Ellensburg, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ellensburg, Washington had a total population of 20,874, the 73rd largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $55,438, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.3x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 8.9% is notably above the national average.
Ellensburg Quick Facts
How Ellensburg 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 | 18,913 | 20,874 | +10.4% |
| Median household income | $49,888 | $55,438 | +11.1% |
| Median home value | $357,800 | $404,100 | +12.9% |
How Ellensburg 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+)
Ellensburg Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in Kittitas County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cle Elum | 1,905 | $63,973 | 9.8% | $451,000 |
| Kittitas | 1,221 | $80,278 | 11.6% | $316,700 |
| Roslyn | 1,076 | $104,800 | 5.0% | $565,200 |
| Easton | 647 | $112,500 | 5.6% | $769,300 |
| South Cle Elum | 579 | $66,750 | 13.8% | $374,300 |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 428 | $140,054 | 5.6% | $962,100 |
| Thorp | 230 | $120,739 | 8.7% | $372,700 |
| Ronald | 119 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Ellensburg
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Angeles | 20,118 | $62,606 | $370,200 | 30.3% | 11.5% |
| Centralia | 18,830 | $56,219 | $318,200 | 19.4% | 19.6% |
| Tukwila | 21,451 | $78,381 | $489,000 | 25.3% | 13.1% |
| Aberdeen | 17,088 | $52,195 | $237,300 | 15.2% | 23.8% |
| Arlington | 21,095 | $88,231 | $538,800 | 20.8% | 12.7% |
Population Overview
Ellensburg is a small city located in Washington, within Kittitas County. The total population is 20,874. It ranks as the 73rd most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ellensburg is 25.0 years. This is 35% lower than the state median of 38.3 years. Only 14.5% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ellensburg is $55,438. This is 44% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 31% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 22.4%. This is 127% 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 8.9%. This is 75% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $404,100. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 32.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 48% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ellensburg is White (non-Hispanic), making up 75.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.8%. The Asian population (2.6%) is well below the state average of 9.7%.
Education
41.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% higher 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 94.5%. Notably, 18.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg, Washington?
Ellensburg, Washington has a population of 20,874 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ellensburg, WA?
The median household income in Ellensburg is $55,438, which is 31% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ellensburg, WA?
The poverty rate in Ellensburg is 22.4%. This means approximately 4,297 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ellensburg, Washington?
Ellensburg's population is 75.8% White, 2.1% Black, 12.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ellensburg, WA?
The median home value in Ellensburg is $404,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x.
How educated is Ellensburg, Washington?
41.4% of adults (25+) in Ellensburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.