Tukwila, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,451
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,381/yr
-2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,522
1.1% year-over-year change

Tukwila population

How many people live in Tukwila

Tukwila is home to 21,451 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.4% of Tukwila locals are male, and 45.6% are female.

Total population
21,451
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.4%
11,666
Female
45.6%
9,785
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,666 54.4% 1.2%
Female 9,785 45.6% -1.7%
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 Tukwila is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 37.3% of the population, while another 23.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
37.3%
45 to 64
23.1%
Over 65
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,290 15.3% -7.1%
15 to 24 2,636 12.3% 9.3%
25 to 44 8,003 37.3% -2.5%
45 to 64 4,955 23.1% -3.6%
Over 65 2,567 12% 17.9%
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 Tukwila, 56.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 25% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 18.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.9% of locals are Caucasian, 17.7% are African American and 23.6% have Asian roots. Another 2% are Indigenous American, 3.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 14.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
56.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
25%
Non-citizens
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,169 56.7% -4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,353 25% 11.6%
Non-citizens 3,929 18.3% -1.1%
Racial breakdown
White
29.9%
Black or African American
17.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2%
Asian
23.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
3.6%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
14.1%
Value Percent
White 6,409 29.9%
Black or African American 3,806 17.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 424 2%
Asian 5,051 23.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 771 3.6%
Two or more races 1,959 9.1%
Other 3,031 14.1%

Households in Tukwila

A peek inside Tukwila households

Tukwila has 7,934 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 57.5% are families, while the remaining 42.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,934
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,370
Family households
4,564
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,370 42.5% 5.7%
Family households 4,564 57.5% -3.5%
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 Tukwila

The housing landscape of Tukwila

Tukwila's housing consists of 8,522 units, with 36.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% 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% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,522
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,081 36.2%
1 unit, attached 277 3.2%
2 units 113 1.3%
3 or 4 units 479 5.6%
5 to 9 units 911 10.7%
10 to 19 units 756 8.9%
20 to 49 units 1,213 14.2%
50 or more units 1,606 18.8%
Mobile home 86 1%
Homes built since 2020
83
40.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tukwila

In Tukwila, the median construction year is 1981. About 6.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 566 6.6% -27.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 701 8.2% 7.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 418 4.9% -22.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,404 16.5% 11.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,024 12% -14.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,661 19.5% 1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,005 11.8% 3.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 596 7% 15.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,064 12.5% 30.6%
Built in 2020 or later 83 1% 40.7%
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.

Tukwila occupancy rates

Out of the 7,934 occupied housing units in Tukwila, 40.4% are owner-occupied, while 59.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,934
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,726
Owner occupied
3,208
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,726 59.6% 0.1%
Owner occupied 3,208 40.4% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.9%
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.

Tukwila housing costs

Housing costs in Tukwila come to a median of $1,865 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,898.

Median housing costs per month
$1,865/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 Tukwila
$1,898/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 Tukwila

Tukwila education at a glance

About 35.2% of the population in Tukwila went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 18.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,804 10.3% -2.4%
High school diploma 6,131 35.2% -0.3%
College diploma 3,257 18.7% -8.0%
Associate degree 1,964 11.3% 13.5%
Bachelor's degree 3,165 18.1% 7.0%
Graduate degree 1,123 6.4% 7.6%
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 Tukwila

How much people earn in Tukwila

The average annual household income in Tukwila was $102,598 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,381, reflecting a -2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tukwila
$102,598/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tukwila
$78,381/year
-2.7% year-over-year change

Tukwila income by age

In Tukwila, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,881. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,328 overall. Overall, 87.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $76,881 0.1%
45 - 64 $98,328 -2.9%
Over 65 $62,192 -1.9%
Above poverty level
18,069
Below poverty level
2,636
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,069 87.3% -1.2%
Below poverty level 2,636 12.7% 5.3%

Average renter income in Tukwila

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tukwila, their median household income was $67,317 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$67,317
Rent-to-income ratio
33.8%
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 Tukwila

Workforce and job types in Tukwila

The job market in Tukwila is powered by 11,801 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 72.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,801
-1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
8,250
Blue collar
3,551
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,250 69.9% -2.7%
Blue collar 3,551 30.1% 1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
72.1%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 929 7.9% 4.2%
Private companies 8,507 72.1% -7.0%
Governmental workers 1,333 11.3% 23.9%
Not for profit companies 1,032 8.8% 20.3%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
-2.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tukwila stands at 6.4%, 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 Tukwila

How people get around in Tukwila

In Tukwila, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,800 76.9% 0.3%
Taxicab 115 1% -8.7%
Bus or trolleybus 539 4.7% -30.1%
Subway or elevated 53 0.5% N/A
Motorcycle 8 0.1% -33.3%
Walk 52 0.4% 300.0%
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 Tukwila by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98108 25,529 9,016 $95,780 $137,245
98168 35,528 12,260 $88,083 $109,455
98178 26,748 9,349 $99,505 $139,638
98188 27,311 11,430 $76,438 $96,830

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FAQs about Tukwila demographics 

What is the total population of Tukwila?

Tukwila has a total population of 21,451 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tukwila?

The gender ratio in Tukwila is as follows:
  • 54.4% males (11,666 residents)
  • 45.6% females (9,785 residents)

What is the median age in Tukwila?

The median age in Tukwila is 35.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tukwila?

The age distribution in Tukwila is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (3,290 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (2,636 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 37.3% (8,003 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.1% (4,955 residents)
  • Over 65: 12% (2,567 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tukwila?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tukwila is as follows:
  • White: 29.9% (6,409 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.7% (3,806 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2% (424 residents)
  • Asian: 23.6% (5,051 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 3.6% (771 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (1,959 residents)
  • Other: 14.1% (3,031 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 56.7% of the population in Tukwila.

How many housing units are there in Tukwila?

There are 8,522 housing units in Tukwila, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Tukwila has a total of 7,934 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tukwila?

Tukwila has a median household income of $78,381, representing a -2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.6% in Tukwila, with a workforce of 11,801 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.9% (8,250 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.1% (3,551 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (929 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.1% (8,507 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (1,333 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (1,032 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