Chain Lake, WA
Population 4,989 · Washington
About Chain Lake, WA
Chain Lake is a small town located in Washington with a population of 4,989 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $148,932 per year, which is 98% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.2 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 Chain Lake features a median home value of $830,200, which is 239% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chain Lake in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,728, 49% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,763 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (1,559 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (204 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chain Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chain Lake have an average one-way commute time of 37.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
42.5% of Chain Lake 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 4.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chain Lake Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Chain Lake, WA
Compared to national averages, Chain Lake has a median household income of $148,932 (98% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $830,200, which is 239% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,728 is 49% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Chain Lake's income is 64% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 80% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Chain Lake, WA?
Chain Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $148,932, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 42.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $830,200. However, Chain Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chain Lake has a population of 4,989 with a median age of 44.2 years. Compare Chain Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Chain Lake
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colville | 4,979 | $49,375 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Omak | 4,931 | $75,911 | $240,400 | Compare |
| Medical Lake | 4,927 | $74,426 | $333,000 | Compare |
| Connell | 5,080 | $63,810 | $247,300 | Compare |
| Wauna | 4,831 | $108,000 | $464,000 | Compare |
| Venersborg | 4,827 | $126,667 | $679,400 | Compare |
| Prairie Heights | 4,817 | $129,438 | $485,800 | Compare |
| Longbranch | 4,715 | $92,109 | $382,000 | 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 Chain Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chain Lake
What is the population of Chain Lake, WA?
The population of Chain Lake, WA is 4,989 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Washington.
What is the median household income in Chain Lake?
The median household income in Chain Lake, WA is $148,932 per year, which is 98% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chain Lake?
The median home value in Chain Lake, WA is $830,200, which is 239% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chain Lake?
The median monthly rent in Chain Lake, WA is $1,728, which is 49% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chain Lake?
The unemployment rate in Chain Lake, WA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chain Lake, WA a good place to live?
Chain Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,989 and a median age of 44.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chain Lake, WA?
42.5% of residents in Chain Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chain Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chain Lake, WA: median home value is $830,200 (239% above national), median rent is $1,728/month, and median household income is $148,932. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chain Lake?
The poverty rate in Chain Lake, WA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chain Lake, WA?
Chain Lake's population is 4.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.