Goldendale, WA
Population 3,458 · Washington
About Goldendale, WA
Goldendale is a small town located in Washington with a population of 3,458 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,621 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 Goldendale features a median home value of $194,100, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Goldendale in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $892, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,797 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (914 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (753 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Goldendale shows an unemployment rate of 14.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Goldendale have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Goldendale 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 3.0% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Goldendale, WA
Compared to national averages, Goldendale has a median household income of $41,621 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $194,100, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $892 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Goldendale's income is 54% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 58% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Goldendale, WA?
Goldendale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $194,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $892/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,621) that falls below the national average. However, Goldendale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Goldendale has a population of 3,458 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Goldendale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Goldendale
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elma | 3,452 | $66,194 | $379,200 | Compare |
| Three Lakes | 3,466 | $148,625 | $754,200 | Compare |
| Forks | 3,413 | $46,389 | $193,900 | Compare |
| Clearview | 3,508 | $180,208 | $883,300 | Compare |
| Indianola | 3,517 | $95,469 | $478,100 | Compare |
| Hansville | 3,533 | $85,800 | $483,000 | Compare |
| Fox Island | 3,365 | $172,917 | $952,500 | Compare |
| Mattawa | 3,553 | $41,250 | $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 Goldendale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Goldendale
What is the population of Goldendale, WA?
The population of Goldendale, WA is 3,458 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 Goldendale?
The median household income in Goldendale, WA is $41,621 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Goldendale?
The median home value in Goldendale, WA is $194,100, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Goldendale?
The median monthly rent in Goldendale, WA is $892, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Goldendale?
The unemployment rate in Goldendale, WA is 14.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Goldendale, WA a good place to live?
Goldendale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,458 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Goldendale, WA?
14.9% of residents in Goldendale 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 Goldendale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Goldendale, WA: median home value is $194,100 (21% below national), median rent is $892/month, and median household income is $41,621. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Goldendale?
The poverty rate in Goldendale, WA is 28.0%, 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 Goldendale, WA?
Goldendale's population is 3.0% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.