Poulsbo, WA
Population 11,962 · Washington
About Poulsbo, WA
Poulsbo is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 11,962 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $95,774 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 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 Poulsbo features a median home value of $574,900, which is 135% above the national median of $244,900. This places Poulsbo in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,767, 52% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,304 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (2,991 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,138 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Poulsbo shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Poulsbo have an average one-way commute time of 26.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.2% of Poulsbo 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 7.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Poulsbo, WA
Compared to national averages, Poulsbo has a median household income of $95,774 (27% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $574,900, which is 135% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,767 is 52% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Poulsbo's income is 5% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 25% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Poulsbo, WA?
Poulsbo offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $95,774, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 48.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $574,900. However, Poulsbo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Poulsbo has a population of 11,962 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Poulsbo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Poulsbo
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Ridge | 12,054 | $110,795 | $436,200 | Compare |
| Minnehaha | 12,080 | $108,203 | $421,200 | Compare |
| Gig Harbor | 12,202 | $106,042 | $686,000 | Compare |
| East Renton Highlands | 12,241 | $140,048 | $709,300 | Compare |
| Lake Tapps | 12,360 | $145,250 | $693,300 | Compare |
| Liberty Lake | 12,435 | $105,599 | $506,000 | Compare |
| Ridgefield | 12,576 | $117,550 | $590,200 | Compare |
| Sedro-Woolley | 12,633 | $72,140 | $390,200 | 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 Poulsbo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Poulsbo
What is the population of Poulsbo, WA?
The population of Poulsbo, WA is 11,962 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 Poulsbo?
The median household income in Poulsbo, WA is $95,774 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Poulsbo?
The median home value in Poulsbo, WA is $574,900, which is 135% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Poulsbo?
The median monthly rent in Poulsbo, WA is $1,767, which is 52% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Poulsbo?
The unemployment rate in Poulsbo, WA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Poulsbo, WA a good place to live?
Poulsbo offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,962 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Poulsbo, WA?
48.2% of residents in Poulsbo 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 Poulsbo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Poulsbo, WA: median home value is $574,900 (135% above national), median rent is $1,767/month, and median household income is $95,774. 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 Poulsbo?
The poverty rate in Poulsbo, WA is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Poulsbo, WA?
Poulsbo's population is 7.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.