Ocean Shores, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,302
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,202/yr
-7.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,798
1.9% year-over-year change

Ocean Shores population

How many people live in Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores is home to 7,302 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Ocean Shores locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
7,302
3.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
3,704
Female
49.3%
3,598
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,704 50.7% 6.7%
Female 3,598 49.3% -0.1%
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 Ocean Shores is 64, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.2% are children under 15, then 2.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 10.4% of the population, while another 33% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 46.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
63.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.2%
15 to 24
2.8%
25 to 44
10.4%
45 to 64
33%
Over 65
46.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 526 7.2% 51.1%
15 to 24 206 2.8% -16.9%
25 to 44 763 10.4% -5.8%
45 to 64 2,412 33% 1.5%
Over 65 3,395 46.5% 3.1%
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 Ocean Shores, 90.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,633 90.8% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 588 8% 44.1%
Non-citizens 81 1.1% -19.8%
Racial breakdown
White
86%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.9%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.7%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 6,281 86%
American Indian and Alaska Native 209 2.9%
Asian 197 2.7%
Two or more races 417 5.7%
Other 198 2.7%

Households in Ocean Shores

A peek inside Ocean Shores households

Ocean Shores has 3,830 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.1% are families, while the remaining 39.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,830
3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,528
Family households
2,302
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,528 39.9% 13.6%
Family households 2,302 60.1% -1.6%
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 Ocean Shores

The housing landscape of Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores's housing consists of 5,798 units, with 81% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 3.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,798
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,696 81%
1 unit, attached 44 0.8%
2 units 31 0.5%
3 or 4 units 259 4.5%
5 to 9 units 53 0.9%
10 to 19 units 97 1.7%
20 to 49 units 381 6.6%
50 or more units 17 0.3%
Mobile home 220 3.8%
Homes built since 2020
118
31.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ocean Shores

In Ocean Shores, the median construction year is 1997. About 2% 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, 23% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 20.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 116 2% 544.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 57 1% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 19 0.3% 11.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 572 9.9% 5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 728 12.6% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 754 13% -19.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 927 16% -11.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,335 23% -6.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,172 20.2% 38.4%
Built in 2020 or later 118 2% 31.1%
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.

Ocean Shores occupancy rates

Out of the 3,830 occupied housing units in Ocean Shores, 83.3% are owner-occupied, while 16.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 33.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,830
3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
638
Owner occupied
3,192
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 638 16.7% 0.2%
Owner occupied 3,192 83.3% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
33.9%
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.

Ocean Shores housing costs

Housing costs in Ocean Shores come to a median of $1,125 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,284.

Median housing costs per month
$1,125/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 Ocean Shores
$1,284/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 Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores education at a glance

About 34.1% of the population in Ocean Shores went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 19.5% earned an associate degree and 11.8% 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 146 2.2% 942.9%
High school diploma 2,312 34.1% -5.0%
College diploma 1,460 21.6% -11.9%
Associate degree 1,323 19.5% 11.8%
Bachelor's degree 796 11.8% 3.0%
Graduate degree 739 10.9% 11.0%
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 Ocean Shores

How much people earn in Ocean Shores

The average annual household income in Ocean Shores was $71,488 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,202, reflecting a -7.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ocean Shores
$71,488/year
-2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ocean Shores
$58,202/year
-7.2% year-over-year change

Ocean Shores income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,625 overall. Overall, 87.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $78,625 3.1%
Over 65 $55,981 0.2%
Above poverty level
6,308
Below poverty level
888
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,308 87.7% 1.5%
Below poverty level 888 12.3% 6.0%

Average renter income in Ocean Shores

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ocean Shores, their median household income was $44,474 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,474
Rent-to-income ratio
34.6%
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 Ocean Shores

Workforce and job types in Ocean Shores

The job market in Ocean Shores is powered by 1,958 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 25.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,958
-17.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,704
Blue collar
254
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,704 87% -17.4%
Blue collar 254 13% -20.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
25.8%
Not for profit companies
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 113 5.8% -32.7%
Private companies 1,278 65.3% -19.1%
Governmental workers 506 25.8% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 61 3.1% -52.7%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
35.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ocean Shores stands at 7.3%, 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 Ocean Shores

How people get around in Ocean Shores

Commuting methods vary: 68.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% 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 1,315 68.1% -18.1%
Bicycle 81 4.2% 32.8%
Walk 60 3.1% -73.2%
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 Ocean Shores by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98569 7,489 3,921 $58,378 $71,613

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FAQs about Ocean Shores demographics 

What is the total population of Ocean Shores?

Ocean Shores has a total population of 7,302 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 +3.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ocean Shores?

The gender ratio in Ocean Shores is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (3,704 residents)
  • 49.3% females (3,598 residents)

What is the median age in Ocean Shores?

The median age in Ocean Shores is 63.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ocean Shores?

The age distribution in Ocean Shores is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.2% (526 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.8% (206 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 10.4% (763 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 33% (2,412 residents)
  • Over 65: 46.5% (3,395 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ocean Shores?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ocean Shores is as follows:
  • White: 86% (6,281 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.9% (209 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (197 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.7% (417 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (198 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.8% of the population in Ocean Shores.

How many housing units are there in Ocean Shores?

There are 5,798 housing units in Ocean Shores, 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 Ocean Shores and what is the average household size?

Ocean Shores has a total of 3,830 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ocean Shores?

Ocean Shores has a median household income of $58,202, representing a -7.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ocean Shores?

The employment rate is 92.7% in Ocean Shores, with a workforce of 1,958 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87% (1,704 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13% (254 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (113 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (1,278 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.8% (506 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.1% (61 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