Gig Harbor, WA
Population 12,202 · Washington
About Gig Harbor, WA
Gig Harbor is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 12,202 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,042 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.6 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 Gig Harbor features a median home value of $686,000, which is 180% above the national median of $244,900. This places Gig Harbor in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,097, 80% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,683 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (3,280 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,959 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gig Harbor shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gig Harbor have an average one-way commute time of 29 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.6% of Gig Harbor residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.5% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gig Harbor, WA
Compared to national averages, Gig Harbor has a median household income of $106,042 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $686,000, which is 180% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,097 is 80% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Gig Harbor's income is 17% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 49% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Gig Harbor, WA?
Gig Harbor offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,042, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and a well-educated community where 50.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $686,000. However, Gig Harbor’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gig Harbor has a population of 12,202 with a median age of 47.6 years. Compare Gig Harbor with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Gig Harbor
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Renton Highlands | 12,241 | $140,048 | $709,300 | Compare |
| Minnehaha | 12,080 | $108,203 | $421,200 | Compare |
| Prairie Ridge | 12,054 | $110,795 | $436,200 | Compare |
| Lake Tapps | 12,360 | $145,250 | $693,300 | Compare |
| Liberty Lake | 12,435 | $105,599 | $506,000 | Compare |
| Poulsbo | 11,962 | $95,774 | $574,900 | Compare |
| Ridgefield | 12,576 | $117,550 | $590,200 | Compare |
| Sedro-Woolley | 12,633 | $72,140 | $390,200 | 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 Gig Harbor With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gig Harbor
What is the population of Gig Harbor, WA?
The population of Gig Harbor, WA is 12,202 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 Gig Harbor?
The median household income in Gig Harbor, WA is $106,042 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gig Harbor?
The median home value in Gig Harbor, WA is $686,000, which is 180% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gig Harbor?
The median monthly rent in Gig Harbor, WA is $2,097, which is 80% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gig Harbor?
The unemployment rate in Gig Harbor, WA is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gig Harbor, WA a good place to live?
Gig Harbor offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,202 and a median age of 47.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gig Harbor, WA?
50.6% of residents in Gig Harbor 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 Gig Harbor?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gig Harbor, WA: median home value is $686,000 (180% above national), median rent is $2,097/month, and median household income is $106,042. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Gig Harbor?
The poverty rate in Gig Harbor, WA is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gig Harbor, WA?
Gig Harbor's population is 4.5% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.