Desert Aire, WA
Population 2,953 · Washington
About Desert Aire, WA
Desert Aire is a small town located in Washington with a population of 2,953 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,482 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.4 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 Desert Aire features a median home value of $434,600, which is 77% above the national median of $244,900. This places Desert Aire in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,689, 45% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,322 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (855 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (144 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Desert Aire shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Desert Aire have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.3% of Desert Aire 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 68.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 24.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Desert Aire Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Desert Aire, WA
Compared to national averages, Desert Aire has a median household income of $83,482 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $434,600, which is 77% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,689 is 45% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Desert Aire's income is 8% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 6% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Desert Aire, WA?
Desert Aire offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,482, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%, and a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $434,600. However, Desert Aire’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Desert Aire has a population of 2,953 with a median age of 30.4 years. Compare Desert Aire with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Desert Aire
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meadowdale | 2,948 | $147,813 | $753,600 | Compare |
| Canterwood | 2,964 | $128,676 | $853,500 | Compare |
| Sisco Heights | 2,942 | $119,871 | $700,100 | Compare |
| Port Ludlow | 2,979 | $92,245 | $590,500 | Compare |
| Everson | 2,989 | $82,750 | $434,900 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights | 2,990 | $118,529 | $688,000 | Compare |
| Kalama | 2,996 | $103,438 | $428,000 | Compare |
| McChord AFB | 2,895 | $55,662 | $0 | 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 Desert Aire With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Aire
What is the population of Desert Aire, WA?
The population of Desert Aire, WA is 2,953 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 Desert Aire?
The median household income in Desert Aire, WA is $83,482 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Desert Aire?
The median home value in Desert Aire, WA is $434,600, which is 77% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Desert Aire?
The median monthly rent in Desert Aire, WA is $1,689, which is 45% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Desert Aire?
The unemployment rate in Desert Aire, WA is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Desert Aire, WA a good place to live?
Desert Aire offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,953 and a median age of 30.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Desert Aire, WA?
26.3% of residents in Desert Aire 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 Desert Aire?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Desert Aire, WA: median home value is $434,600 (77% above national), median rent is $1,689/month, and median household income is $83,482. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Desert Aire?
The poverty rate in Desert Aire, WA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Desert Aire, WA?
Desert Aire's population is 68.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 24.1% of residents are foreign-born.