Lakewood, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Lakewood, Washington had a total population of 62,937, the 21st largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $74,720, which is 24% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Washington (diversity index: 73/100).
Lakewood Quick Facts
How Lakewood 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 | 63,034 | 62,937 | -0.2% |
| Median household income | $70,524 | $74,720 | +5.9% |
| Median home value | $420,500 | $461,200 | +9.7% |
How Lakewood 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+)
Lakewood 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 |
| 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 |
| Fort Lewis | 15,167 | $58,796 | 13.3% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Lakewood
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richland | 62,753 | $95,813 | $436,700 | 46.6% | 9.0% |
| Olympia | 55,951 | $81,302 | $486,200 | 51.8% | 14.0% |
| Lacey | 57,737 | $90,625 | $457,100 | 34.1% | 11.6% |
| Shoreline | 61,431 | $112,751 | $811,100 | 52.8% | 8.8% |
| South Hill | 68,025 | $113,130 | $543,600 | 32.9% | 7.2% |
Population Overview
Lakewood is a mid-sized community located in Washington, within Pierce County. The total population is 62,937. It ranks as the 21st most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lakewood is 37.4 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 38.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lakewood is $74,720. This is 24% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 7% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%. This is 33% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. This is 12% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $461,200. Housing costs are 18% lower than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.2x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 47.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lakewood is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 18.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (13.3% vs 3.9%).
Education
23.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% 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 87.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, Washington?
Lakewood, Washington has a population of 62,937 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lakewood, WA?
The median household income in Lakewood is $74,720, which is 7% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Lakewood, WA?
The poverty rate in Lakewood is 13.2%. This means approximately 8,132 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lakewood, Washington?
Lakewood's population is 45.0% White, 13.3% Black, 18.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lakewood, WA?
The median home value in Lakewood is $461,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x.
How educated is Lakewood, Washington?
23.2% of adults (25+) in Lakewood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.