Pierce County, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
930,319
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$99,564/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
369,709
1.1% year-over-year change

Pierce County population

How many people live in Pierce County

Pierce County is home to 930,319 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Pierce County locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
930,319
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
467,091
Female
49.8%
463,228
Value Percent YoY change
Male 467,091 50.2% 0.7%
Female 463,228 49.8% 0.7%
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 Pierce County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.9% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
29.9%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
14.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 178,324 19.2% -0.6%
15 to 24 116,415 12.5% 0.2%
25 to 44 278,113 29.9% 1.4%
45 to 64 219,931 23.6% -0.5%
Over 65 137,536 14.8% 3.2%
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 Pierce County, 86.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64% of locals are Caucasian, 7.4% are African American and 6.9% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 1.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.3%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 800,635 86.1% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 86,508 9.3% 3.5%
Non-citizens 43,176 4.6% 3.7%
Racial breakdown
White
64%
Black or African American
7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.6%
Two or more races
15.2%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 595,791 64%
Black or African American 68,964 7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9,941 1.1%
Asian 64,156 6.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 15,370 1.6%
Two or more races 141,533 15.2%
Other 34,564 3.7%

Households in Pierce County

A peek inside Pierce County households

Pierce County has 351,330 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.2% are families, while the remaining 32.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
351,330
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
115,406
Family households
235,924
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 115,406 32.8% 1.4%
Family households 235,924 67.2% 1.3%
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 Pierce County

The housing landscape of Pierce County

Pierce County's housing consists of 369,709 units, with 65.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% 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 4.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
369,709
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 241,111 65.2%
1 unit, attached 19,194 5.2%
2 units 9,200 2.5%
3 or 4 units 14,954 4%
5 to 9 units 17,537 4.7%
10 to 19 units 20,015 5.4%
20 to 49 units 11,914 3.2%
50 or more units 17,914 4.8%
Mobile home 16,815 4.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1,055 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
8,248
78.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pierce County

In Pierce County, the median construction year is 1986. About 10% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 37,162 10% 0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 13,968 3.8% 1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 21,681 5.9% -4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 32,355 8.8% -1.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 51,023 13.8% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 47,827 12.9% 1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 57,686 15.6% -2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 59,036 16% -0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 40,723 11% 5.9%
Built in 2020 or later 8,248 2.2% 78.6%
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.

Pierce County occupancy rates

Out of the 351,330 occupied housing units in Pierce County, 64.7% are owner-occupied, while 35.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
351,330
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
123,930
Owner occupied
227,400
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 123,930 35.3% 1.5%
Owner occupied 227,400 64.7% 1.2%
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.

Pierce County housing costs

Housing costs in Pierce County come to a median of $1,907 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,806.

Median housing costs per month
$1,907/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 Pierce County
$1,806/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 Pierce County

Pierce County education at a glance

About 33.5% of the population in Pierce County went to high school, while 24.3% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 18.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18,002 2.5% 4.0%
High school diploma 240,075 33.5% -0.3%
College diploma 174,079 24.3% -1.0%
Associate degree 79,970 11.2% 1.2%
Bachelor's degree 131,845 18.4% 3.4%
Graduate degree 72,310 10.1% 4.4%
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 Pierce County

How much people earn in Pierce County

The average annual household income in Pierce County was $124,488 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $99,564, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pierce County
$124,488/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pierce County
$99,564/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Pierce County income by age

In Pierce County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $106,282. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $118,598 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,444, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $70,061 in earnings. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,444 5.3%
25 - 44 $106,282 3.0%
45 - 64 $118,598 2.8%
Over 65 $70,061 0.7%
Above poverty level
819,451
Below poverty level
78,931
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 819,451 91.2% 0.7%
Below poverty level 78,931 8.8% -0.1%

Employment in Pierce County

Workforce and job types in Pierce County

The job market in Pierce County is powered by 441,749 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 18.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
441,749
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
334,683
Blue collar
107,066
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 334,683 75.8% 1.5%
Blue collar 107,066 24.2% -2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
18.3%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 35,203 8% 0.7%
Private companies 285,725 64.7% -0.0%
Governmental workers 80,993 18.3% 1.8%
Not for profit companies 39,828 9% 1.4%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
2.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pierce County stands at 5.2%, 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 Pierce County

How people get around in Pierce County

In Pierce County, the average commute time is 31 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
31 min
-0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 363,118 80.4% -1.0%
Taxicab 269 0.1% 8.0%
Bus or trolleybus 5,839 1.3% -14.2%
Subway or elevated 83 0% N/A
Railroad 3,335 0.7% -8.2%
Ferryboat 203 0% 18.7%
Motorcycle 690 0.2% -8.1%
Bicycle 1,133 0.2% 2.9%
Walk 10,077 2.2% -1.4%
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 Pierce County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98327 9,931 3,833 $120,781 $139,688
98328 9,891 3,662 $103,696 $117,384
98329 11,552 4,518 $110,316 $124,429
98330 61 31 $0 $0
98022 22,418 8,730 $120,406 $140,575
98047 6,817 2,230 $115,188 $110,159
98303 1,448 819 $80,282 $161,876
98304 770 402 $113,718 $100,738
98321 18,150 6,055 $127,411 $165,529
98323 767 253 $121,875 $153,852

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Pierce County demographics 

What is the total population of Pierce County?

Pierce County has a total population of 930,319 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pierce County?

The gender ratio in Pierce County is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (467,091 residents)
  • 49.8% females (463,228 residents)

What is the median age in Pierce County?

The median age in Pierce County is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pierce County?

The age distribution in Pierce County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (178,324 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (116,415 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.9% (278,113 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (219,931 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.8% (137,536 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pierce County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pierce County is as follows:
  • White: 64% (595,791 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.4% (68,964 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (9,941 residents)
  • Asian: 6.9% (64,156 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.6% (15,370 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.2% (141,533 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (34,564 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.1% of the population in Pierce County.

How many housing units are there in Pierce County?

There are 369,709 housing units in Pierce County, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pierce County has a total of 351,330 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pierce County?

Pierce County has a median household income of $99,564, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Pierce County?

The employment rate is 94.8% in Pierce County, with a workforce of 441,749 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.8% (334,683 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.2% (107,066 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (35,203 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (285,725 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.3% (80,993 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (39,828 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