Moses Lake, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,083
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,752/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,607
2.3% year-over-year change

Moses Lake population

How many people live in Moses Lake

Moses Lake is home to 26,083 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Moses Lake locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
26,083
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
13,066
Female
49.9%
13,017
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,066 50.1% 5.0%
Female 13,017 49.9% -1.0%
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 Moses Lake is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.6% are children under 15, then 16.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.8% of the population, while another 20% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.6%
15 to 24
16.2%
25 to 44
28.8%
45 to 64
20%
Over 65
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,643 21.6% 4.8%
15 to 24 4,219 16.2% -3.5%
25 to 44 7,525 28.8% 6.0%
45 to 64 5,221 20% -4.7%
Over 65 3,475 13.3% 6.8%
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 Moses Lake, 91.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.8% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 19.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,807 91.3% 2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,048 4% 21.4%
Non-citizens 1,228 4.7% -17.6%
Racial breakdown
White
61.8%
Black or African American
2.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
19.8%
Other
13.1%
Value Percent
White 16,110 61.8%
Black or African American 720 2.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 379 1.4%
Asian 304 1.2%
Two or more races 5,154 19.8%
Other 3,416 13.1%

Households in Moses Lake

A peek inside Moses Lake households

Moses Lake has 10,092 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.1% are families, while the remaining 38.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,092
3.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,928
Family households
6,164
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,928 38.9% -2.6%
Family households 6,164 61.1% 7.7%
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 Moses Lake

The housing landscape of Moses Lake

Moses Lake's housing consists of 10,607 units, with 59.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% 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 8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,607
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,299 59.4%
1 unit, attached 363 3.4%
2 units 437 4.1%
3 or 4 units 387 3.6%
5 to 9 units 406 3.8%
10 to 19 units 585 5.5%
20 to 49 units 415 3.9%
50 or more units 857 8.1%
Mobile home 846 8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
336
156.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Moses Lake

In Moses Lake, the median construction year is 1992. About 0.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 78 0.7% 73.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 228 2.2% -22.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,668 15.7% 2.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 459 4.3% -7.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,660 15.6% 15.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,005 9.5% -8.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,157 10.9% -1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,013 19% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,003 18.9% -4.4%
Built in 2020 or later 336 3.2% 156.5%
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.

Moses Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 10,092 occupied housing units in Moses Lake, 61.2% are owner-occupied, while 38.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,092
3.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,919
Owner occupied
6,173
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,919 38.8% 6.9%
Owner occupied 6,173 61.2% 1.4%
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.

Moses Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Moses Lake come to a median of $1,349 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,216.

Median housing costs per month
$1,349/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 Moses Lake
$1,216/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 Moses Lake

Moses Lake education at a glance

About 35.5% of the population in Moses Lake went to high school, while 27.2% pursued college studies. Another 12.9% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 743 3.9% -21.2%
High school diploma 6,698 35.5% 1.1%
College diploma 5,133 27.2% 6.9%
Associate degree 2,431 12.9% 10.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,985 15.8% 7.5%
Graduate degree 855 4.5% -18.6%
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 Moses Lake

How much people earn in Moses Lake

The average annual household income in Moses Lake was $88,417 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,752, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Moses Lake
$88,417/year
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Moses Lake
$74,752/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Moses Lake income by age

In Moses Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,154. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $88,945 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,286, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,400 in earnings. Overall, 84.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,286 4.4%
25 - 44 $79,154 -0.8%
45 - 64 $88,945 12.1%
Over 65 $38,400 4.4%
Above poverty level
21,546
Below poverty level
3,889
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,546 84.7% 1.3%
Below poverty level 3,889 15.3% 2.0%

Average renter income in Moses Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Moses Lake, their median household income was $44,540 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,540
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
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 Moses Lake

Workforce and job types in Moses Lake

The job market in Moses Lake is powered by 12,048 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 60.1% are employed by private companies, and 24% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,048
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
8,458
Blue collar
3,590
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,458 70.2% 1.0%
Blue collar 3,590 29.8% 4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
60.1%
Governmental workers
24%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,000 8.3% 16.6%
Private companies 7,240 60.1% 1.6%
Governmental workers 2,895 24% 1.4%
Not for profit companies 913 7.6% -5.6%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-24.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Moses Lake stands at 4.6%, 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 Moses Lake

How people get around in Moses Lake

Commuting methods vary: 89.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% 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 10,717 89.6% -0.8%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% -66.7%
Motorcycle 18 0.2% -66.0%
Bicycle 17 0.1% N/A
Walk 279 2.3% 24.0%
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 Moses Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98837 49,455 18,264 $74,586 $93,502

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FAQs about Moses Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Moses Lake?

Moses Lake has a total population of 26,083 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 +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Moses Lake?

The gender ratio in Moses Lake is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (13,066 residents)
  • 49.9% females (13,017 residents)

What is the median age in Moses Lake?

The median age in Moses Lake is 32.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Moses Lake?

The age distribution in Moses Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.6% (5,643 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.2% (4,219 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.8% (7,525 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20% (5,221 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.3% (3,475 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Moses Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Moses Lake is as follows:
  • White: 61.8% (16,110 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.8% (720 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (379 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (304 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.8% (5,154 residents)
  • Other: 13.1% (3,416 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.3% of the population in Moses Lake.

How many housing units are there in Moses Lake?

There are 10,607 housing units in Moses Lake, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Moses Lake has a total of 10,092 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Moses Lake?

Moses Lake has a median household income of $74,752, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Moses Lake?

The employment rate is 95.4% in Moses Lake, with a workforce of 12,048 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.2% (8,458 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.8% (3,590 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (1,000 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.1% (7,240 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24% (2,895 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (913 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