Fords Prairie, WA
Population 1,762 · Washington
About Fords Prairie, WA
Fords Prairie is a small town located in Washington with a population of 1,762 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,556 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.9 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 Fords Prairie features a median home value of $297,400, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Fords Prairie in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,196, 3% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 885 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (675 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (191 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fords Prairie shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fords Prairie have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.5% of Fords Prairie residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fords Prairie, WA
Compared to national averages, Fords Prairie has a median household income of $55,556 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $297,400, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,196 is 3% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Fords Prairie's income is 39% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 35% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Fords Prairie, WA?
Fords Prairie offers short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,556) that falls below the national average. However, Fords Prairie’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fords Prairie has a population of 1,762 with a median age of 52.9 years. Compare Fords Prairie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Fords Prairie
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness Rim | 1,770 | $115,625 | $629,800 | Compare |
| Ocean Park | 1,777 | $53,889 | $290,400 | Compare |
| Fall City | 1,743 | $144,625 | $837,100 | Compare |
| Brewster | 1,737 | $52,885 | $237,800 | Compare |
| Home | 1,718 | $87,679 | $404,700 | Compare |
| Davenport | 1,819 | $74,764 | $302,500 | Compare |
| Napavine | 1,705 | $89,063 | $335,500 | Compare |
| Kettle Falls | 1,703 | $49,750 | $215,100 | 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 Fords Prairie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fords Prairie
What is the population of Fords Prairie, WA?
The population of Fords Prairie, WA is 1,762 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 Fords Prairie?
The median household income in Fords Prairie, WA is $55,556 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fords Prairie?
The median home value in Fords Prairie, WA is $297,400, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fords Prairie?
The median monthly rent in Fords Prairie, WA is $1,196, which is 3% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fords Prairie?
The unemployment rate in Fords Prairie, WA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fords Prairie, WA a good place to live?
Fords Prairie offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,762 and a median age of 52.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fords Prairie, WA?
22.5% of residents in Fords Prairie 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 Fords Prairie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fords Prairie, WA: median home value is $297,400 (21% above national), median rent is $1,196/month, and median household income is $55,556. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fords Prairie?
The poverty rate in Fords Prairie, WA is 14.2%, 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 Fords Prairie, WA?
Fords Prairie's population is 5.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.