McChord AFB, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, McChord AFB, Washington had a total population of 2,999, the 261st largest community in Washington, with a median household income of $54,808, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.4%.
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.
McChord AFB Quick Facts
How McChord AFB 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 | 2,895 | 2,999 | +3.6% |
| Median household income | $55,662 | $54,808 | -1.5% |
How McChord AFB 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
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
McChord AFB 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 McChord AFB
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peaceful Valley | 2,858 | $59,625 | $317,800 | 14.2% | 17.1% |
| Raymond | 3,210 | $48,516 | $267,500 | 20.3% | 13.8% |
| Fairchild AFB | 2,931 | $69,917 | N/A | 39.8% | 3.3% |
| Chewelah | 2,606 | $54,167 | $267,400 | 19.3% | 16.8% |
| Port Angeles East | 3,137 | $68,241 | $347,600 | 31.5% | 4.7% |
Population Overview
McChord AFB is a small community located in Washington, within Pierce County. The total population is 2,999. It ranks as the 261st most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in McChord AFB is 23.4 years. This is 39% lower than the state median of 38.3 years. With 32.6% of the population under 18, McChord AFB has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in McChord AFB is $54,808. This is 44% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 32% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%. This is 46% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The survey records no unemployed residents in McChord AFB, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. 2.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 96% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in McChord AFB is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 25.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (8.7% vs 3.9%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (25.3% vs 14.4%). The Asian population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 9.7%.
Education
28.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% 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 99.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for McChord AFB, 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 McChord AFB, Washington?
McChord AFB, Washington has a population of 2,999 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in McChord AFB, WA?
The median household income in McChord AFB is $54,808, which is 32% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in McChord AFB, WA?
The poverty rate in McChord AFB is 14.4%. This means approximately 353 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of McChord AFB, Washington?
McChord AFB's population is 55.4% White, 8.7% Black, 25.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in McChord AFB, WA?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median home value estimate for McChord AFB — there are too few owner-occupied homes in the ACS sample. The national median is $332,700.
How educated is McChord AFB, Washington?
28.1% of adults (25+) in McChord AFB hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.