Soap Lake, WA
Population 1,286 · Washington
About Soap Lake, WA
Soap Lake is a small town located in Washington with a population of 1,286 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Soap Lake features a median home value of $156,300, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Soap Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $605, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 899 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (380 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (217 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Soap Lake shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Soap Lake have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Soap Lake 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 18.0% White, 10.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 13.3% Asian residents, with 16.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Soap Lake Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Soap Lake, WA
Compared to national averages, Soap Lake has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,300, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $605 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Soap Lake's income is 100% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 66% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Soap Lake, WA?
Soap Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $156,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $605/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Soap Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Soap Lake has a population of 1,286 with a median age of 41.8 years. Compare Soap Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Soap Lake
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruston | 1,293 | $113,971 | $808,200 | Compare |
| Point Roberts | 1,275 | $80,197 | $460,500 | Compare |
| McMillin | 1,298 | $107,305 | $566,300 | Compare |
| Clear Lake CDP (Pierce County), Washington | 1,266 | $98,098 | $597,500 | Compare |
| Anderson Island | 1,341 | $72,074 | $477,600 | Compare |
| Purdy | 1,222 | $83,902 | $265,800 | Compare |
| Waterville | 1,353 | $75,854 | $247,300 | Compare |
| North Puyallup | 1,363 | $81,063 | $335,500 | 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 Soap Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Soap Lake
What is the population of Soap Lake, WA?
The population of Soap Lake, WA is 1,286 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 Soap Lake?
The median household income in Soap Lake, WA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Soap Lake?
The median home value in Soap Lake, WA is $156,300, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Soap Lake?
The median monthly rent in Soap Lake, WA is $605, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Soap Lake?
The unemployment rate in Soap Lake, WA is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Soap Lake, WA a good place to live?
Soap Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,286 and a median age of 41.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Soap Lake, WA?
11.6% of residents in Soap Lake 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 Soap Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Soap Lake, WA: median home value is $156,300 (36% below national), median rent is $605/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Soap Lake?
The poverty rate in Soap Lake, WA is 29.5%, 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 Soap Lake, WA?
Soap Lake's population is 18.0% White, 10.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 13.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 16.2% of residents are foreign-born.