Port Orchard, WA
Population 16,398 · Washington
About Port Orchard, WA
Port Orchard is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 16,398 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,472 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.9 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 Port Orchard features a median home value of $492,000, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. This places Port Orchard in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,760, 51% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,061 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (3,865 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,692 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Port Orchard shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Port Orchard have an average one-way commute time of 33.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.2% of Port Orchard 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 5.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Port Orchard, WA
Compared to national averages, Port Orchard has a median household income of $81,472 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $492,000, which is 101% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,760 is 51% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Port Orchard's income is 10% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 7% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Port Orchard, WA?
Port Orchard offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,472, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $492,000. However, Port Orchard’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Port Orchard has a population of 16,398 with a median age of 32.9 years. Compare Port Orchard with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Port Orchard
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside | 16,329 | $53,350 | $207,200 | Compare |
| Lynden | 16,025 | $94,869 | $546,400 | Compare |
| Washougal | 16,945 | $100,916 | $492,100 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 17,040 | $52,181 | $225,100 | Compare |
| West Richland | 17,126 | $118,056 | $404,300 | Compare |
| Lake Stickney | 15,514 | $85,762 | $598,400 | Compare |
| Ferndale | 15,447 | $83,839 | $492,400 | Compare |
| Camano | 17,535 | $100,124 | $600,300 | 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 Port Orchard With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Orchard
What is the population of Port Orchard, WA?
The population of Port Orchard, WA is 16,398 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 Port Orchard?
The median household income in Port Orchard, WA is $81,472 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Port Orchard?
The median home value in Port Orchard, WA is $492,000, which is 101% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Port Orchard?
The median monthly rent in Port Orchard, WA is $1,760, which is 51% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Port Orchard?
The unemployment rate in Port Orchard, WA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Port Orchard, WA a good place to live?
Port Orchard offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,398 and a median age of 32.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Port Orchard, WA?
32.2% of residents in Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Port Orchard, WA: median home value is $492,000 (101% above national), median rent is $1,760/month, and median household income is $81,472. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Port Orchard?
The poverty rate in Port Orchard, WA is 13.8%, 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 Port Orchard, WA?
Port Orchard's population is 5.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.