemployed residents in Cowiche, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $219,900. Housing costs are 61% lower than the state median of $564,600. 35.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 45% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Cowiche is White (non-Hispanic), making up 51.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 48.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (48.1% vs 14.4%).
Education
8.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 79% 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 72.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Cowiche, 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 Cowiche, Washington?
Cowiche, Washington has a population of 364 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Cowiche, WA?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Cowiche — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Cowiche, WA?
The poverty rate in Cowiche is 28.6%. This means approximately 104 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Cowiche, Washington?
Cowiche's population is 51.9% White, 0.0% Black, 48.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Cowiche, WA?
The median home value in Cowiche is $219,900.
How educated is Cowiche, Washington?
8.2% of adults (25+) in Cowiche hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.