Palouse, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Palouse, Washington had a total population of 1,147, the 384th largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $88,750, which is 10% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.1%.
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 3.1% — among the lowest in Washington.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.5%.
Palouse Quick Facts
How Palouse 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 | 1,131 | 1,147 | +1.4% |
| Median household income | $92,875 | $88,750 | -4.4% |
| Median home value | $261,000 | $286,200 | +9.7% |
How Palouse 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+)
Palouse Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in Whitman County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman | 32,229 | $46,812 | 30.4% | $424,800 |
| Colfax | 2,708 | $61,914 | 15.1% | $245,300 |
| Tekoa | 690 | $46,250 | 12.2% | $211,900 |
| St. John | 607 | $46,250 | 15.7% | $208,300 |
| Rosalia | 513 | $50,938 | 19.8% | $197,700 |
| Albion | 495 | $56,833 | 6.5% | $230,700 |
| Garfield | 475 | $70,625 | 17.2% | $221,200 |
| Endicott | 425 | $45,625 | 9.9% | $163,000 |
| Uniontown | 400 | $71,563 | 7.2% | $337,500 |
| Oakesdale | 396 | $78,750 | 2.5% | $258,300 |
Cities Similar to Palouse
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grapeview | 1,088 | N/A | $477,700 | 32.3% | 5.7% |
| North Bonneville | 1,112 | $100,417 | $445,900 | 22.2% | 4.6% |
| Kittitas | 1,221 | $80,278 | $316,700 | 22.9% | 11.6% |
| Marrowstone | 1,164 | $110,368 | $756,000 | 44.5% | 6.1% |
| Clear Lake (Pierce County) | 1,271 | $95,882 | $788,500 | 19.2% | 6.6% |
Population Overview
Palouse is a small community located in Washington, within Whitman County. The total population is 1,147. It ranks as the 384th most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Palouse is 40.7 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 38.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Palouse is $88,750. This is 10% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 10% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 3.1%. This is 69% 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 0.5%. This is 90% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $286,200. Housing costs are 49% lower than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 85.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% higher than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Palouse is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.1% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.5%) is well below the state average of 14.4%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 9.7%.
Education
45.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% 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 98.6%. Notably, 20.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Palouse, 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 Palouse, Washington?
Palouse, Washington has a population of 1,147 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Palouse, WA?
The median household income in Palouse is $88,750, which is 10% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Palouse, WA?
The poverty rate in Palouse is 3.1%. This means approximately 35 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Palouse, Washington?
Palouse's population is 84.1% White, 0.0% Black, 6.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Palouse, WA?
The median home value in Palouse is $286,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
How educated is Palouse, Washington?
45.1% of adults (25+) in Palouse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 20.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.