Chelan, WA
Population 4,314 · Washington
About Chelan, WA
Chelan is a small town located in Washington with a population of 4,314 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,996 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.7 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 Chelan features a median home value of $428,200, which is 75% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chelan in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,447, 24% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,957 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (1,105 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (788 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chelan shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chelan have an average one-way commute time of 13.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.5% of Chelan 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 20.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 20.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chelan Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Chelan, WA
Compared to national averages, Chelan has a median household income of $71,996 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $428,200, which is 75% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,447 is 24% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Chelan's income is 21% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 7% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Chelan, WA?
Chelan offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%, and a low poverty rate of 9.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,996) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $428,200. However, Chelan’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chelan has a population of 4,314 with a median age of 46.7 years. Compare Chelan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Chelan
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulevard Park | 4,334 | $75,646 | $468,400 | Compare |
| Bethel | 4,276 | $84,214 | $440,800 | Compare |
| Rosedale | 4,267 | $149,632 | $816,000 | Compare |
| Longview Heights | 4,403 | $90,592 | $443,000 | Compare |
| Mirrormont | 4,217 | $182,283 | $950,100 | Compare |
| Montesano | 4,157 | $65,938 | $331,300 | Compare |
| Lexington | 4,495 | $101,417 | $344,200 | Compare |
| Suquamish | 4,515 | $83,856 | $428,100 | 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 Chelan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chelan
What is the population of Chelan, WA?
The population of Chelan, WA is 4,314 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 Chelan?
The median household income in Chelan, WA is $71,996 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chelan?
The median home value in Chelan, WA is $428,200, which is 75% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chelan?
The median monthly rent in Chelan, WA is $1,447, which is 24% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chelan?
The unemployment rate in Chelan, WA is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chelan, WA a good place to live?
Chelan offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,314 and a median age of 46.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chelan, WA?
26.5% of residents in Chelan 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 Chelan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chelan, WA: median home value is $428,200 (75% above national), median rent is $1,447/month, and median household income is $71,996. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chelan?
The poverty rate in Chelan, WA is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chelan, WA?
Chelan's population is 20.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 20.7% of residents are foreign-born.