Yelm, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,102
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,750/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,748
6.2% year-over-year change

Yelm population

How many people live in Yelm

Yelm is home to 11,102 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Yelm locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
11,102
4.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
5,624
Female
49.3%
5,478
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,624 50.7% 8.5%
Female 5,478 49.3% 0.8%
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 Yelm is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.7% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.4% of the population, while another 20.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7% are 65 or older.

Median age
31
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.7%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
32.4%
45 to 64
20.9%
Over 65
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,740 24.7% -1.0%
15 to 24 1,669 15% 1.3%
25 to 44 3,596 32.4% 2.6%
45 to 64 2,322 20.9% 12.8%
Over 65 775 7% 21.7%
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 Yelm, 87.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.8% of locals are Caucasian, 5.3% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. Another 1.2% are Indigenous American, 5.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 19.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.6%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,725 87.6% 3.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 950 8.6% 25.3%
Non-citizens 427 3.8% -4.9%
Racial breakdown
White
64.8%
Black or African American
5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
5.1%
Two or more races
19.4%
Other
2.9%
Value Percent
White 7,199 64.8%
Black or African American 585 5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 138 1.2%
Asian 145 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 567 5.1%
Two or more races 2,151 19.4%
Other 317 2.9%

Households in Yelm

A peek inside Yelm households

Yelm has 3,703 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.8% are families, while the remaining 24.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,703
6.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
896
Family households
2,807
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 896 24.2% 8.5%
Family households 2,807 75.8% 6.2%
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 Yelm

The housing landscape of Yelm

Yelm's housing consists of 3,748 units, with 75.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.2% 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 2.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,748
6.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,824 75.4%
1 unit, attached 158 4.2%
3 or 4 units 166 4.4%
5 to 9 units 171 4.6%
10 to 19 units 45 1.2%
20 to 49 units 215 5.7%
50 or more units 51 1.4%
Mobile home 100 2.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 18 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
111
753.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Yelm

In Yelm, the median construction year is 2004. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 33.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 25.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 233 6.2% 1.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 17 0.4% N/A
Built between 1960 and 1969 194 5.2% -20.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 123 3.3% -25.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 179 4.8% 11.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 660 17.6% 30.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,268 33.8% -1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 963 25.7% 4.2%
Built in 2020 or later 111 3% 753.9%
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.

Yelm occupancy rates

Out of the 3,703 occupied housing units in Yelm, 66.6% are owner-occupied, while 33.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,703
6.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,238
Owner occupied
2,465
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,238 33.4% 18.4%
Owner occupied 2,465 66.6% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
1.2%
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.

Yelm housing costs

Housing costs in Yelm come to a median of $2,093 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,626.

Median housing costs per month
$2,093/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 Yelm
$1,626/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 Yelm

Yelm education at a glance

About 36.5% of the population in Yelm went to high school, while 26.5% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 14.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 160 2% 95.1%
High school diploma 2,860 36.5% 9.8%
College diploma 2,080 26.5% -0.3%
Associate degree 827 10.6% -3.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,147 14.6% 11.6%
Graduate degree 763 9.7% 13.4%
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 Yelm

How much people earn in Yelm

The average annual household income in Yelm was $98,043 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,750, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Yelm
$98,043/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Yelm
$90,750/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Yelm income by age

In Yelm, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,571. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,772 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $71,429, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,750 in earnings. Overall, 93.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $71,429 -5.3%
25 - 44 $98,571 3.7%
45 - 64 $98,772 3.6%
Over 65 $38,750 4.0%
Above poverty level
10,195
Below poverty level
672
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,195 93.8% 3.3%
Below poverty level 672 6.2% 17.3%

Average renter income in Yelm

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Yelm, their median household income was $52,188 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$52,188
Rent-to-income ratio
37.4%
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 Yelm

Workforce and job types in Yelm

The job market in Yelm is powered by 4,324 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 60.8% are employed by private companies, and 29.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,324
2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
3,327
Blue collar
997
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,327 76.9% 8.5%
Blue collar 997 23.1% -14.0%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
60.8%
Governmental workers
29.6%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 217 5% 21.2%
Private companies 2,631 60.8% -0.6%
Governmental workers 1,281 29.6% 8.1%
Not for profit companies 195 4.5% -8.9%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Yelm stands at 3.8%, 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 Yelm

How people get around in Yelm

Commuting methods vary: 84.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% 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 4,603 84.4% 0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 55 1% 30.9%
Motorcycle 23 0.4% N/A
Walk 148 2.7% 19.4%
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 Yelm by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98576 4,985 1,676 $104,896 $105,125
98513 38,017 13,657 $113,053 $131,358
98597 26,669 9,715 $92,219 $103,297

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FAQs about Yelm demographics 

What is the total population of Yelm?

Yelm has a total population of 11,102 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 +4.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Yelm?

The gender ratio in Yelm is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (5,624 residents)
  • 49.3% females (5,478 residents)

What is the median age in Yelm?

The median age in Yelm is 31.

What is the age distribution of the population in Yelm?

The age distribution in Yelm is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.7% (2,740 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (1,669 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.4% (3,596 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.9% (2,322 residents)
  • Over 65: 7% (775 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Yelm?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Yelm is as follows:
  • White: 64.8% (7,199 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.3% (585 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (138 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (145 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 5.1% (567 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.4% (2,151 residents)
  • Other: 2.9% (317 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.6% of the population in Yelm.

How many housing units are there in Yelm?

There are 3,748 housing units in Yelm, reflecting a +6.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Yelm has a total of 3,703 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Yelm?

Yelm has a median household income of $90,750, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.2% in Yelm, with a workforce of 4,324 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.9% (3,327 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.1% (997 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (217 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.8% (2,631 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.6% (1,281 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (195 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