Cle Elum, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,905
-8.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,973/yr
12.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,134
-6.2% year-over-year change

Cle Elum population

How many people live in Cle Elum

Cle Elum is home to 1,905 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Cle Elum locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
1,905
-8.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
926
Female
51.4%
979
Value Percent YoY change
Male 926 48.6% -6.8%
Female 979 51.4% -9.8%
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 Cle Elum is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 5.1% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 30.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
48
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.1%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
30.9%
Over 65
23.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 98 5.1% -54.2%
15 to 24 240 12.6% -12.4%
25 to 44 533 28% -5.0%
45 to 64 588 30.9% -11.3%
Over 65 446 23.4% 21.9%
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 Cle Elum, 96.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,830 96.1% -9.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 51 2.7% 45.7%
Non-citizens 24 1.3% 60.0%
Racial breakdown
White
80.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
13.9%
Value Percent
White 1,529 80.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 15 0.8%
Two or more races 97 5.1%
Other 264 13.9%

Households in Cle Elum

A peek inside Cle Elum households

Cle Elum has 970 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.2% are families, while the remaining 50.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
970
-6.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
493
Family households
477
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 493 50.8% -10.2%
Family households 477 49.2% -2.5%
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 Cle Elum

The housing landscape of Cle Elum

Cle Elum's housing consists of 1,134 units, with 76.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.5% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,134
-6.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 866 76.4%
1 unit, attached 40 3.5%
2 units 45 4%
3 or 4 units 20 1.8%
5 to 9 units 54 4.8%
10 to 19 units 38 3.4%
20 to 49 units 46 4.1%
Mobile home 25 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
26
333.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cle Elum

In Cle Elum, the median construction year is 1976. About 34.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 394 34.7% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 29 2.6% -37.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7 0.6% -78.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 58 5.1% -4.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 139 12.3% -1.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 149 13.1% -1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 85 7.5% -38.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 195 17.2% 6.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 52 4.6% -7.1%
Built in 2020 or later 26 2.3% 333.3%
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.

Cle Elum occupancy rates

Out of the 970 occupied housing units in Cle Elum, 62.6% are owner-occupied, while 37.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
970
-6.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
363
Owner occupied
607
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 363 37.4% -16.7%
Owner occupied 607 62.6% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
14.5%
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.

Cle Elum housing costs

Housing costs in Cle Elum come to a median of $1,279 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,295.

Median housing costs per month
$1,279/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 Cle Elum
$1,295/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 Cle Elum

Cle Elum education at a glance

About 51.1% of the population in Cle Elum went to high school, while 22% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 10.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 26 1.5% -31.6%
High school diploma 877 51.1% -1.6%
College diploma 378 22% -12.5%
Associate degree 131 7.6% 6.5%
Bachelor's degree 185 10.8% 7.6%
Graduate degree 120 7% 29.0%
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 Cle Elum

How much people earn in Cle Elum

The average annual household income in Cle Elum was $81,668 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,973, reflecting a +12.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cle Elum
$81,668/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cle Elum
$63,973/year
12.4% year-over-year change

Cle Elum income by age

In Cle Elum, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $91,080. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,353 overall. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $91,080 40.5%
45 - 64 $74,353 6.0%
Over 65 $55,966 4.5%
Above poverty level
1,719
Below poverty level
186
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,719 90.2% -4.2%
Below poverty level 186 9.8% -30.6%

Average renter income in Cle Elum

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cle Elum, their median household income was $54,318 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$54,318
Rent-to-income ratio
28.6%
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 Cle Elum

Workforce and job types in Cle Elum

The job market in Cle Elum is powered by 1,000 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.7% run their own businesses, 67.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,000
-5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
665
Blue collar
335
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 665 66.5% -7.6%
Blue collar 335 33.5% -0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
16.7%
Private companies
67.1%
Governmental workers
10.1%
Not for profit companies
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 167 16.7% -11.6%
Private companies 671 67.1% -4.3%
Governmental workers 101 10.1% -19.8%
Not for profit companies 61 6.1% 45.2%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
250.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cle Elum stands at 2.1%, 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 Cle Elum

How people get around in Cle Elum

Commuting methods vary: 83.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.5% 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 817 83.5% -1.6%
Walk 54 5.5% -26.0%
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 Cle Elum by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98922 7,688 3,554 $73,603 $117,106

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FAQs about Cle Elum demographics 

What is the total population of Cle Elum?

Cle Elum has a total population of 1,905 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 -8.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cle Elum?

The gender ratio in Cle Elum is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (926 residents)
  • 51.4% females (979 residents)

What is the median age in Cle Elum?

The median age in Cle Elum is 48.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cle Elum?

The age distribution in Cle Elum is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.1% (98 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (240 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (533 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.9% (588 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.4% (446 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cle Elum?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cle Elum is as follows:
  • White: 80.3% (1,529 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (15 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (97 residents)
  • Other: 13.9% (264 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.1% of the population in Cle Elum.

How many housing units are there in Cle Elum?

There are 1,134 housing units in Cle Elum, reflecting a -6.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cle Elum has a total of 970 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cle Elum?

Cle Elum has a median household income of $63,973, representing a +12.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cle Elum?

The employment rate is 97.9% in Cle Elum, with a workforce of 1,000 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.5% (665 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.5% (335 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.7% (167 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.1% (671 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.1% (101 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.1% (61 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