Chelan, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,350
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,637/yr
14.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,867
-3.0% year-over-year change

Chelan population

How many people live in Chelan

Chelan is home to 4,350 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.7% of Chelan locals are male, and 47.3% are female.

Total population
4,350
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.7%
2,291
Female
47.3%
2,059
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,291 52.7% 4.4%
Female 2,059 47.3% -2.9%
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 Chelan is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.5% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.1% of the population, while another 29.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.5%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
22.1%
45 to 64
29.8%
Over 65
22.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 716 16.5% 3.3%
15 to 24 386 8.9% -1.5%
25 to 44 961 22.1% 2.3%
45 to 64 1,298 29.8% 16.4%
Over 65 989 22.7% -15.8%
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 Chelan, 80.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.5% of residents are non-citizens. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,490 80.2% 2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 143 3.3% -34.7%
Non-citizens 717 16.5% 6.5%
Racial breakdown
White
71.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
18%
Other
8.4%
Value Percent
White 3,125 71.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0.3%
Asian 48 1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 17 0.4%
Two or more races 782 18%
Other 364 8.4%

Households in Chelan

A peek inside Chelan households

Chelan has 1,839 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.8% are families, while the remaining 41.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,839
-2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
758
Family households
1,081
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 758 41.2% -17.0%
Family households 1,081 58.8% 10.3%
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 Chelan

The housing landscape of Chelan

Chelan's housing consists of 2,867 units, with 59.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% 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 3.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,867
-3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,716 59.8%
1 unit, attached 57 2%
2 units 110 3.8%
3 or 4 units 312 10.9%
5 to 9 units 145 5.1%
10 to 19 units 108 3.8%
20 to 49 units 291 10.2%
50 or more units 28 1%
Mobile home 100 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
28
40.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chelan

In Chelan, the median construction year is 1984. About 13.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 397 13.8% 13.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 174 6.1% -23.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 145 5.1% 31.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 235 8.2% 50.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 312 10.9% -25.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 407 14.2% -16.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 294 10.2% -7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 490 17.1% 11.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 385 13.4% -10.1%
Built in 2020 or later 28 1% 40.0%
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.

Chelan occupancy rates

Out of the 1,839 occupied housing units in Chelan, 56.4% are owner-occupied, while 43.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 35.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,839
-2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
802
Owner occupied
1,037
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 802 43.6% 1.8%
Owner occupied 1,037 56.4% -6.2%
Unoccupied housing units
35.9%
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.

Chelan housing costs

Housing costs in Chelan come to a median of $1,342 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,368.

Median housing costs per month
$1,342/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 Chelan
$1,368/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 Chelan

Chelan education at a glance

About 43.3% of the population in Chelan went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 11.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 126 3.5% 113.6%
High school diploma 1,557 43.3% -12.1%
College diploma 706 19.6% 7.0%
Associate degree 289 8% 20.9%
Bachelor's degree 421 11.7% -6.7%
Graduate degree 498 13.8% 22.7%
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 Chelan

How much people earn in Chelan

The average annual household income in Chelan was $102,956 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $82,637, reflecting a +14.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chelan
$102,956/year
12.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chelan
$82,637/year
14.8% year-over-year change

Chelan income by age

In Chelan, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,760. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,578 overall. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $84,760 3.5%
45 - 64 $107,578 N/A
Over 65 $37,188 -23.1%
Above poverty level
3,879
Below poverty level
362
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,879 91.5% 1.4%
Below poverty level 362 8.5% -10.6%

Average renter income in Chelan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chelan, their median household income was $65,685 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$65,685
Rent-to-income ratio
25%
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 Chelan

Workforce and job types in Chelan

The job market in Chelan is powered by 1,934 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.2% run their own businesses, 60.6% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,934
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,443
Blue collar
491
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,443 74.6% -4.6%
Blue collar 491 25.4% 18.3%
Employer type
Self employees
16.2%
Private companies
60.6%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 314 16.2% 15.4%
Private companies 1,173 60.6% -10.1%
Governmental workers 224 11.6% 169.9%
Not for profit companies 223 11.5% -16.8%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
113.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chelan stands at 1.6%, 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 Chelan

How people get around in Chelan

Commuting methods vary: 74.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 14% 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 1,405 74.1% 10.7%
Walk 266 14% -8.6%
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 Chelan by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98816 7,752 3,198 $82,577 $109,016

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FAQs about Chelan demographics 

What is the total population of Chelan?

Chelan has a total population of 4,350 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chelan?

The gender ratio in Chelan is as follows:
  • 52.7% males (2,291 residents)
  • 47.3% females (2,059 residents)

What is the median age in Chelan?

The median age in Chelan is 46.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chelan?

The age distribution in Chelan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.5% (716 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (386 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.1% (961 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.8% (1,298 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.7% (989 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chelan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelan is as follows:
  • White: 71.8% (3,125 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (48 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (17 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18% (782 residents)
  • Other: 8.4% (364 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.2% of the population in Chelan.

How many housing units are there in Chelan?

There are 2,867 housing units in Chelan, reflecting a -3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chelan has a total of 1,839 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chelan?

Chelan has a median household income of $82,637, representing a +14.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.4% in Chelan, with a workforce of 1,934 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.6% (1,443 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.4% (491 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.2% (314 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.6% (1,173 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (224 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (223 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