Pullman, WA
Population 31,939 · Washington
About Pullman, WA
Pullman is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 31,939 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,097 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.8 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 Pullman features a median home value of $401,700, which is 64% above the national median of $244,900. This places Pullman in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,010, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,174 total housing units, 31% are owner-occupied (3,735 units) and 69% are renter-occupied (8,212 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pullman shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pullman have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
62.5% of Pullman 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 6.5% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 10.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pullman Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Pullman, WA
Compared to national averages, Pullman has a median household income of $45,097 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $401,700, which is 64% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,010 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Pullman's income is 50% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 13% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Pullman, WA?
Pullman offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,010/month, and a well-educated community where 62.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,097) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $401,700. However, Pullman’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pullman has a population of 31,939 with a median age of 22.8 years. Compare Pullman with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Pullman
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 32,545 | $89,787 | $539,800 | Compare |
| SeaTac | 31,143 | $76,517 | $483,200 | Compare |
| Walla Walla | 33,766 | $65,493 | $356,600 | Compare |
| Orchards | 29,716 | $96,893 | $437,100 | Compare |
| Spanaway | 34,322 | $94,028 | $401,000 | Compare |
| University Place | 34,850 | $94,952 | $578,100 | Compare |
| Graham | 35,090 | $115,501 | $472,800 | 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 Pullman With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pullman
What is the population of Pullman, WA?
The population of Pullman, WA is 31,939 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 Pullman?
The median household income in Pullman, WA is $45,097 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pullman?
The median home value in Pullman, WA is $401,700, which is 64% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pullman?
The median monthly rent in Pullman, WA is $1,010, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pullman?
The unemployment rate in Pullman, WA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pullman, WA a good place to live?
Pullman offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,939 and a median age of 22.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pullman, WA?
62.5% of residents in Pullman 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 Pullman?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pullman, WA: median home value is $401,700 (64% above national), median rent is $1,010/month, and median household income is $45,097. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Pullman?
The poverty rate in Pullman, WA is 32.1%, 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 Pullman, WA?
Pullman's population is 6.5% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 10.8% of residents are foreign-born.