Arlington, WA
Population 20,599 · Washington
About Arlington, WA
Arlington is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 20,599 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,919 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Arlington features a median home value of $492,600, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. This places Arlington in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,764, 52% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,126 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (4,795 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,770 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Arlington shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Arlington have an average one-way commute time of 30.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of Arlington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 10.2% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 11.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Arlington, WA
Compared to national averages, Arlington has a median household income of $84,919 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $492,600, which is 101% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,764 is 52% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Arlington's income is 6% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 7% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Arlington, WA?
Arlington offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,919, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $492,600. However, Arlington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Arlington has a population of 20,599 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Arlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Arlington
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mill Creek | 20,846 | $121,578 | $836,300 | Compare |
| Covington | 20,957 | $126,730 | $590,100 | Compare |
| Bothell West | 21,014 | $144,941 | $757,700 | Compare |
| Silverdale | 21,046 | $101,445 | $507,600 | Compare |
| Port Angeles | 20,087 | $61,640 | $324,800 | Compare |
| Battle Ground | 21,293 | $100,185 | $452,000 | Compare |
| Mukilteo | 21,312 | $122,612 | $830,000 | Compare |
| Mountlake Terrace | 21,419 | $101,404 | $606,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Arlington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington
What is the population of Arlington, WA?
The population of Arlington, WA is 20,599 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington, WA is $84,919 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington, WA is $492,600, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Arlington?
The median monthly rent in Arlington, WA is $1,764, which is 52% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arlington?
The unemployment rate in Arlington, WA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Arlington, WA a good place to live?
Arlington offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 20,599 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Arlington, WA?
20.3% of residents in Arlington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Arlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arlington, WA: median home value is $492,600 (101% above national), median rent is $1,764/month, and median household income is $84,919. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Arlington?
The poverty rate in Arlington, WA is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Arlington, WA?
Arlington's population is 10.2% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 11.1% of residents are foreign-born.