Port Townsend, WA
Population 10,290 · Washington
About Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 10,290 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,015 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.4 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 Port Townsend features a median home value of $502,500, which is 105% above the national median of $244,900. This places Port Townsend in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,151, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,068 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (3,871 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (1,610 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Port Townsend shows an unemployment rate of 12.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Port Townsend have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
52.2% of Port Townsend 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 3.4% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Port Townsend, WA
Compared to national averages, Port Townsend has a median household income of $60,015 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $502,500, which is 105% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,151 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Port Townsend's income is 34% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 9% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Port Townsend, WA?
Port Townsend offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,151/month, and a well-educated community where 52.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,015) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $502,500. However, Port Townsend’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Port Townsend has a population of 10,290 with a median age of 59.4 years. Compare Port Townsend with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Port Townsend
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snohomish | 10,177 | $84,688 | $599,600 | Compare |
| Alderwood Manor | 10,168 | $118,077 | $651,300 | Compare |
| Vashon | 10,424 | $115,750 | $717,700 | Compare |
| Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), Washington | 10,439 | $84,911 | $435,200 | Compare |
| Lake Morton-Berrydale | 10,591 | $127,074 | $661,400 | Compare |
| Yelm | 10,618 | $88,279 | $439,100 | Compare |
| Shelton | 10,619 | $60,589 | $296,100 | Compare |
| DuPont | 9,952 | $114,423 | $550,200 | 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 Townsend With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Townsend
What is the population of Port Townsend, WA?
The population of Port Townsend, WA is 10,290 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 Townsend?
The median household income in Port Townsend, WA is $60,015 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Port Townsend?
The median home value in Port Townsend, WA is $502,500, which is 105% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Port Townsend?
The median monthly rent in Port Townsend, WA is $1,151, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Port Townsend?
The unemployment rate in Port Townsend, WA is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Port Townsend, WA a good place to live?
Port Townsend offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,290 and a median age of 59.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Port Townsend, WA?
52.2% of residents in Port Townsend 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 Port Townsend?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Port Townsend, WA: median home value is $502,500 (105% above national), median rent is $1,151/month, and median household income is $60,015. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Port Townsend?
The poverty rate in Port Townsend, WA is 14.2%, 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 Townsend, WA?
Port Townsend's population is 3.4% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.