Fort Lewis, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Fort Lewis, Washington had a total population of 15,167, the 92nd largest community in Washington, with a median household income of $58,796, which is 40% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 40% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Washington (diversity index: 72/100).
Fort Lewis Quick Facts
How Fort Lewis 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 | 13,983 | 15,167 | +8.5% |
| Median household income | $54,902 | $58,796 | +7.1% |
How Fort Lewis 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
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fort Lewis Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in Pierce County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | 222,758 | $85,884 | 12.4% | $479,600 |
| South Hill | 68,025 | $113,130 | 7.2% | $543,600 |
| Lakewood | 62,937 | $74,720 | 13.2% | $461,200 |
| Puyallup | 42,746 | $97,826 | 7.0% | $551,800 |
| Parkland | 38,742 | $72,239 | 13.0% | $423,000 |
| Graham | 35,079 | $116,862 | 5.9% | $516,700 |
| University Place | 34,911 | $99,031 | 8.2% | $624,800 |
| Spanaway | 34,019 | $98,251 | 8.8% | $445,700 |
| Frederickson | 25,383 | $109,500 | 5.7% | $477,400 |
| Bonney Lake | 22,090 | $136,845 | 4.5% | $607,900 |
Cities Similar to Fort Lewis
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside | 16,277 | $60,923 | $240,700 | 9.8% | 18.5% |
| Aberdeen | 17,088 | $52,195 | $237,300 | 15.2% | 23.8% |
| East Wenatchee | 14,199 | $77,558 | $429,200 | 19.8% | 8.0% |
| Cheney | 12,804 | $54,503 | $395,900 | 38.0% | 31.3% |
| White Center | 14,886 | $87,189 | $645,200 | 35.9% | 14.5% |
Population Overview
Fort Lewis is a small city located in Washington, within Pierce County. The total population is 15,167. It ranks as the 92nd most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fort Lewis is 22.9 years. This is 40% lower than the state median of 38.3 years. With 28.6% of the population under 18, Fort Lewis has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Fort Lewis is $58,796. This is 40% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 27% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 13.3%. This is 34% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 5.4%. This is 5% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. 1.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 98% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Lewis is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 26.5%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (16.6% vs 3.9%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (26.5% vs 14.4%). The Asian population (3.6%) is well below the state average of 9.7%.
Education
24.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% 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 97.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, Washington?
Fort Lewis, Washington has a population of 15,167 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fort Lewis, WA?
The median household income in Fort Lewis is $58,796, which is 27% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Lewis, WA?
The poverty rate in Fort Lewis is 13.3%. This means approximately 1,383 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Lewis, Washington?
Fort Lewis's population is 41.6% White, 16.6% Black, 26.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fort Lewis, WA?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median home value estimate for Fort Lewis — there are too few owner-occupied homes in the ACS sample. The national median is $332,700.
How educated is Fort Lewis, Washington?
24.4% of adults (25+) in Fort Lewis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.