Poulsbo, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,165
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$116,250/yr
21.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,481
3.3% year-over-year change

Poulsbo population

How many people live in Poulsbo

Poulsbo is home to 12,165 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Poulsbo locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
12,165
1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
5,917
Female
51.4%
6,248
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,917 48.6% 3.6%
Female 6,248 51.4% -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 Poulsbo is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 9.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.7% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 44
28.7%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,821 15% -1.9%
15 to 24 1,118 9.2% -14.7%
25 to 44 3,493 28.7% 9.6%
45 to 64 3,110 25.6% -2.1%
Over 65 2,623 21.6% 7.9%
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 Poulsbo, 88.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.9% of locals are Caucasian, 2.3% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.5%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,736 88.2% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,279 10.5% 5.1%
Non-citizens 150 1.2% 11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
77.9%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
13.3%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 9,474 77.9%
Black or African American 275 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 61 0.5%
Asian 289 2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 48 0.4%
Two or more races 1,619 13.3%
Other 399 3.3%

Households in Poulsbo

A peek inside Poulsbo households

Poulsbo has 5,321 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.7% are families, while the remaining 39.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,321
3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,090
Family households
3,231
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,090 39.3% 3.4%
Family households 3,231 60.7% 4.0%
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 Poulsbo

The housing landscape of Poulsbo

Poulsbo's housing consists of 5,481 units, with 66.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% 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 1.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,481
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,651 66.6%
1 unit, attached 104 1.9%
2 units 56 1%
3 or 4 units 152 2.8%
5 to 9 units 679 12.4%
10 to 19 units 319 5.8%
20 to 49 units 270 4.9%
50 or more units 183 3.3%
Mobile home 67 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
279
106.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Poulsbo

In Poulsbo, the median construction year is 1996. About 6.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 22.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 363 6.6% 135.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 81 1.5% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 91 1.7% -15.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 308 5.6% -1.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 560 10.2% -28.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 915 16.7% 0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 700 12.8% -21.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 974 17.8% 9.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,210 22.1% 15.9%
Built in 2020 or later 279 5.1% 106.7%
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.

Poulsbo occupancy rates

Out of the 5,321 occupied housing units in Poulsbo, 59% are owner-occupied, while 41% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,321
3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,182
Owner occupied
3,139
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,182 41% 2.1%
Owner occupied 3,139 59% 5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
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.

Poulsbo housing costs

Housing costs in Poulsbo come to a median of $2,056 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,886.

Median housing costs per month
$2,056/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 Poulsbo
$1,886/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 Poulsbo

Poulsbo education at a glance

About 26.2% of the population in Poulsbo went to high school, while 17.3% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 27.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 64 0.6% -26.4%
High school diploma 2,602 26.2% -2.3%
College diploma 1,721 17.3% -8.5%
Associate degree 899 9% 38.3%
Bachelor's degree 2,721 27.4% 3.8%
Graduate degree 1,932 19.4% 9.1%
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 Poulsbo

How much people earn in Poulsbo

The average annual household income in Poulsbo was $125,619 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $116,250, reflecting a +21.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Poulsbo
$125,619/year
10.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Poulsbo
$116,250/year
21.4% year-over-year change

Poulsbo income by age

In Poulsbo, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $142,361. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,708 overall. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $142,361 9.4%
45 - 64 $130,708 7.9%
Over 65 $59,757 7.4%
Above poverty level
10,667
Below poverty level
1,107
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,667 90.6% 1.7%
Below poverty level 1,107 9.4% -0.7%

Average renter income in Poulsbo

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Poulsbo, their median household income was $49,732 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,732
Rent-to-income ratio
45.5%
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 Poulsbo

Workforce and job types in Poulsbo

The job market in Poulsbo is powered by 5,266 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 58.8% are employed by private companies, and 28.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,266
3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
4,548
Blue collar
718
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,548 86.4% 2.2%
Blue collar 718 13.6% 10.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
58.8%
Governmental workers
28.9%
Not for profit companies
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 460 8.7% 8.8%
Private companies 3,097 58.8% -0.8%
Governmental workers 1,524 28.9% 10.3%
Not for profit companies 185 3.5% 5.1%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
18.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Poulsbo stands at 3.8%, 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 Poulsbo

How people get around in Poulsbo

In Poulsbo, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 65.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
7.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,762 65.5% -2.1%
Bus or trolleybus 55 1% -51.8%
Ferryboat 341 5.9% 61.6%
Motorcycle 40 0.7% 110.5%
Bicycle 29 0.5% 52.6%
Walk 41 0.7% -57.7%
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 Poulsbo by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98370 33,655 13,501 $116,756 $140,464
98392 2,984 1,238 $85,530 $107,981

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FAQs about Poulsbo demographics 

What is the total population of Poulsbo?

Poulsbo has a total population of 12,165 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 +1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Poulsbo?

The gender ratio in Poulsbo is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (5,917 residents)
  • 51.4% females (6,248 residents)

What is the median age in Poulsbo?

The median age in Poulsbo is 43.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Poulsbo?

The age distribution in Poulsbo is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (1,821 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.2% (1,118 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.7% (3,493 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (3,110 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (2,623 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Poulsbo?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Poulsbo is as follows:
  • White: 77.9% (9,474 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (275 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (61 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (289 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (48 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.3% (1,619 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (399 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.2% of the population in Poulsbo.

How many housing units are there in Poulsbo?

There are 5,481 housing units in Poulsbo, reflecting a +3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Poulsbo has a total of 5,321 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Poulsbo?

Poulsbo has a median household income of $116,250, representing a +21.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Poulsbo?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Poulsbo, with a workforce of 5,266 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.4% (4,548 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.6% (718 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (460 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.8% (3,097 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.9% (1,524 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.5% (185 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