Carnation, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,366
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$152,763/yr
8.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
768
-8.3% year-over-year change

Carnation population

How many people live in Carnation

Carnation is home to 2,366 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Carnation locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
2,366
-4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
1,119
Female
52.7%
1,247
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,119 47.3% -7.4%
Female 1,247 52.7% -1.7%
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 Carnation is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.2% are children under 15, then 13.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 27.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.2%
15 to 24
13.3%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
27.4%
Over 65
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 525 22.2% 1.2%
15 to 24 315 13.3% 0.3%
25 to 44 675 28.5% -9.2%
45 to 64 647 27.4% -2.9%
Over 65 204 8.6% -12.8%
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

In Carnation, 85.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.9% of locals are Caucasian, 4.5% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.3%
Non-citizens
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,017 85.2% -5.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 126 5.3% 88.1%
Non-citizens 223 9.4% -21.8%
Racial breakdown
White
73.9%
Black or African American
4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.2%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 1,749 73.9%
Black or African American 107 4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.3%
Asian 100 4.2%
Two or more races 312 13.2%
Other 90 3.8%

Households in Carnation

A peek inside Carnation households

Carnation has 758 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 81.4% are families, while the remaining 18.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
758
-8.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
141
Family households
617
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 141 18.6% -16.1%
Family households 617 81.4% -6.7%
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 Carnation

The housing landscape of Carnation

Carnation's housing consists of 768 units, with 88.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
768
-8.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 679 88.4%
2 units 9 1.2%
3 or 4 units 30 3.9%
10 to 19 units 17 2.2%
20 to 49 units 23 3%
Mobile home 10 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
56
194.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carnation

In Carnation, the median construction year is 1993. About 9.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 7.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 72 9.4% -27.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 36 4.7% -14.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3 0.4% -75.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 63 8.2% -11.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 57 7.4% -32.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 103 13.4% -28.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 195 25.4% 0.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 35 4.6% 94.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 148 19.3% -4.5%
Built in 2020 or later 56 7.3% 194.7%
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.

Carnation occupancy rates

Out of the 758 occupied housing units in Carnation, 81.4% are owner-occupied, while 18.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
758
-8.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
141
Owner occupied
617
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 141 18.6% -8.4%
Owner occupied 617 81.4% -8.6%
Unoccupied housing units
1.3%
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.

Carnation housing costs

Housing costs in Carnation come to a median of $3,208 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,175.

Median housing costs per month
$3,208/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 Carnation
$2,175/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 Carnation

Carnation education at a glance

About 24.2% of the population in Carnation went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 27.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 31 1.8% -27.9%
High school diploma 410 24.2% -10.9%
College diploma 364 21.5% -12.5%
Associate degree 126 7.4% -5.3%
Bachelor's degree 466 27.5% -7.5%
Graduate degree 296 17.5% 10.4%
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 Carnation

How much people earn in Carnation

The average annual household income in Carnation was $188,620 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $152,763, reflecting a +8.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carnation
$188,620/year
9.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carnation
$152,763/year
8.3% year-over-year change

Carnation income by age

In Carnation, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $164,063. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $181,250 overall. Overall, 98.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $164,063 3.8%
45 - 64 $181,250 12.4%
Over 65 $72,917 1.3%
Above poverty level
2,304
Below poverty level
38
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,304 98.4% -3.2%
Below poverty level 38 1.6% -28.3%

Average renter income in Carnation

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Carnation, their median household income was $83,487 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$83,487
Rent-to-income ratio
31.3%
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 Carnation

Workforce and job types in Carnation

The job market in Carnation is powered by 1,239 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,239
-11.6% year-over-year change
White collar
1,068
Blue collar
171
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,068 86.2% -9.7%
Blue collar 171 13.8% -21.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
13.6%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 76 6.1% 61.7%
Private companies 927 74.8% -10.9%
Governmental workers 169 13.6% -18.0%
Not for profit companies 67 5.4% -37.4%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
-43.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carnation stands at 2.5%, 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 Carnation

How people get around in Carnation

Commuting methods vary: 72% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% 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 876 72% -12.3%
Walk 4 0.3% N/A
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 Carnation by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98014 8,264 2,869 $164,306 $205,388

Explore more communities

FAQs about Carnation demographics 

What is the total population of Carnation?

Carnation has a total population of 2,366 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 -4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carnation?

The gender ratio in Carnation is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (1,119 residents)
  • 52.7% females (1,247 residents)

What is the median age in Carnation?

The median age in Carnation is 36.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carnation?

The age distribution in Carnation is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.2% (525 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.3% (315 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (675 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.4% (647 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.6% (204 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carnation?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carnation is as follows:
  • White: 73.9% (1,749 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.5% (107 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (100 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.2% (312 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (90 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.2% of the population in Carnation.

How many housing units are there in Carnation?

There are 768 housing units in Carnation, reflecting a -8.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carnation has a total of 758 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carnation?

Carnation has a median household income of $152,763, representing a +8.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carnation?

The employment rate is 97.5% in Carnation, with a workforce of 1,239 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.2% (1,068 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.8% (171 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (76 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (927 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.6% (169 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (67 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