Birch Bay, WA
Population 11,103 · Washington
About Birch Bay, WA
Birch Bay is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 11,103 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,120 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Birch Bay features a median home value of $439,100, which is 79% above the national median of $244,900. This places Birch Bay in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,201, 3% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,947 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (3,847 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (895 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Birch Bay shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Birch Bay have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.9% of Birch Bay residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 6.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 10.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Birch Bay, WA
Compared to national averages, Birch Bay has a median household income of $77,120 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $439,100, which is 79% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,201 is 3% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Birch Bay's income is 15% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 5% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Birch Bay, WA?
Birch Bay offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,120, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 8.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $439,100. However, Birch Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Birch Bay has a population of 11,103 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Birch Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Birch Bay
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grandview | 11,042 | $59,875 | $232,500 | Compare |
| Fife | 10,902 | $90,515 | $480,600 | Compare |
| Maltby | 10,859 | $179,276 | $914,800 | Compare |
| Airway Heights | 10,766 | $64,659 | $286,900 | Compare |
| Felida | 10,695 | $150,430 | $643,600 | Compare |
| Sumner | 10,674 | $98,376 | $478,500 | Compare |
| Mount Vista | 10,635 | $101,189 | $526,200 | Compare |
| Shelton | 10,619 | $60,589 | $296,100 | 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 Birch Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Birch Bay
What is the population of Birch Bay, WA?
The population of Birch Bay, WA is 11,103 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 Birch Bay?
The median household income in Birch Bay, WA is $77,120 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Birch Bay?
The median home value in Birch Bay, WA is $439,100, which is 79% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Birch Bay?
The median monthly rent in Birch Bay, WA is $1,201, which is 3% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Birch Bay?
The unemployment rate in Birch Bay, WA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Birch Bay, WA a good place to live?
Birch Bay offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,103 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Birch Bay, WA?
30.9% of residents in Birch Bay 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 Birch Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Birch Bay, WA: median home value is $439,100 (79% above national), median rent is $1,201/month, and median household income is $77,120. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Birch Bay?
The poverty rate in Birch Bay, WA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Birch Bay, WA?
Birch Bay's population is 6.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 10.6% of residents are foreign-born.