Puyallup, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
42,746
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$97,826/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,460
-0.4% year-over-year change

Puyallup population

How many people live in Puyallup

Puyallup is home to 42,746 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Puyallup locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
42,746
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
20,767
Female
51.4%
21,979
Value Percent YoY change
Male 20,767 48.6% -0.2%
Female 21,979 51.4% 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 Puyallup is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.8% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
30.8%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,944 18.6% 1.0%
15 to 24 5,225 12.2% 0.6%
25 to 44 13,146 30.8% -0.8%
45 to 64 9,518 22.3% -3.7%
Over 65 6,913 16.2% 7.0%
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 Puyallup, 88.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.3% of locals are Caucasian, 4% are African American and 5.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.7% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.4% 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
88.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.9%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 37,816 88.5% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,375 7.9% 3.0%
Non-citizens 1,555 3.6% -16.4%
Racial breakdown
White
72.3%
Black or African American
4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
5.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.7%
Two or more races
13.3%
Other
3.4%
Value Percent
White 30,904 72.3%
Black or African American 1,690 4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 286 0.7%
Asian 2,427 5.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 298 0.7%
Two or more races 5,680 13.3%
Other 1,461 3.4%

Households in Puyallup

A peek inside Puyallup households

Puyallup has 16,570 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.6% are families, while the remaining 37.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,570
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,196
Family households
10,374
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,196 37.4% -1.9%
Family households 10,374 62.6% 0.4%
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 Puyallup

The housing landscape of Puyallup

Puyallup's housing consists of 17,460 units, with 56.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,460
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,836 56.3%
1 unit, attached 470 2.7%
2 units 617 3.5%
3 or 4 units 1,448 8.3%
5 to 9 units 1,382 7.9%
10 to 19 units 1,738 10%
20 to 49 units 719 4.1%
50 or more units 1,168 6.7%
Mobile home 57 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 25 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
303
17.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Puyallup

In Puyallup, the median construction year is 1987. About 7.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,244 7.1% -9.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 618 3.5% 10.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,018 5.8% 7.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,361 7.8% -0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,620 15% 2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,856 16.4% -8.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,999 17.2% 2.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,451 14% 5.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,990 11.4% -4.9%
Built in 2020 or later 303 1.7% 17.0%
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.

Puyallup occupancy rates

Out of the 16,570 occupied housing units in Puyallup, 52.1% are owner-occupied, while 47.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,570
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,931
Owner occupied
8,639
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,931 47.9% -2.2%
Owner occupied 8,639 52.1% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
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.

Puyallup housing costs

Housing costs in Puyallup come to a median of $1,913 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,812.

Median housing costs per month
$1,913/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 Puyallup
$1,812/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 Puyallup

Puyallup education at a glance

About 35% of the population in Puyallup went to high school, while 22.9% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 18.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 786 2.4% 12.3%
High school diploma 11,618 35% -1.2%
College diploma 7,621 22.9% -4.1%
Associate degree 4,007 12% -0.1%
Bachelor's degree 6,189 18.6% -2.0%
Graduate degree 3,024 9.1% 18.1%
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 Puyallup

How much people earn in Puyallup

The average annual household income in Puyallup was $117,892 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $97,826, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Puyallup
$117,892/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Puyallup
$97,826/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Puyallup income by age

In Puyallup, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $105,526. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $126,828 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $74,300, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,051 in earnings. Overall, 93.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $74,300 16.9%
25 - 44 $105,526 3.7%
45 - 64 $126,828 2.1%
Over 65 $61,051 5.2%
Above poverty level
38,252
Below poverty level
2,848
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 38,252 93.1% 0.5%
Below poverty level 2,848 6.9% -6.5%

Average renter income in Puyallup

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Puyallup, their median household income was $68,114 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$68,114
Rent-to-income ratio
31.9%
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 Puyallup

Workforce and job types in Puyallup

The job market in Puyallup is powered by 21,390 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.5% run their own businesses, 70.5% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,390
-1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
15,876
Blue collar
5,514
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,876 74.2% 0.0%
Blue collar 5,514 25.8% -6.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.5%
Private companies
70.5%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,173 5.5% -26.1%
Private companies 15,089 70.5% -2.0%
Governmental workers 3,399 15.9% 4.9%
Not for profit companies 1,729 8.1% 14.3%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
11.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Puyallup stands at 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 Puyallup

How people get around in Puyallup

In Puyallup, the average commute time is 31 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% 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
-0.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,349 83.2% -3.9%
Taxicab 16 0.1% 33.3%
Bus or trolleybus 128 0.6% -15.8%
Railroad 255 1.2% -16.9%
Motorcycle 5 0% -76.2%
Bicycle 21 0.1% 31.2%
Walk 359 1.7% 22.5%
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 Puyallup by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98371 24,682 9,603 $97,242 $122,936
98372 26,012 10,231 $98,152 $121,116
98373 28,883 11,008 $103,796 $126,119
98374 49,007 16,799 $112,662 $135,055
98375 31,187 10,242 $117,074 $127,858

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FAQs about Puyallup demographics 

What is the total population of Puyallup?

Puyallup has a total population of 42,746 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Puyallup?

The gender ratio in Puyallup is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (20,767 residents)
  • 51.4% females (21,979 residents)

What is the median age in Puyallup?

The median age in Puyallup is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Puyallup?

The age distribution in Puyallup is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (7,944 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (5,225 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.8% (13,146 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (9,518 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.2% (6,913 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Puyallup?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Puyallup is as follows:
  • White: 72.3% (30,904 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4% (1,690 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (286 residents)
  • Asian: 5.7% (2,427 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.7% (298 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.3% (5,680 residents)
  • Other: 3.4% (1,461 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.5% of the population in Puyallup.

How many housing units are there in Puyallup?

There are 17,460 housing units in Puyallup, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Puyallup has a total of 16,570 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Puyallup?

Puyallup has a median household income of $97,826, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Puyallup, with a workforce of 21,390 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.2% (15,876 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.8% (5,514 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.5% (1,173 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.5% (15,089 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (3,399 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (1,729 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