Chehalis, WA
Population 7,536 · Washington
About Chehalis, WA
Chehalis is a small town located in Washington with a population of 7,536 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,021 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chehalis features a median home value of $330,800, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Chehalis in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,055, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,028 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (1,349 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (1,455 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chehalis shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chehalis have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.0% of Chehalis 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 12.7% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chehalis, WA
Compared to national averages, Chehalis has a median household income of $68,021 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $330,800, which is 35% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,055 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Chehalis's income is 25% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 28% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Chehalis, WA?
Chehalis offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,055/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,021) that falls below the national average. However, Chehalis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chehalis has a population of 7,536 with a median age of 34.1 years. Compare Chehalis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Chehalis
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Bend | 7,745 | $180,663 | $933,700 | Compare |
| Clarkston | 7,240 | $53,092 | $216,900 | Compare |
| Waller | 7,857 | $118,077 | $481,200 | Compare |
| Mead | 7,184 | $76,010 | $379,600 | Compare |
| Quincy | 7,922 | $79,973 | $283,900 | Compare |
| Clarkston Heights-Vineland | 7,144 | $89,628 | $342,700 | Compare |
| Clover Creek | 7,128 | $97,581 | $456,300 | Compare |
| Fircrest | 7,082 | $107,781 | $554,600 | 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 Chehalis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chehalis
What is the population of Chehalis, WA?
The population of Chehalis, WA is 7,536 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 Chehalis?
The median household income in Chehalis, WA is $68,021 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chehalis?
The median home value in Chehalis, WA is $330,800, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Chehalis?
The median monthly rent in Chehalis, WA is $1,055, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chehalis?
The unemployment rate in Chehalis, WA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chehalis, WA a good place to live?
Chehalis offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,536 and a median age of 34.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chehalis, WA?
24.0% of residents in Chehalis 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 Chehalis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chehalis, WA: median home value is $330,800 (35% above national), median rent is $1,055/month, and median household income is $68,021. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chehalis?
The poverty rate in Chehalis, WA is 15.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chehalis, WA?
Chehalis's population is 12.7% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.