Kelso, WA
Population 12,697 · Washington
About Kelso, WA
Kelso is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 12,697 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,462 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kelso features a median home value of $302,300, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kelso in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,131, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,516 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (2,899 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (2,390 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kelso shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kelso have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.8% of Kelso 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 7.8% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kelso, WA
Compared to national averages, Kelso has a median household income of $59,462 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $302,300, which is 23% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,131 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Kelso's income is 35% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 34% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Kelso, WA?
Kelso offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,131/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,462) that falls below the national average. However, Kelso’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kelso has a population of 12,697 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Kelso with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Kelso
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edgewood | 12,683 | $114,342 | $664,000 | Compare |
| Enumclaw | 12,663 | $116,563 | $498,700 | Compare |
| Sedro-Woolley | 12,633 | $72,140 | $390,200 | Compare |
| Ridgefield | 12,576 | $117,550 | $590,200 | Compare |
| Cheney | 12,830 | $47,039 | $330,300 | Compare |
| Lakeland South | 12,869 | $105,273 | $530,900 | Compare |
| Newcastle | 12,945 | $162,646 | $1,128,200 | Compare |
| Liberty Lake | 12,435 | $105,599 | $506,000 | 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 Kelso With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kelso
What is the population of Kelso, WA?
The population of Kelso, WA is 12,697 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 Kelso?
The median household income in Kelso, WA is $59,462 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kelso?
The median home value in Kelso, WA is $302,300, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kelso?
The median monthly rent in Kelso, WA is $1,131, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kelso?
The unemployment rate in Kelso, WA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kelso, WA a good place to live?
Kelso offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,697 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kelso, WA?
11.8% of residents in Kelso 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 Kelso?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kelso, WA: median home value is $302,300 (23% above national), median rent is $1,131/month, and median household income is $59,462. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kelso?
The poverty rate in Kelso, WA is 19.5%, 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 Kelso, WA?
Kelso's population is 7.8% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.