Tumwater, WA
Population 26,519 · Washington
About Tumwater, WA
Tumwater is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 26,519 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,635 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tumwater features a median home value of $438,000, which is 79% above the national median of $244,900. This places Tumwater in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,654, 42% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,162 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (6,636 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (4,227 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tumwater shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Tumwater have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.6% of Tumwater 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 4.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Tumwater Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Tumwater, WA
Compared to national averages, Tumwater has a median household income of $93,635 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $438,000, which is 79% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,654 is 42% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Tumwater's income is 3% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 5% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Tumwater, WA?
Tumwater offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,635, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 41.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $438,000. However, Tumwater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tumwater has a population of 26,519 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Tumwater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Tumwater
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camas | 26,779 | $140,053 | $656,100 | Compare |
| Moses Lake | 25,594 | $71,854 | $278,100 | Compare |
| Mill Creek East | 25,461 | $183,466 | $840,100 | Compare |
| Mercer Island | 25,282 | $202,359 | $1,884,200 | Compare |
| Maple Valley | 28,121 | $147,546 | $672,000 | Compare |
| Bainbridge Island | 24,607 | $159,882 | $1,076,200 | Compare |
| Oak Harbor | 24,396 | $72,041 | $421,700 | Compare |
| Frederickson | 24,219 | $107,241 | $455,900 | 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 Tumwater With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tumwater
What is the population of Tumwater, WA?
The population of Tumwater, WA is 26,519 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 Tumwater?
The median household income in Tumwater, WA is $93,635 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tumwater?
The median home value in Tumwater, WA is $438,000, which is 79% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tumwater?
The median monthly rent in Tumwater, WA is $1,654, which is 42% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tumwater?
The unemployment rate in Tumwater, WA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tumwater, WA a good place to live?
Tumwater offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,519 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tumwater, WA?
41.6% of residents in Tumwater 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 Tumwater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tumwater, WA: median home value is $438,000 (79% above national), median rent is $1,654/month, and median household income is $93,635. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tumwater?
The poverty rate in Tumwater, WA is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Tumwater, WA?
Tumwater's population is 4.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.