Lake Stevens, WA
Population 39,500 · Washington
About Lake Stevens, WA
Lake Stevens is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 39,500 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $118,290 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 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 Lake Stevens features a median home value of $593,900, which is 143% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lake Stevens in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,189, 88% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,953 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (10,095 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (3,319 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Stevens shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Stevens have an average one-way commute time of 35.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
33.6% of Lake Stevens residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 11.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lake Stevens Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Lake Stevens, WA
Compared to national averages, Lake Stevens has a median household income of $118,290 (57% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $593,900, which is 143% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,189 is 88% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Lake Stevens's income is 30% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 29% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Lake Stevens, WA?
Lake Stevens offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $118,290, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $593,900. However, Lake Stevens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lake Stevens has a population of 39,500 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Lake Stevens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Lake Stevens
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah | 39,472 | $153,786 | $934,100 | Compare |
| Parkland | 39,174 | $71,829 | $382,700 | Compare |
| Lynnwood | 40,953 | $76,439 | $635,800 | Compare |
| Longview | 37,836 | $60,844 | $339,000 | Compare |
| Puyallup | 42,642 | $95,639 | $507,000 | Compare |
| Edmonds | 42,783 | $116,095 | $840,200 | Compare |
| Wenatchee | 35,502 | $70,000 | $391,200 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 35,312 | $73,277 | $429,300 | 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 Lake Stevens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Stevens
What is the population of Lake Stevens, WA?
The population of Lake Stevens, WA is 39,500 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 Lake Stevens?
The median household income in Lake Stevens, WA is $118,290 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Stevens?
The median home value in Lake Stevens, WA is $593,900, which is 143% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Stevens?
The median monthly rent in Lake Stevens, WA is $2,189, which is 88% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Stevens?
The unemployment rate in Lake Stevens, WA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lake Stevens, WA a good place to live?
Lake Stevens offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 39,500 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lake Stevens, WA?
33.6% of residents in Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Stevens, WA: median home value is $593,900 (143% above national), median rent is $2,189/month, and median household income is $118,290. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Stevens?
The poverty rate in Lake Stevens, WA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake Stevens, WA?
Lake Stevens's population is 7.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 11.2% of residents are foreign-born.