North Yelm, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, North Yelm, Washington had a total population of 2,522, the 284th largest community in Washington, with a median household income of $73,725, which is 25% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.1% — among the lowest in Washington.
- Only 6.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%.
North Yelm Quick Facts
How North Yelm 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 | 2,503 | 2,522 | +0.8% |
| Median household income | $77,691 | $73,725 | -5.1% |
| Median home value | $330,200 | $384,500 | +16.4% |
How North Yelm 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 less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
North Yelm Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in Thurston County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacey | 57,737 | $90,625 | 11.6% | $457,100 |
| Olympia | 55,951 | $81,302 | 14.0% | $486,200 |
| Tumwater | 26,956 | $95,212 | 7.0% | $472,200 |
| Yelm | 11,102 | $90,750 | 6.0% | $455,300 |
| Tanglewilde | 6,314 | $100,714 | 7.0% | $444,900 |
| Rochester | 5,834 | $99,286 | 16.3% | $445,300 |
| Grand Mound | 3,287 | $72,426 | 7.3% | $411,400 |
| Rainier | 2,455 | $106,019 | 14.6% | $425,900 |
| Tenino | 2,025 | $82,639 | 11.6% | $369,000 |
| Nisqually Indian Community | 628 | $73,750 | 17.5% | $310,000 |
Cities Similar to North Yelm
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Salmon | 2,548 | $72,923 | $614,900 | 51.0% | 3.5% |
| Leavenworth | 2,569 | $69,943 | $617,000 | 45.8% | 2.9% |
| Okanogan | 2,470 | $68,611 | $248,400 | 24.9% | 10.3% |
| Navy Yard City | 2,672 | $69,852 | $342,600 | 23.2% | 21.9% |
| Kingston | 2,496 | $90,625 | $585,300 | 34.4% | 8.1% |
Population Overview
North Yelm is a small community located in Washington, within Thurston County. The total population is 2,522. It ranks as the 284th most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in North Yelm is 40.0 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 38.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in North Yelm is $73,725. This is 25% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 9% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 2.1%. This is 79% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 1.3%. This is 75% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $384,500. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x. 74.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% higher than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
North Yelm has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.8%) is well below the state average of 14.4%.
Education
6.9% 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 83% 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 94.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for North Yelm, 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 North Yelm, Washington?
North Yelm, Washington has a population of 2,522 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in North Yelm, WA?
The median household income in North Yelm is $73,725, which is 9% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in North Yelm, WA?
The poverty rate in North Yelm is 2.1%. This means approximately 52 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of North Yelm, Washington?
North Yelm's population is 85.8% White, 0.0% Black, 3.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in North Yelm, WA?
The median home value in North Yelm is $384,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x.
How educated is North Yelm, Washington?
6.9% of adults (25+) in North Yelm hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.