Palouse, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,147
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$88,750/yr
-4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
504
6.3% year-over-year change

Palouse population

How many people live in Palouse

Palouse is home to 1,147 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Palouse locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
1,147
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
569
Female
50.4%
578
Value Percent YoY change
Male 569 49.6% -2.4%
Female 578 50.4% 5.5%
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 Palouse is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.5% are children under 15, then 7.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 29.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.5%
15 to 24
7.8%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
29.2%
Over 65
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 270 23.5% 10.7%
15 to 24 90 7.8% -14.3%
25 to 44 276 24.1% 15.0%
45 to 64 335 29.2% -5.1%
Over 65 176 15.3% -6.9%
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 Palouse, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,106 96.4% 3.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15 1.3% 0.0%
Non-citizens 26 2.3% -40.9%
Racial breakdown
White
84.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.8%
Other
6.6%
Value Percent
White 965 84.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 1%
Asian 4 0.4%
Two or more races 90 7.8%
Other 76 6.6%

Households in Palouse

A peek inside Palouse households

Palouse has 466 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.2% are families, while the remaining 31.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
466
5.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
148
Family households
318
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 148 31.8% -5.7%
Family households 318 68.2% 10.8%
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 Palouse

The housing landscape of Palouse

Palouse's housing consists of 504 units, with 81.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% 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 7.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
504
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 411 81.6%
1 unit, attached 5 1%
2 units 13 2.6%
3 or 4 units 14 2.8%
10 to 19 units 11 2.2%
Mobile home 38 7.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palouse

In Palouse, the median construction year is 1938. About 50.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.8% 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 254 50.4% 10.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 24 4.8% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 25 5% -32.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 10 2% 150.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 46 9.1% 43.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3 0.6% -57.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 70 13.9% 4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 47 9.3% 6.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 5% -16.7%
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.

Palouse occupancy rates

Out of the 466 occupied housing units in Palouse, 85.4% are owner-occupied, while 14.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
466
5.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
68
Owner occupied
398
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 68 14.6% 9.7%
Owner occupied 398 85.4% 4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
7.5%
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.

Palouse housing costs

Housing costs in Palouse come to a median of $1,099 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $933.

Median housing costs per month
$1,099/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 Palouse
$933/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 Palouse

Palouse education at a glance

About 18.1% of the population in Palouse went to high school, while 26.2% pursued college studies. Another 14% earned an associate degree and 22.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 154 18.1% -1.3%
College diploma 223 26.2% 12.6%
Associate degree 119 14% -15.0%
Bachelor's degree 192 22.6% -9.4%
Graduate degree 163 19.2% 3.8%
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 Palouse

How much people earn in Palouse

The average annual household income in Palouse was $101,173 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $88,750, reflecting a -4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palouse
$101,173/year
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palouse
$88,750/year
-4.4% year-over-year change

Palouse income by age

In Palouse, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $109,792. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $96,161 overall. Overall, 96.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $109,792 5.3%
45 - 64 $96,161 -9.8%
Over 65 $45,341 42.2%
Above poverty level
1,082
Below poverty level
35
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,082 96.9% 1.0%
Below poverty level 35 3.1% 6.1%

Average renter income in Palouse

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Palouse, their median household income was $45,536 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,536
Rent-to-income ratio
24.6%
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 Palouse

Workforce and job types in Palouse

The job market in Palouse is powered by 571 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 32.6% are employed by private companies, and 46.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
571
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
486
Blue collar
85
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 486 85.1% 5.2%
Blue collar 85 14.9% -16.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
32.6%
Governmental workers
46.2%
Not for profit companies
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 51 8.9% 10.9%
Private companies 186 32.6% 0.0%
Governmental workers 264 46.2% 1.1%
Not for profit companies 70 12.3% -1.4%
Unemployment rate
0.5%
-62.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palouse stands at 0.5%, 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 Palouse

How people get around in Palouse

Commuting methods vary: 86.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% 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 474 86.2% 4.4%
Walk 2 0.4% -86.7%
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 Palouse by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
99161 1,435 583 $87,464 $102,734

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FAQs about Palouse demographics 

What is the total population of Palouse?

Palouse has a total population of 1,147 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palouse?

The gender ratio in Palouse is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (569 residents)
  • 50.4% females (578 residents)

What is the median age in Palouse?

The median age in Palouse is 40.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palouse?

The age distribution in Palouse is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.5% (270 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.8% (90 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (276 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.2% (335 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.3% (176 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palouse?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palouse is as follows:
  • White: 84.1% (965 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.8% (90 residents)
  • Other: 6.6% (76 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Palouse.

How many housing units are there in Palouse?

There are 504 housing units in Palouse, 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 Palouse and what is the average household size?

Palouse has a total of 466 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palouse?

Palouse has a median household income of $88,750, 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 Palouse?

The employment rate is 99.5% in Palouse, with a workforce of 571 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.1% (486 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.9% (85 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (51 residents)
  • Private companies: 32.6% (186 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 46.2% (264 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.3% (70 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