Elk Plain, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,276
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$107,313/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,059
0.2% year-over-year change

Elk Plain population

How many people live in Elk Plain

Elk Plain is home to 14,276 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Elk Plain locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
14,276
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
6,895
Female
51.7%
7,381
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,895 48.3% 1.9%
Female 7,381 51.7% 4.0%
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 Elk Plain is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.5% of the population, while another 26.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
29.5%
45 to 64
26.7%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,738 19.2% -0.9%
15 to 24 1,462 10.2% 28.1%
25 to 44 4,210 29.5% 6.0%
45 to 64 3,814 26.7% -5.4%
Over 65 2,052 14.4% 4.8%
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 Elk Plain, 88.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.6% of locals are Caucasian, 4.1% are African American and 4% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 2.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,647 88.6% 3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,277 9% -0.2%
Non-citizens 352 2.5% 12.8%
Racial breakdown
White
72.6%
Black or African American
4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2.1%
Two or more races
11.1%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 10,371 72.6%
Black or African American 580 4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 107 0.8%
Asian 570 4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 296 2.1%
Two or more races 1,579 11.1%
Other 773 5.4%

Households in Elk Plain

A peek inside Elk Plain households

Elk Plain has 4,810 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 79.2% are families, while the remaining 20.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,810
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,000
Family households
3,810
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,000 20.8% -9.3%
Family households 3,810 79.2% 2.7%
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 Elk Plain

The housing landscape of Elk Plain

Elk Plain's housing consists of 5,059 units, with 84% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% 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 12.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,059
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,250 84%
1 unit, attached 112 2.2%
2 units 17 0.3%
3 or 4 units 24 0.5%
20 to 49 units 5 0.1%
Mobile home 651 12.9%
Homes built since 2020
9
-82.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elk Plain

In Elk Plain, the median construction year is 1993. About 2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 101 2% 26.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 45 0.9% 221.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 75 1.5% 294.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 151 3% -6.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 720 14.2% -17.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 835 16.5% 8.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,084 41.2% -0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 905 17.9% 0.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 134 2.6% 78.7%
Built in 2020 or later 9 0.2% -82.0%
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.

Elk Plain occupancy rates

Out of the 4,810 occupied housing units in Elk Plain, 84.2% are owner-occupied, while 15.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,810
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
760
Owner occupied
4,050
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 760 15.8% -2.1%
Owner occupied 4,050 84.2% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
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.

Elk Plain housing costs

Housing costs in Elk Plain come to a median of $2,038 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,172.

Median housing costs per month
$2,038/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 Elk Plain
$2,172/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 Elk Plain

Elk Plain education at a glance

About 44.6% of the population in Elk Plain went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 14.3% earned an associate degree and 13% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 254 2.3% -4.5%
High school diploma 4,902 44.6% 2.1%
College diploma 2,468 22.4% 10.4%
Associate degree 1,576 14.3% -6.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,429 13% 1.5%
Graduate degree 365 3.3% 15.1%
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 Elk Plain

How much people earn in Elk Plain

The average annual household income in Elk Plain was $126,809 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $107,313, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elk Plain
$126,809/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elk Plain
$107,313/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Elk Plain income by age

In Elk Plain, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $114,722. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $128,284 overall. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $114,722 7.0%
45 - 64 $128,284 9.1%
Over 65 $82,000 5.6%
Above poverty level
12,801
Below poverty level
1,186
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,801 91.5% 0.7%
Below poverty level 1,186 8.5% 26.4%

Average renter income in Elk Plain

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elk Plain, their median household income was $80,288 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$80,288
Rent-to-income ratio
32.5%
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 Elk Plain

Workforce and job types in Elk Plain

The job market in Elk Plain is powered by 6,972 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.9% run their own businesses, 69.7% are employed by private companies, and 18.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,972
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
4,918
Blue collar
2,054
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,918 70.5% 2.0%
Blue collar 2,054 29.5% -3.3%
Employer type
Self employees
5.9%
Private companies
69.7%
Governmental workers
18.4%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 414 5.9% 12.2%
Private companies 4,862 69.7% 1.1%
Governmental workers 1,284 18.4% -5.2%
Not for profit companies 412 5.9% -1.4%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
-2.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elk Plain stands at 3%, 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 Elk Plain

How people get around in Elk Plain

Commuting methods vary: 88.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% 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 6,062 88.2% -4.0%
Motorcycle 39 0.6% 14.7%
Walk 12 0.2% 9.1%
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.

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FAQs about Elk Plain demographics 

What is the total population of Elk Plain?

Elk Plain has a total population of 14,276 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 +3.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elk Plain?

The gender ratio in Elk Plain is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (6,895 residents)
  • 51.7% females (7,381 residents)

What is the median age in Elk Plain?

The median age in Elk Plain is 38.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elk Plain?

The age distribution in Elk Plain is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (2,738 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (1,462 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.5% (4,210 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.7% (3,814 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (2,052 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Plain?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Plain is as follows:
  • White: 72.6% (10,371 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.1% (580 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (107 residents)
  • Asian: 4% (570 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2.1% (296 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.1% (1,579 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (773 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.6% of the population in Elk Plain.

How many housing units are there in Elk Plain?

There are 5,059 housing units in Elk Plain, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Elk Plain has a total of 4,810 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elk Plain?

Elk Plain has a median household income of $107,313, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Elk Plain?

The employment rate is 97% in Elk Plain, with a workforce of 6,972 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.5% (4,918 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.5% (2,054 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.9% (414 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.7% (4,862 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.4% (1,284 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (412 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