Tumwater, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,956
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$95,212/yr
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,377
1.9% year-over-year change

Tumwater population

How many people live in Tumwater

Tumwater is home to 26,956 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Tumwater locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
26,956
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
12,852
Female
52.3%
14,104
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,852 47.7% 3.5%
Female 14,104 52.3% 0.0%
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 Tumwater is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.5% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
31.5%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,738 17.6% 7.8%
15 to 24 3,001 11.1% 3.4%
25 to 44 8,487 31.5% -2.4%
45 to 64 6,526 24.2% -0.7%
Over 65 4,204 15.6% 6.3%
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 Tumwater, 89.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.3% of locals are Caucasian, 4.8% are African American and 7.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.4%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,139 89.6% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,993 7.4% 6.8%
Non-citizens 824 3.1% 52.0%
Racial breakdown
White
69.3%
Black or African American
4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
7.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
13.8%
Other
3.5%
Value Percent
White 18,692 69.3%
Black or African American 1,300 4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 195 0.7%
Asian 1,965 7.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 130 0.5%
Two or more races 3,729 13.8%
Other 945 3.5%

Households in Tumwater

A peek inside Tumwater households

Tumwater has 10,929 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.4% are families, while the remaining 37.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,929
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,112
Family households
6,817
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,112 37.6% -2.3%
Family households 6,817 62.4% 2.4%
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 Tumwater

The housing landscape of Tumwater

Tumwater's housing consists of 11,377 units, with 63.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% 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 5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,377
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,206 63.3%
1 unit, attached 732 6.4%
2 units 423 3.7%
3 or 4 units 282 2.5%
5 to 9 units 886 7.8%
10 to 19 units 481 4.2%
20 to 49 units 317 2.8%
50 or more units 473 4.2%
Mobile home 563 5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
385
123.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tumwater

In Tumwater, the median construction year is 1995. About 2.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 17.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 247 2.2% -6.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 374 3.3% 47.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 645 5.7% 52.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 841 7.4% -24.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,702 15% 4.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,156 10.2% -18.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,572 13.8% -7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,506 22% 12.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,949 17.1% 0.2%
Built in 2020 or later 385 3.4% 123.8%
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.

Tumwater occupancy rates

Out of the 10,929 occupied housing units in Tumwater, 62.5% are owner-occupied, while 37.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,929
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,097
Owner occupied
6,832
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,097 37.5% -3.1%
Owner occupied 6,832 62.5% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
3.9%
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.

Tumwater housing costs

Housing costs in Tumwater come to a median of $1,805 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,779.

Median housing costs per month
$1,805/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 Tumwater
$1,779/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 Tumwater

Tumwater education at a glance

About 23% of the population in Tumwater went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 24.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 239 1.1% -22.4%
High school diploma 4,920 23% 2.8%
College diploma 5,452 25.5% -7.5%
Associate degree 2,418 11.3% -3.7%
Bachelor's degree 5,236 24.5% 3.6%
Graduate degree 3,079 14.4% 2.7%
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 Tumwater

How much people earn in Tumwater

The average annual household income in Tumwater was $114,446 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $95,212, reflecting a +1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tumwater
$114,446/year
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tumwater
$95,212/year
1.7% year-over-year change

Tumwater income by age

In Tumwater, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $102,904. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $111,985 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,292, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $71,932 in earnings. Overall, 92.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,292 -8.4%
25 - 44 $102,904 1.8%
45 - 64 $111,985 3.6%
Over 65 $71,932 -3.2%
Above poverty level
24,383
Below poverty level
1,877
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 24,383 92.8% 2.3%
Below poverty level 1,877 7.2% -8.3%

Average renter income in Tumwater

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tumwater, their median household income was $57,625 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$57,625
Rent-to-income ratio
37%
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 Tumwater

Workforce and job types in Tumwater

The job market in Tumwater is powered by 13,622 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 48% are employed by private companies, and 36.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,622
-2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
11,972
Blue collar
1,650
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,972 87.9% -3.7%
Blue collar 1,650 12.1% 6.5%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
48%
Governmental workers
36.8%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,047 7.7% -4.3%
Private companies 6,546 48% -2.4%
Governmental workers 5,007 36.8% -2.5%
Not for profit companies 1,022 7.5% -2.9%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
5.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tumwater stands at 5.3%, 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 Tumwater

How people get around in Tumwater

In Tumwater, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 67.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,341 67.4% -8.0%
Taxicab 10 0.1% -23.1%
Bus or trolleybus 74 0.5% -35.1%
Motorcycle 8 0.1% -63.6%
Bicycle 87 0.6% 64.2%
Walk 364 2.6% 15.9%
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 Tumwater by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98501 48,067 19,783 $97,198 $117,535
98512 31,864 12,719 $101,530 $123,812

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FAQs about Tumwater demographics 

What is the total population of Tumwater?

Tumwater has a total population of 26,956 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 Tumwater?

The gender ratio in Tumwater is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (12,852 residents)
  • 52.3% females (14,104 residents)

What is the median age in Tumwater?

The median age in Tumwater is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tumwater?

The age distribution in Tumwater is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (4,738 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (3,001 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.5% (8,487 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (6,526 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (4,204 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tumwater?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tumwater is as follows:
  • White: 69.3% (18,692 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.8% (1,300 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (195 residents)
  • Asian: 7.3% (1,965 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (130 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.8% (3,729 residents)
  • Other: 3.5% (945 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Tumwater?

There are 11,377 housing units in Tumwater, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Tumwater has a total of 10,929 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tumwater?

Tumwater has a median household income of $95,212, representing a +1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.7% in Tumwater, with a workforce of 13,622 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.9% (11,972 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.1% (1,650 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (1,047 residents)
  • Private companies: 48% (6,546 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 36.8% (5,007 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (1,022 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