Ellensburg, WA
Population 18,913 · Washington
About Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 18,913 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,888 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.7 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 Ellensburg features a median home value of $357,800, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Ellensburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,258, 8% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,242 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (3,236 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (5,408 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 Ellensburg shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ellensburg have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.3% of Ellensburg 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 9.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ellensburg, WA
Compared to national averages, Ellensburg has a median household income of $49,888 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $357,800, which is 46% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,258 is 8% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Ellensburg's income is 45% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 22% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Ellensburg, WA?
Ellensburg offers a well-educated community where 41.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,888) that falls below the national average. However, Ellensburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ellensburg has a population of 18,913 with a median age of 26.7 years. Compare Ellensburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Ellensburg
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centralia | 18,457 | $52,387 | $267,600 | Compare |
| Fairwood CDP (King County), Washington | 18,437 | $119,013 | $658,000 | Compare |
| Salmon Creek | 19,594 | $100,534 | $497,000 | Compare |
| Monroe | 19,696 | $107,556 | $594,300 | Compare |
| Anacortes | 17,837 | $89,788 | $647,700 | Compare |
| Port Angeles | 20,087 | $61,640 | $324,800 | Compare |
| Bryn Mawr-Skyway | 17,577 | $90,258 | $622,000 | Compare |
| Camano | 17,535 | $100,124 | $600,300 | 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 Ellensburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ellensburg
What is the population of Ellensburg, WA?
The population of Ellensburg, WA is 18,913 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 Ellensburg?
The median household income in Ellensburg, WA is $49,888 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ellensburg?
The median home value in Ellensburg, WA is $357,800, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ellensburg?
The median monthly rent in Ellensburg, WA is $1,258, which is 8% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ellensburg?
The unemployment rate in Ellensburg, WA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ellensburg, WA a good place to live?
Ellensburg offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,913 and a median age of 26.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ellensburg, WA?
41.3% of residents in Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ellensburg, WA: median home value is $357,800 (46% above national), median rent is $1,258/month, and median household income is $49,888. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ellensburg?
The poverty rate in Ellensburg, WA is 21.0%, 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 Ellensburg, WA?
Ellensburg's population is 9.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.