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US City Data

Royal City, WA

Population 1,615 · Washington

Population
1,615
Median Income
$49,417
Median Home Value
$180,300
Median Rent
$756/mo

About Royal City, WA

Royal City is a small town located in Washington with a population of 1,615 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,417 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.9 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 Royal City features a median home value of $180,300, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Royal City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $756, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 478 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (257 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (180 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.

Economy & Employment

The local economy in Royal City 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 28.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Royal City have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.

Education & Demographics

15.3% of Royal City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 79.6% White, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 41.5% of the population being foreign-born.

How Royal City Ranks in Washington

Most Affordable Cities
#50
of 50 cities · $180,300
Lowest Rent Cities
#29
of 50 cities · $756/mo

Cost of Living in Royal City, WA

Compared to national averages, Royal City has a median household income of $49,417 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $180,300, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $756 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Royal City's income is 46% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 61% below the state median of $460,491.

Income vs National
$49,417
National: $75,149
Washington: $90,795
Home Value vs National
$180,300
National: $244,900
Washington: $460,491
Rent vs National
$756
National: $1,163
Washington: $1,477
Unemployment vs National
12.8%
National: 3.7%
Washington: 6.2%

Why Live in Royal City, WA?

Royal City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $180,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $756/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.

Potential considerations include median household income ($49,417) that falls below the national average. However, Royal City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Royal City has a population of 1,615 with a median age of 24.9 years. Compare Royal City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.

Similar Cities Near Royal City

Cities in Washington with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Yacolt1,628$90,625$410,300Compare
Lakeview1,601$49,167$200,300Compare
Manson1,595$74,750$549,600Compare
Rocky Point1,648$83,456$531,600Compare
Stansberry Lake1,574$95,250$379,200Compare
Kayak Point1,660$113,611$653,400Compare
Stevenson1,676$77,841$472,700Compare
Nooksack1,547$85,781$484,500Compare

Demographics

24.9
Median Age
767
Male
848
Female
41.5%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White79.6Hispanic/Latino6.1Black0Asian4Two or More0.6

Economy & Education

12.8%
Unemployment Rate
28.2%
Poverty Rate
15.3%
Bachelor's Degree+
16.6 min
Avg Commute

Housing

478
Total Housing Units
257
Owner Occupied
180
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Washington

Basin CityBenton CityClear Lake Cdp Pierce County WashingtonClear Lake Cdp Skagit County WashingtonCoulee CityElectric City

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Royal City With Other Cities

Royal City vs Basin CityRoyal City vs Benton CityRoyal City vs Clear Lake Cdp Pierce County WashingtonRoyal City vs Clear Lake Cdp Skagit County Washington

Frequently Asked Questions about Royal City

What is the population of Royal City, WA?

The population of Royal City, WA is 1,615 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 Royal City?

The median household income in Royal City, WA is $49,417 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.

What is the median home value in Royal City?

The median home value in Royal City, WA is $180,300, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.

What is the average rent in Royal City?

The median monthly rent in Royal City, WA is $756, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.

What is the unemployment rate in Royal City?

The unemployment rate in Royal City, 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 Royal City, WA a good place to live?

Royal City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,615 and a median age of 24.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.

How educated is Royal City, WA?

15.3% of residents in Royal City 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 Royal City?

Key cost-of-living indicators for Royal City, WA: median home value is $180,300 (26% below national), median rent is $756/month, and median household income is $49,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.

What is the poverty rate in Royal City?

The poverty rate in Royal City, WA is 28.2%, 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 Royal City, WA?

Royal City's population is 79.6% White, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 41.5% of residents are foreign-born.

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