Soap Lake, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,508
17.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,125/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
885
-1.6% year-over-year change

Soap Lake population

How many people live in Soap Lake

Soap Lake is home to 1,508 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 56.1% of Soap Lake locals are male, and 43.9% are female.

Total population
1,508
17.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
56.1%
846
Female
43.9%
662
Value Percent YoY change
Male 846 56.1% 33.6%
Female 662 43.9% 1.4%
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 Soap Lake is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.8% are children under 15, then 13.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 15.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.8%
15 to 24
13.3%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
15.2%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 389 25.8% 54.4%
15 to 24 200 13.3% 35.1%
25 to 44 366 24.3% 16.9%
45 to 64 230 15.2% -10.5%
Over 65 323 21.4% 2.2%
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 Soap Lake, 88.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,338 88.7% 24.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 65 4.3% -3.0%
Non-citizens 105 7% -25.5%
Racial breakdown
White
60%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
5.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8%
Other
27%
Value Percent
White 904 60%
American Indian and Alaska Native 77 5.1%
Two or more races 120 8%
Other 407 27%

Households in Soap Lake

A peek inside Soap Lake households

Soap Lake has 604 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.7% are families, while the remaining 50.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
604
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
304
Family households
300
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 304 50.3% -17.4%
Family households 300 49.7% 31.0%
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 Soap Lake

The housing landscape of Soap Lake

Soap Lake's housing consists of 885 units, with 49.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 22.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
885
-1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 440 49.7%
2 units 24 2.7%
3 or 4 units 71 8%
5 to 9 units 46 5.2%
10 to 19 units 79 8.9%
Mobile home 199 22.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 26 2.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Soap Lake

In Soap Lake, the median construction year is 1956. About 16.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 19.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 146 16.5% 20.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 172 19.4% -10.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 204 23% 20.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 23 2.6% -59.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 109 12.3% -12.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 14 1.6% -70.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 53 6% 17.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 132 14.9% -6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 32 3.6% N/A
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.

Soap Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 604 occupied housing units in Soap Lake, 65.6% are owner-occupied, while 34.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 31.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
604
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
208
Owner occupied
396
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 208 34.4% -4.2%
Owner occupied 396 65.6% 4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
31.8%
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.

Soap Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Soap Lake come to a median of $714 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $599.

Median housing costs per month
$714/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 Soap Lake
$599/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 Soap Lake

Soap Lake education at a glance

About 52.7% of the population in Soap Lake went to high school, while 20% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 6.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 56 5.4% 12.0%
High school diploma 546 52.7% 13.8%
College diploma 207 20% -28.9%
Associate degree 95 9.2% 2.1%
Bachelor's degree 63 6.1% 80.0%
Graduate degree 69 6.7% 1.5%
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 Soap Lake

How much people earn in Soap Lake

The average annual household income in Soap Lake was $124,933 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.3% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Soap Lake
$124,933/year
9.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Soap Lake
$48,125/year
% year-over-year change

Soap Lake income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,555 overall. Overall, 72.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $48,555 N/A
Above poverty level
1,045
Below poverty level
395
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,045 72.6% 20.7%
Below poverty level 395 27.4% 9.1%

Average renter income in Soap Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Soap Lake, their median household income was $27,009 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,009
Rent-to-income ratio
26.6%
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 Soap Lake

Workforce and job types in Soap Lake

The job market in Soap Lake is powered by 410 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 24.4% run their own businesses, 51.2% are employed by private companies, and 19% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
410
-17.8% year-over-year change
White collar
292
Blue collar
118
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 292 71.2% -10.2%
Blue collar 118 28.8% -32.2%
Employer type
Self employees
24.4%
Private companies
51.2%
Governmental workers
19%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 100 24.4% 1.0%
Private companies 210 51.2% -35.2%
Governmental workers 78 19% 62.5%
Not for profit companies 22 5.4% -21.4%
Unemployment rate
8.9%
-27.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Soap Lake stands at 8.9%, 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 Soap Lake

How people get around in Soap Lake

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 366 89.3% -14.9%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.2% 0.0%
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 Soap Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98851 4,437 1,604 $63,333 $96,046

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Soap Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Soap Lake?

Soap Lake has a total population of 1,508 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 +17.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Soap Lake?

The gender ratio in Soap Lake is as follows:
  • 56.1% males (846 residents)
  • 43.9% females (662 residents)

What is the median age in Soap Lake?

The median age in Soap Lake is 35.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Soap Lake?

The age distribution in Soap Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.8% (389 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.3% (200 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (366 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.2% (230 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (323 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Soap Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Soap Lake is as follows:
  • White: 60% (904 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 5.1% (77 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8% (120 residents)
  • Other: 27% (407 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.7% of the population in Soap Lake.

How many housing units are there in Soap Lake?

There are 885 housing units in Soap Lake, reflecting a -1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Soap Lake has a total of 604 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Soap Lake?

Soap Lake has a median household income of $48,125, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Soap Lake?

The employment rate is 91.1% in Soap Lake, with a workforce of 410 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.2% (292 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.8% (118 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 24.4% (100 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.2% (210 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19% (78 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (22 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