Selah, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,437
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,783/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,489
-1.5% year-over-year change

Selah population

How many people live in Selah

Selah is home to 8,437 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Selah locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
8,437
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
3,981
Female
52.8%
4,456
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,981 47.2% 3.8%
Female 4,456 52.8% -0.2%
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 Selah is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.9% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.4% of the population, while another 17% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.9%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
29.4%
45 to 64
17%
Over 65
14.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,017 23.9% 11.2%
15 to 24 1,265 15% -5.0%
25 to 44 2,481 29.4% 6.8%
45 to 64 1,437 17% -13.8%
Over 65 1,237 14.7% 6.1%
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 Selah, 90.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,673 90.9% 2.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 364 4.3% -10.6%
Non-citizens 400 4.7% -3.4%
Racial breakdown
White
65.6%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.5%
Other
22.4%
Value Percent
White 5,531 65.6%
Black or African American 24 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 72 0.8%
Asian 204 2.4%
Two or more races 718 8.5%
Other 1,888 22.4%

Households in Selah

A peek inside Selah households

Selah has 3,264 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,264
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,215
Family households
2,049
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,215 37.2% 15.1%
Family households 2,049 62.8% -4.3%
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 Selah

The housing landscape of Selah

Selah's housing consists of 3,489 units, with 68.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,489
-1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,388 68.4%
1 unit, attached 171 4.9%
2 units 171 4.9%
5 to 9 units 112 3.2%
10 to 19 units 254 7.3%
20 to 49 units 270 7.7%
50 or more units 123 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
55
103.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Selah

In Selah, the median construction year is 1990. About 11.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 398 11.4% -16.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 146 4.2% -2.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 111 3.2% -45.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 180 5.2% 2.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 500 14.3% -2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 373 10.7% -18.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 796 22.8% 21.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 455 13% -1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 475 13.6% 13.1%
Built in 2020 or later 55 1.6% 103.7%
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.

Selah occupancy rates

Out of the 3,264 occupied housing units in Selah, 59.4% are owner-occupied, while 40.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,264
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,326
Owner occupied
1,938
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,326 40.6% -4.4%
Owner occupied 1,938 59.4% 7.1%
Unoccupied housing units
6.4%
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.

Selah housing costs

Housing costs in Selah come to a median of $1,540 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,539.

Median housing costs per month
$1,540/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 Selah
$1,539/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 Selah

Selah education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Selah went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 12.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 171 2.8% -10.0%
High school diploma 2,580 42.5% -5.8%
College diploma 1,313 21.6% -4.3%
Associate degree 618 10.2% 14.7%
Bachelor's degree 749 12.3% -2.5%
Graduate degree 638 10.5% 25.8%
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 Selah

How much people earn in Selah

The average annual household income in Selah was $104,762 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,783, reflecting a +0% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Selah
$104,762/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Selah
$74,783/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Selah income by age

In Selah, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,391. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,143 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $73,222, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,333 in earnings. Overall, 86.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $73,222 74.8%
25 - 44 $86,391 4.3%
45 - 64 $62,143 -12.5%
Over 65 $73,333 -28.7%
Above poverty level
7,074
Below poverty level
1,145
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,074 86.1% -0.9%
Below poverty level 1,145 13.9% 18.2%

Average renter income in Selah

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Selah, their median household income was $55,047 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,047
Rent-to-income ratio
33.5%
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 Selah

Workforce and job types in Selah

The job market in Selah is powered by 3,746 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 67.4% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,746
-8.0% year-over-year change
White collar
2,612
Blue collar
1,134
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,612 69.7% -11.0%
Blue collar 1,134 30.3% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
67.4%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 294 7.8% -32.9%
Private companies 2,526 67.4% 1.9%
Governmental workers 636 17% -18.9%
Not for profit companies 290 7.7% -21.6%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-11.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Selah stands at 4.4%, 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 Selah

How people get around in Selah

Commuting methods vary: 93.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 3,484 93.2% -7.7%
Taxicab 14 0.4% N/A
Walk 30 0.8% -37.5%
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 Selah by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98942 18,871 7,247 $84,646 $108,157

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FAQs about Selah demographics 

What is the total population of Selah?

Selah has a total population of 8,437 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 +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Selah?

The gender ratio in Selah is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (3,981 residents)
  • 52.8% females (4,456 residents)

What is the median age in Selah?

The median age in Selah is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in Selah?

The age distribution in Selah is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.9% (2,017 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (1,265 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.4% (2,481 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17% (1,437 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.7% (1,237 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Selah?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Selah is as follows:
  • White: 65.6% (5,531 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (24 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (72 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (204 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.5% (718 residents)
  • Other: 22.4% (1,888 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.9% of the population in Selah.

How many housing units are there in Selah?

There are 3,489 housing units in Selah, reflecting a -1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Selah has a total of 3,264 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Selah?

Selah has a median household income of $74,783, representing a +0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.6% in Selah, with a workforce of 3,746 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.7% (2,612 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.3% (1,134 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (294 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.4% (2,526 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (636 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (290 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