Palouse, WA
Population 1,131 · Washington
About Palouse, WA
Palouse is a small town located in Washington with a population of 1,131 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $92,875 per year, which is 24% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Palouse features a median home value of $261,000, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Palouse in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $933, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 474 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (382 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (62 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Palouse shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Palouse have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.2% of Palouse 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 1.9% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Palouse Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Palouse, WA
Compared to national averages, Palouse has a median household income of $92,875 (24% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $261,000, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $933 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Palouse's income is 2% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 43% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Palouse, WA?
Palouse offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $92,875, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $933/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 47.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Palouse has a population of 1,131 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Palouse with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Palouse
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsborg | 1,135 | $39,239 | $262,500 | Compare |
| George | 1,136 | $55,781 | $167,000 | Compare |
| Puget Island | 1,136 | $65,395 | $398,200 | Compare |
| Ames Lake | 1,138 | $157,500 | $1,069,900 | Compare |
| Morton | 1,142 | $48,684 | $274,700 | Compare |
| Rock Island | 1,142 | $55,114 | $255,500 | Compare |
| Machias | 1,112 | $127,043 | $631,900 | Compare |
| Entiat | 1,151 | $76,250 | $336,400 | 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 Palouse With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Palouse
What is the population of Palouse, WA?
The population of Palouse, WA is 1,131 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 Palouse?
The median household income in Palouse, WA is $92,875 per year, which is 24% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Palouse?
The median home value in Palouse, WA is $261,000, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Palouse?
The median monthly rent in Palouse, WA is $933, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Palouse?
The unemployment rate in Palouse, WA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Palouse, WA a good place to live?
Palouse offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,131 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Palouse, WA?
47.2% of residents in Palouse 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 Palouse?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Palouse, WA: median home value is $261,000 (7% above national), median rent is $933/month, and median household income is $92,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Palouse?
The poverty rate in Palouse, WA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Palouse, WA?
Palouse's population is 1.9% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.