Fort Lewis, WA
Population 13,983 · Washington
About Fort Lewis, WA
Fort Lewis is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 13,983 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,902 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23 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 Fort Lewis features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Lewis one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $2,240, 93% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,713 total housing units, 2% are owner-occupied (57 units) and 98% are renter-occupied (3,164 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 Fort Lewis shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Lewis have an average one-way commute time of 11.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.5% of Fort Lewis 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 16.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, and 5.9% Asian residents, with 9.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Lewis, WA
Compared to national averages, Fort Lewis has a median household income of $54,902 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $2,240 is 93% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Fort Lewis's income is 40% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 100% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Fort Lewis, WA?
Fort Lewis offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 11.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,902) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Lewis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Lewis has a population of 13,983 with a median age of 23 years. Compare Fort Lewis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Fort Lewis
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artondale | 14,051 | $156,908 | $714,000 | Compare |
| Elk Plain | 13,863 | $101,250 | $440,300 | Compare |
| East Wenatchee | 14,114 | $81,050 | $414,000 | Compare |
| Snoqualmie | 13,750 | $197,531 | $919,300 | Compare |
| Bothell East | 14,487 | $189,519 | $1,047,300 | Compare |
| Woodinville | 13,440 | $158,723 | $1,032,900 | Compare |
| Lake Forest Park | 13,356 | $158,868 | $928,700 | Compare |
| Lakeland North | 14,664 | $111,681 | $501,600 | 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 Fort Lewis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Lewis
What is the population of Fort Lewis, WA?
The population of Fort Lewis, WA is 13,983 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 Fort Lewis?
The median household income in Fort Lewis, WA is $54,902 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Lewis?
The median home value in Fort Lewis, WA is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Lewis?
The median monthly rent in Fort Lewis, WA is $2,240, which is 93% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Lewis?
The unemployment rate in Fort Lewis, WA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Lewis, WA a good place to live?
Fort Lewis offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,983 and a median age of 23, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Lewis, WA?
22.5% of residents in Fort Lewis 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 Fort Lewis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Lewis, WA: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $2,240/month, and median household income is $54,902. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Lewis?
The poverty rate in Fort Lewis, WA is 16.4%, 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 Fort Lewis, WA?
Fort Lewis's population is 16.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, and 14.5% two or more races. 9.4% of residents are foreign-born.