Priest River, ID demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,778
-13.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,782/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
836
-9.1% year-over-year change

Priest River population

How many people live in Priest River

Priest River is home to 1,778 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.4% of Priest River locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
1,778
-13.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.4%
932
Female
47.6%
846
Value Percent YoY change
Male 932 52.4% -16.0%
Female 846 47.6% -10.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Priest River is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
24.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 311 17.5% -15.0%
15 to 24 212 11.9% -19.7%
25 to 44 406 22.8% -9.8%
45 to 64 406 22.8% -15.1%
Over 65 443 24.9% -11.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 12% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,774 99.8% -13.6%
Non-citizens 4 0.2% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
87.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,550 87.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.6%
Asian 4 0.2%
Two or more races 214 12%

Households in Priest River

A peek inside Priest River households

Priest River has 722 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.2% are families, while the remaining 42.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
722
-11.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
309
Family households
413
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 309 42.8% 1.3%
Family households 413 57.2% -19.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Priest River

The housing landscape of Priest River

Priest River's housing consists of 836 units, with 65.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 13.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
836
-9.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 550 65.8%
1 unit, attached 15 1.8%
3 or 4 units 64 7.7%
5 to 9 units 44 5.3%
10 to 19 units 16 1.9%
50 or more units 19 2.3%
Mobile home 114 13.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 1.7%
Homes built since 2020
42
23.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Priest River

In Priest River, the median construction year is 1973. About 15.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 133 15.9% -6.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 72 8.6% 4.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 128 15.3% -18.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 28 3.4% 47.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 197 23.6% -7.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 95 11.4% -1.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 49 5.9% -41.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 72 8.6% 12.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 20 2.4% -51.2%
Built in 2020 or later 42 5% 23.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Priest River occupancy rates

Out of the 722 occupied housing units in Priest River, 74.2% are owner-occupied, while 25.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
722
-11.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
186
Owner occupied
536
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 186 25.8% -17.7%
Owner occupied 536 74.2% -9.6%
Unoccupied housing units
13.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Priest River housing costs

Housing costs in Priest River come to a median of $791 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $817.

Median housing costs per month
$791/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Priest River
$817/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Priest River

Priest River education at a glance

About 58.2% of the population in Priest River went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 36 2.7% 5.9%
High school diploma 786 58.2% -19.0%
College diploma 254 18.8% -20.6%
Associate degree 117 8.7% -14.0%
Bachelor's degree 94 7% 16.1%
Graduate degree 63 4.7% 6.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Priest River

How much people earn in Priest River

The average annual household income in Priest River was $78,858 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,782, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Priest River
$78,858/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Priest River
$58,782/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Priest River income by age

In Priest River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,345. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $83,466 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $87,917, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,394 in earnings. Overall, 94.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $87,917 N/A
25 - 44 $75,345 15.7%
45 - 64 $83,466 3.0%
Over 65 $51,394 2.9%
Above poverty level
1,650
Below poverty level
88
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,650 94.9% -11.3%
Below poverty level 88 5.1% -41.7%

Average renter income in Priest River

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Priest River, their median household income was $29,583 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,583
Rent-to-income ratio
33.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Priest River

Workforce and job types in Priest River

The job market in Priest River is powered by 728 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.6% run their own businesses, 63.2% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
728
-13.9% year-over-year change
White collar
469
Blue collar
259
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 469 64.4% -13.6%
Blue collar 259 35.6% -14.5%
Employer type
Self employees
14.6%
Private companies
63.2%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 106 14.6% 0.9%
Private companies 460 63.2% -13.5%
Governmental workers 124 17% -16.8%
Not for profit companies 38 5.2% -36.7%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
75.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Priest River stands at 1.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Priest River

How people get around in Priest River

Commuting methods vary: 81.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 581 81.5% -19.0%
Subway or elevated 19 2.7% N/A
Bicycle 23 3.2% 4.5%
Walk 7 1% -12.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Priest River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
83856 6,885 2,631 $75,285 $103,664

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FAQs about Priest River demographics 

What is the total population of Priest River?

Priest River has a total population of 1,778 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -13.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Priest River?

The gender ratio in Priest River is as follows:
  • 52.4% males (932 residents)
  • 47.6% females (846 residents)

What is the median age in Priest River?

The median age in Priest River is 43.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Priest River?

The age distribution in Priest River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (311 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (212 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (406 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (406 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.9% (443 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Priest River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Priest River is as follows:
  • White: 87.2% (1,550 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12% (214 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Priest River are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Priest River.

How many housing units are there in Priest River?

There are 836 housing units in Priest River, reflecting a -9.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Priest River and what is the average household size?

Priest River has a total of 722 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Priest River?

Priest River has a median household income of $58,782, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Priest River?

The employment rate is 98.1% in Priest River, with a workforce of 728 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.4% (469 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.6% (259 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.6% (106 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.2% (460 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (124 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.2% (38 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025