Lacey, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
57,737
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,625/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
24,652
1.9% year-over-year change

Lacey population

How many people live in Lacey

Lacey is home to 57,737 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Lacey locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
57,737
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
28,220
Female
51.1%
29,517
Value Percent YoY change
Male 28,220 48.9% 1.2%
Female 29,517 51.1% 1.1%
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 Lacey is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.3% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.2% of the population, while another 20% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.3%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
31.2%
45 to 64
20%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,575 18.3% 0.8%
15 to 24 6,296 10.9% -1.6%
25 to 44 18,011 31.2% 2.9%
45 to 64 11,518 20% -2.8%
Over 65 11,337 19.6% 4.6%
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 Lacey, 83.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.1% of locals are Caucasian, 5.9% are African American and 9.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 1.8% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.4%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 48,404 83.8% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,607 11.4% -0.3%
Non-citizens 2,726 4.7% -6.9%
Racial breakdown
White
67.1%
Black or African American
5.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
9.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.8%
Two or more races
12.2%
Other
3.1%
Value Percent
White 38,726 67.1%
Black or African American 3,383 5.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 365 0.6%
Asian 5,366 9.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,038 1.8%
Two or more races 7,061 12.2%
Other 1,798 3.1%

Households in Lacey

A peek inside Lacey households

Lacey has 23,430 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.2% are families, while the remaining 38.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
23,430
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
9,089
Family households
14,341
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,089 38.8% 2.0%
Family households 14,341 61.2% 0.8%
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 Lacey

The housing landscape of Lacey

Lacey's housing consists of 24,652 units, with 59.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.5% 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 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
24,652
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,603 59.2%
1 unit, attached 1,838 7.5%
2 units 858 3.5%
3 or 4 units 1,195 4.8%
5 to 9 units 1,192 4.8%
10 to 19 units 1,146 4.6%
20 to 49 units 1,170 4.8%
50 or more units 1,687 6.8%
Mobile home 952 3.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 0%
Homes built since 2020
842
51.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lacey

In Lacey, the median construction year is 1996. About 0.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 216 0.9% -9.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 234 1% -3.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 667 2.7% -4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,729 7% -6.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,278 13.3% -3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,100 12.6% 15.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,886 19.8% -2.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,216 21.2% -2.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,484 18.2% 7.7%
Built in 2020 or later 842 3.4% 51.7%
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.

Lacey occupancy rates

Out of the 23,430 occupied housing units in Lacey, 55.9% are owner-occupied, while 44.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
23,430
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,323
Owner occupied
13,107
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,323 44.1% 4.3%
Owner occupied 13,107 55.9% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
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.

Lacey housing costs

Housing costs in Lacey come to a median of $1,826 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,870.

Median housing costs per month
$1,826/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 Lacey
$1,870/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 Lacey

Lacey education at a glance

About 29.1% of the population in Lacey went to high school, while 25.4% pursued college studies. Another 11.7% earned an associate degree and 20.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,038 2.3% -4.2%
High school diploma 13,258 29.1% 1.2%
College diploma 11,594 25.4% -2.5%
Associate degree 5,343 11.7% -2.1%
Bachelor's degree 9,400 20.6% 9.6%
Graduate degree 4,985 10.9% 0.9%
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 Lacey

How much people earn in Lacey

The average annual household income in Lacey was $102,391 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,625, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lacey
$102,391/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lacey
$90,625/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Lacey income by age

In Lacey, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,690. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $114,348 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,732, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $74,963 in earnings. Overall, 88.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,732 -2.0%
25 - 44 $93,690 5.9%
45 - 64 $114,348 3.0%
Over 65 $74,963 1.6%
Above poverty level
49,771
Below poverty level
6,425
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 49,771 88.6% 0.3%
Below poverty level 6,425 11.4% 6.3%

Average renter income in Lacey

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lacey, their median household income was $58,511 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$58,511
Rent-to-income ratio
38.4%
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 Lacey

Workforce and job types in Lacey

The job market in Lacey is powered by 24,487 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 57.6% are employed by private companies, and 27.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
24,487
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
20,165
Blue collar
4,322
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 20,165 82.4% -1.4%
Blue collar 4,322 17.6% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
57.6%
Governmental workers
27.5%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,657 6.8% 1.5%
Private companies 14,114 57.6% -1.6%
Governmental workers 6,737 27.5% 0.5%
Not for profit companies 1,979 8.1% -5.4%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lacey stands at 4.9%, 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 Lacey

How people get around in Lacey

Commuting methods vary: 78.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% 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 20,753 78.8% -1.9%
Bus or trolleybus 472 1.8% -24.2%
Motorcycle 11 0% 37.5%
Bicycle 80 0.3% -50.0%
Walk 454 1.7% 3.4%
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 Lacey by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98503 41,656 17,664 $89,002 $99,799
98516 29,177 11,474 $98,892 $118,973

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FAQs about Lacey demographics 

What is the total population of Lacey?

Lacey has a total population of 57,737 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lacey?

The gender ratio in Lacey is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (28,220 residents)
  • 51.1% females (29,517 residents)

What is the median age in Lacey?

The median age in Lacey is 37.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lacey?

The age distribution in Lacey is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.3% (10,575 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (6,296 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.2% (18,011 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20% (11,518 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (11,337 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lacey?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lacey is as follows:
  • White: 67.1% (38,726 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.9% (3,383 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (365 residents)
  • Asian: 9.3% (5,366 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.8% (1,038 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.2% (7,061 residents)
  • Other: 3.1% (1,798 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.8% of the population in Lacey.

How many housing units are there in Lacey?

There are 24,652 housing units in Lacey, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lacey has a total of 23,430 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lacey?

Lacey has a median household income of $90,625, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.1% in Lacey, with a workforce of 24,487 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (20,165 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (4,322 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (1,657 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.6% (14,114 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.5% (6,737 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (1,979 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