Tacoma, WA
Population 220,482 · Washington
About Tacoma, WA
Tacoma is a major city located in Washington with a population of 220,482 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,857 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tacoma features a median home value of $454,600, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. This places Tacoma in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,597, 37% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 96,151 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (51,744 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (39,868 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tacoma shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Tacoma have an average one-way commute time of 29 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.5% of Tacoma residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 9.0% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 12.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Tacoma Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Tacoma, WA
Compared to national averages, Tacoma has a median household income of $83,857 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $454,600, which is 86% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,597 is 37% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Tacoma's income is 8% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 1% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,857, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $454,600. However, as a major city, Tacoma provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Tacoma has a population of 220,482 with a median age of 37.3 years. Compare Tacoma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Tacoma
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane | 229,228 | $65,745 | $326,200 | Compare |
| Vancouver | 192,696 | $78,156 | $440,300 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 151,199 | $161,300 | $1,203,100 | Compare |
| Kent | 135,015 | $90,416 | $537,500 | Compare |
| Everett | 111,083 | $81,502 | $532,300 | Compare |
| Spokane Valley | 105,460 | $70,722 | $344,300 | Compare |
| Renton | 105,279 | $96,626 | $631,400 | Compare |
| Federal Way | 99,232 | $82,144 | $499,600 | 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 Tacoma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tacoma
What is the population of Tacoma, WA?
The population of Tacoma, WA is 220,482 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Tacoma?
The median household income in Tacoma, WA is $83,857 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tacoma?
The median home value in Tacoma, WA is $454,600, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tacoma?
The median monthly rent in Tacoma, WA is $1,597, which is 37% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tacoma?
The unemployment rate in Tacoma, WA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tacoma, WA a good place to live?
Tacoma offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 220,482 and a median age of 37.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tacoma, WA?
33.5% of residents in Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tacoma, WA: median home value is $454,600 (86% above national), median rent is $1,597/month, and median household income is $83,857. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tacoma?
The poverty rate in Tacoma, WA is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma's population is 9.0% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 10.0% two or more races. 12.2% of residents are foreign-born.