Rainier, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,455
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$106,019/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
850
-3.4% year-over-year change

Rainier population

How many people live in Rainier

Rainier is home to 2,455 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Rainier locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
2,455
-1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
1,198
Female
51.2%
1,257
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,198 48.8% 0.7%
Female 1,257 51.2% -4.0%
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 Rainier is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.9% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.4% of the population, while another 23.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.9%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
31.4%
45 to 64
23.3%
Over 65
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 612 24.9% 2.9%
15 to 24 218 8.9% 41.6%
25 to 44 772 31.4% 9.2%
45 to 64 571 23.3% -17.4%
Over 65 282 11.5% -19.9%
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 Rainier, 89.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.2%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,200 89.6% -4.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 225 9.2% 21.0%
Non-citizens 30 1.2% 400.0%
Racial breakdown
White
84.4%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 2,073 84.4%
Black or African American 7 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 31 1.3%
Two or more races 230 9.4%
Other 114 4.6%

Households in Rainier

A peek inside Rainier households

Rainier has 788 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 78% are families, while the remaining 22% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
788
-2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
173
Family households
615
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 173 22% 16.9%
Family households 615 78% -6.7%
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 Rainier

The housing landscape of Rainier

Rainier's housing consists of 850 units, with 77.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% 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 13.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
850
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 660 77.6%
1 unit, attached 20 2.4%
5 to 9 units 24 2.8%
50 or more units 30 3.5%
Mobile home 116 13.6%
Homes built since 2020
50
163.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rainier

In Rainier, the median construction year is 1994. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 122 14.4% 3.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 42 4.9% -17.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 121 14.2% 2.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 71 8.4% -32.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 183 21.5% 28.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 140 16.5% -9.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 121 14.2% -24.4%
Built in 2020 or later 50 5.9% 163.2%
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.

Rainier occupancy rates

Out of the 788 occupied housing units in Rainier, 85.8% are owner-occupied, while 14.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
788
-2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
112
Owner occupied
676
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 112 14.2% 41.8%
Owner occupied 676 85.8% -7.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.3%
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.

Rainier housing costs

Housing costs in Rainier come to a median of $1,683 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,227.

Median housing costs per month
$1,683/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 Rainier
$1,227/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 Rainier

Rainier education at a glance

About 41.1% of the population in Rainier went to high school, while 28.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7 0.4% 16.7%
High school diploma 710 41.1% -13.1%
College diploma 486 28.1% -1.2%
Associate degree 153 8.9% -11.6%
Bachelor's degree 218 12.6% -4.4%
Graduate degree 153 8.9% 29.7%
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 Rainier

How much people earn in Rainier

The average annual household income in Rainier was $104,732 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $106,019, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rainier
$104,732/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rainier
$106,019/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Rainier income by age

In Rainier, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $110,814. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $96,413 overall. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $110,814 5.2%
45 - 64 $96,413 -8.8%
Over 65 $56,023 4.2%
Above poverty level
1,994
Below poverty level
342
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,994 85.4% -1.4%
Below poverty level 342 14.6% 2.1%

Average renter income in Rainier

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rainier, their median household income was $50,341 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,341
Rent-to-income ratio
29.2%
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 Rainier

Workforce and job types in Rainier

The job market in Rainier is powered by 1,058 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 65.2% are employed by private companies, and 20.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,058
1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
754
Blue collar
304
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 754 71.3% 12.0%
Blue collar 304 28.7% -17.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
65.2%
Governmental workers
20.9%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 65 6.1% -29.4%
Private companies 690 65.2% 7.1%
Governmental workers 221 20.9% -12.3%
Not for profit companies 82 7.8% 49.1%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
-38.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rainier stands at 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 Rainier

How people get around in Rainier

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 746 73.1% -4.2%
Motorcycle 33 3.2% -17.5%
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 Rainier by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98576 4,985 1,676 $104,896 $105,125
98589 7,010 2,956 $83,855 $100,806

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FAQs about Rainier demographics 

What is the total population of Rainier?

Rainier has a total population of 2,455 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 -1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rainier?

The gender ratio in Rainier is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (1,198 residents)
  • 51.2% females (1,257 residents)

What is the median age in Rainier?

The median age in Rainier is 36.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rainier?

The age distribution in Rainier is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.9% (612 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (218 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.4% (772 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.3% (571 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.5% (282 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rainier?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rainier is as follows:
  • White: 84.4% (2,073 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (7 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (31 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (230 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (114 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.6% of the population in Rainier.

How many housing units are there in Rainier?

There are 850 housing units in Rainier, reflecting a -3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rainier has a total of 788 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rainier?

Rainier has a median household income of $106,019, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95% in Rainier, with a workforce of 1,058 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.3% (754 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.7% (304 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (65 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.2% (690 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.9% (221 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (82 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