Goldendale, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,483
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$39,783/yr
-4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,911
6.3% year-over-year change

Goldendale population

How many people live in Goldendale

Goldendale is home to 3,483 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Goldendale locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
3,483
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
1,714
Female
50.8%
1,769
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,714 49.2% 3.4%
Female 1,769 50.8% -1.8%
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 Goldendale is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.6% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 16.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.6%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
16.1%
Over 65
24.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 751 21.6% 25.6%
15 to 24 376 10.8% 11.9%
25 to 44 944 27.1% -0.7%
45 to 64 560 16.1% -5.7%
Over 65 852 24.5% -13.0%
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 Goldendale, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,303 94.8% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 48 1.4% -44.8%
Non-citizens 132 3.8% 127.6%
Racial breakdown
White
90.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
5.8%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 3,154 90.6%
Black or African American 1 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 203 5.8%
Asian 8 0.2%
Two or more races 103 3%
Other 14 0.4%

Households in Goldendale

A peek inside Goldendale households

Goldendale has 1,667 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.1% are families, while the remaining 43.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,667
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
732
Family households
935
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 732 43.9% -4.1%
Family households 935 56.1% 3.4%
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 Goldendale

The housing landscape of Goldendale

Goldendale's housing consists of 1,911 units, with 61.5% 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 15% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,911
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,175 61.5%
1 unit, attached 43 2.2%
2 units 132 6.9%
3 or 4 units 118 6.2%
5 to 9 units 92 4.8%
20 to 49 units 64 3.4%
Mobile home 287 15%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Goldendale

In Goldendale, the median construction year is 1967. About 25.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 488 25.5% 33.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 154 8.1% 65.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 236 12.4% 2.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 119 6.2% -55.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 288 15.1% -24.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 66 3.4% 94.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 434 22.7% 66.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 89 4.7% -27.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 37 1.9% -17.8%
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.

Goldendale occupancy rates

Out of the 1,667 occupied housing units in Goldendale, 51.8% are owner-occupied, while 48.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,667
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
803
Owner occupied
864
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 803 48.2% 6.6%
Owner occupied 864 51.8% -5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
12.8%
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.

Goldendale housing costs

Housing costs in Goldendale come to a median of $864 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $890.

Median housing costs per month
$864/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 Goldendale
$890/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 Goldendale

Goldendale education at a glance

About 56% of the population in Goldendale went to high school, while 27.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 3.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 26 1% 18.2%
High school diploma 1,482 56% -11.3%
College diploma 728 27.5% 35.8%
Associate degree 218 8.2% 8.5%
Bachelor's degree 97 3.7% -63.0%
Graduate degree 94 3.6% -18.3%
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 Goldendale

How much people earn in Goldendale

The average annual household income in Goldendale was $57,659 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -17.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $39,783, reflecting a -4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Goldendale
$57,659/year
-17.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Goldendale
$39,783/year
-4.4% year-over-year change

Goldendale income by age

In Goldendale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,961. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $121,155, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,671 in earnings. Overall, 70.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $121,155 2.1%
25 - 44 $42,961 N/A
Over 65 $39,671 -5.6%
Above poverty level
2,429
Below poverty level
1,024
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,429 70.3% -1.5%
Below poverty level 1,024 29.7% 6.7%

Average renter income in Goldendale

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Goldendale, their median household income was $45,600 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,600
Rent-to-income ratio
23.4%
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 Goldendale

Workforce and job types in Goldendale

The job market in Goldendale is powered by 1,176 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14% run their own businesses, 63.2% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,176
-10.4% year-over-year change
White collar
684
Blue collar
492
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 684 58.2% -22.8%
Blue collar 492 41.8% 15.5%
Employer type
Self employees
14%
Private companies
63.2%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 165 14% 8.6%
Private companies 743 63.2% 1.2%
Governmental workers 173 14.7% -49.4%
Not for profit companies 95 8.1% 13.1%
Unemployment rate
14.0%
-11.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Goldendale stands at 14%, 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 Goldendale

How people get around in Goldendale

Commuting methods vary: 87.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.5% 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 1,024 87.1% -17.4%
Bicycle 14 1.2% -39.1%
Walk 88 7.5% 300.0%
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 Goldendale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98620 7,936 3,336 $60,500 $75,717

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FAQs about Goldendale demographics 

What is the total population of Goldendale?

Goldendale has a total population of 3,483 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Goldendale?

The gender ratio in Goldendale is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (1,714 residents)
  • 50.8% females (1,769 residents)

What is the median age in Goldendale?

The median age in Goldendale is 39.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Goldendale?

The age distribution in Goldendale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.6% (751 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (376 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (944 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.1% (560 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.5% (852 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Goldendale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Goldendale is as follows:
  • White: 90.6% (3,154 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 5.8% (203 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3% (103 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (14 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in Goldendale.

How many housing units are there in Goldendale?

There are 1,911 housing units in Goldendale, reflecting a +6.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Goldendale has a total of 1,667 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Goldendale?

Goldendale has a median household income of $39,783, representing a -4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86% in Goldendale, with a workforce of 1,176 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.2% (684 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.8% (492 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14% (165 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.2% (743 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (173 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (95 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