Cheney, WA
Population 12,830 · Washington
About Cheney, WA
Cheney is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 12,830 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,039 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.9 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 Cheney features a median home value of $330,300, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Cheney in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,075, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,051 total housing units, 31% are owner-occupied (1,494 units) and 69% are renter-occupied (3,332 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 Cheney shows an unemployment rate of 12.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cheney have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.8% of Cheney 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 8.0% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cheney, WA
Compared to national averages, Cheney has a median household income of $47,039 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $330,300, which is 35% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,075 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Cheney's income is 48% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 28% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Cheney, WA?
Cheney offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,075/month, and a well-educated community where 36.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,039) that falls below the national average. However, Cheney’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cheney has a population of 12,830 with a median age of 23.9 years. Compare Cheney with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Cheney
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland South | 12,869 | $105,273 | $530,900 | Compare |
| Newcastle | 12,945 | $162,646 | $1,128,200 | Compare |
| Kelso | 12,697 | $59,462 | $302,300 | Compare |
| Edgewood | 12,683 | $114,342 | $664,000 | Compare |
| Enumclaw | 12,663 | $116,563 | $498,700 | Compare |
| Sedro-Woolley | 12,633 | $72,140 | $390,200 | Compare |
| Ridgefield | 12,576 | $117,550 | $590,200 | Compare |
| Liberty Lake | 12,435 | $105,599 | $506,000 | 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 Cheney With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheney
What is the population of Cheney, WA?
The population of Cheney, WA is 12,830 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 Cheney?
The median household income in Cheney, WA is $47,039 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cheney?
The median home value in Cheney, WA is $330,300, which is 35% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cheney?
The median monthly rent in Cheney, WA is $1,075, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cheney?
The unemployment rate in Cheney, WA is 12.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cheney, WA a good place to live?
Cheney offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,830 and a median age of 23.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cheney, WA?
36.8% of residents in Cheney 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 Cheney?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cheney, WA: median home value is $330,300 (35% above national), median rent is $1,075/month, and median household income is $47,039. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Cheney?
The poverty rate in Cheney, WA is 34.6%, 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 Cheney, WA?
Cheney's population is 8.0% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.