Joint Base Lewis - McChord, Lakewood, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,369
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,509/yr
7.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
583
4.5% year-over-year change

Joint Base Lewis - McChord population

How many people live in Joint Base Lewis - McChord

Joint Base Lewis - McChord is home to 1,369 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54% of Joint Base Lewis - McChord locals are male, and 46% are female.

Total population
1,369
5.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54%
739
Female
46%
630
Value Percent YoY change
Male 739 54% 4.5%
Female 630 46% 6.1%
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 Joint Base Lewis - McChord is 25, with the population distributed as follows: about 34.6% are children under 15, then 14.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 37% of the population, while another 13.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 0.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
25.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
34.6%
15 to 24
14.5%
25 to 44
37%
45 to 64
13.2%
Over 65
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 474 34.6% 8.5%
15 to 24 199 14.5% -3.9%
25 to 44 507 37% 7.2%
45 to 64 181 13.2% 7.1%
Over 65 8 0.6% -46.7%
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 Joint Base Lewis - McChord, 90.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56% of locals are Caucasian, 11.8% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 12.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,243 90.8% 7.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 90 6.6% 0.0%
Non-citizens 36 2.6% -28.0%
Racial breakdown
White
56%
Black or African American
11.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
15.8%
Other
12.6%
Value Percent
White 767 56%
Black or African American 161 11.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.8%
Asian 41 3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2 0.2%
Two or more races 216 15.8%
Other 172 12.6%

Households in Joint Base Lewis - McChord

A peek inside Joint Base Lewis - McChord households

Joint Base Lewis - McChord has 516 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.8% are families, while the remaining 30.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
516
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
156
Family households
360
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 156 30.2% 1.3%
Family households 360 69.8% 3.8%
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 Joint Base Lewis - McChord

The housing landscape of Joint Base Lewis - McChord

Joint Base Lewis - McChord's housing consists of 583 units, with 9.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 29.7% 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 9.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
583
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 53 9.1%
1 unit, attached 173 29.7%
2 units 43 7.4%
3 or 4 units 119 20.4%
5 to 9 units 41 7%
10 to 19 units 74 12.7%
20 to 49 units 9 1.5%
50 or more units 14 2.4%
Mobile home 57 9.8%
Homes built since 2020
6
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Joint Base Lewis - McChord

In Joint Base Lewis - McChord, the median construction year is 1979. About 3.4% 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, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19% 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 20 3.4% 5.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6 1% 20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 24 4.1% -22.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 51 8.8% -10.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 222 38.1% 8.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 42 7.2% 55.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 78 13.4% -3.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 23 4% 9.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 111 19% 4.7%
Built in 2020 or later 6 1% 0.0%
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.

Joint Base Lewis - McChord occupancy rates

Out of the 516 occupied housing units in Joint Base Lewis - McChord, 9.1% are owner-occupied, while 90.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
516
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
469
Owner occupied
47
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 469 90.9% 1.7%
Owner occupied 47 9.1% 14.6%
Unoccupied housing units
11.5%
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.

Joint Base Lewis - McChord housing costs

Housing costs in Joint Base Lewis - McChord come to a median of $1,696 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,873.

Median housing costs per month
$1,696/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 Joint Base Lewis - McChord
$1,873/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 Joint Base Lewis - McChord

Joint Base Lewis - McChord education at a glance

About 44.3% of the population in Joint Base Lewis - McChord went to high school, while 25% pursued college studies. Another 18.4% earned an associate degree and 8.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 2.1% 5.9%
High school diploma 386 44.3% 4.6%
College diploma 218 25% -2.7%
Associate degree 160 18.4% 39.1%
Bachelor's degree 74 8.5% -14.9%
Graduate degree 16 1.8% -20.0%
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 Joint Base Lewis - McChord

How much people earn in Joint Base Lewis - McChord

The average annual household income in Joint Base Lewis - McChord was $57,518 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 $50,509, reflecting a +7.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Joint Base Lewis - McChord
$57,518/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Joint Base Lewis - McChord
$50,509/year
7.3% year-over-year change

Joint Base Lewis - McChord income by age

In Joint Base Lewis - McChord, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,944. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,147 overall. Overall, 85.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $42,760 5.8%
25 - 44 $51,944 10.8%
45 - 64 $55,147 2.9%
Above poverty level
1,159
Below poverty level
195
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,159 85.6% 4.1%
Below poverty level 195 14.4% 16.8%

Employment in Joint Base Lewis - McChord

Workforce and job types in Joint Base Lewis - McChord

74% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.3% run their own businesses, 67.1% are employed by private companies, and 17.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
234
Blue collar
82
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 234 74% 6.8%
Blue collar 82 26% -16.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13.3%
Private companies
67.1%
Governmental workers
17.7%
Not for profit companies
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 42 13.3% 5.0%
Private companies 212 67.1% 11.0%
Governmental workers 56 17.7% -18.8%
Not for profit companies 6 1.9% -62.5%

Transportation in Joint Base Lewis - McChord

How people get around in Joint Base Lewis - McChord

Commuting methods vary: 94.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% 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 518 94.7% 9.5%
Taxicab 12 2.2% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.9% -28.6%
Motorcycle 2 0.4% 100.0%
Walk 10 1.8% 66.7%
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 Joint Base Lewis - McChord by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98439 5,671 2,139 $50,509 $57,518

Explore more communities

FAQs about Joint Base Lewis - McChord demographics 

What is the total population of Joint Base Lewis - McChord?

Joint Base Lewis - McChord has a total population of 1,369 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 +5.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Joint Base Lewis - McChord?

The gender ratio in Joint Base Lewis - McChord is as follows:
  • 54% males (739 residents)
  • 46% females (630 residents)

What is the median age in Joint Base Lewis - McChord?

The median age in Joint Base Lewis - McChord is 25.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Joint Base Lewis - McChord?

The age distribution in Joint Base Lewis - McChord is as follows:
  • Under 15: 34.6% (474 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.5% (199 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 37% (507 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 13.2% (181 residents)
  • Over 65: 0.6% (8 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Joint Base Lewis - McChord?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Joint Base Lewis - McChord is as follows:
  • White: 56% (767 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.8% (161 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (41 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.8% (216 residents)
  • Other: 12.6% (172 residents)

What percentage of the population in Joint Base Lewis - McChord are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.8% of the population in Joint Base Lewis - McChord.

How many housing units are there in Joint Base Lewis - McChord?

There are 583 housing units in Joint Base Lewis - McChord, reflecting a +4.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Joint Base Lewis - McChord and what is the average household size?

Joint Base Lewis - McChord has a total of 516 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Joint Base Lewis - McChord?

Joint Base Lewis - McChord has a median household income of $50,509, representing a +7.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Joint Base Lewis - McChord?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74% (234 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26% (82 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.3% (42 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.1% (212 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.7% (56 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.9% (6 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