Kalama, WA
Population 2,996 · Washington
About Kalama, WA
Kalama is a small town located in Washington with a population of 2,996 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,438 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52 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 Kalama features a median home value of $428,000, which is 75% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kalama in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,333 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (829 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (480 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kalama shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kalama have an average one-way commute time of 26.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Kalama 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 12.9% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kalama Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Kalama, WA
Compared to national averages, Kalama has a median household income of $103,438 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $428,000, which is 75% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Kalama's income is 14% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 7% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Kalama, WA?
Kalama offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,438, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $428,000. However, Kalama’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kalama has a population of 2,996 with a median age of 52 years. Compare Kalama with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Kalama
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington Heights | 2,990 | $118,529 | $688,000 | Compare |
| Everson | 2,989 | $82,750 | $434,900 | Compare |
| Port Ludlow | 2,979 | $92,245 | $590,500 | Compare |
| Chico | 3,016 | $124,700 | $620,300 | Compare |
| Fairchild AFB | 3,016 | $69,825 | $0 | Compare |
| Canterwood | 2,964 | $128,676 | $853,500 | Compare |
| Port Angeles East | 3,035 | $66,563 | $334,800 | Compare |
| Desert Aire | 2,953 | $83,482 | $434,600 | 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 Kalama With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalama
What is the population of Kalama, WA?
The population of Kalama, WA is 2,996 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 Kalama?
The median household income in Kalama, WA is $103,438 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kalama?
The median home value in Kalama, WA is $428,000, which is 75% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kalama?
The median monthly rent in Kalama, WA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kalama?
The unemployment rate in Kalama, WA is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kalama, WA a good place to live?
Kalama offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,996 and a median age of 52, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kalama, WA?
18.8% of residents in Kalama 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 Kalama?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kalama, WA: median home value is $428,000 (75% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $103,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kalama?
The poverty rate in Kalama, WA is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kalama, WA?
Kalama's population is 12.9% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.