Wapato, WA
Population 4,577 · Washington
About Wapato, WA
Wapato is a small town located in Washington with a population of 4,577 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,341 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.6 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 Wapato features a median home value of $177,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wapato in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $931, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,269 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (598 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (598 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wapato shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wapato have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.1% of Wapato 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 85.6% White, 8.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 31.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wapato Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Wapato, WA
Compared to national averages, Wapato has a median household income of $51,341 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,600, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $931 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Wapato's income is 43% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 61% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Wapato, WA?
Wapato offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $931/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,341) that falls below the national average. However, Wapato’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wapato has a population of 4,577 with a median age of 24.6 years. Compare Wapato with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Wapato
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfair | 4,601 | $74,477 | $307,600 | Compare |
| Deer Park | 4,605 | $57,294 | $317,500 | Compare |
| Moxee | 4,545 | $97,194 | $334,100 | Compare |
| Suquamish | 4,515 | $83,856 | $428,100 | Compare |
| Granite Falls | 4,658 | $100,720 | $519,800 | Compare |
| Lexington | 4,495 | $101,417 | $344,200 | Compare |
| Moses Lake North | 4,693 | $59,825 | $218,300 | Compare |
| Longbranch | 4,715 | $92,109 | $382,000 | 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 Wapato With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wapato
What is the population of Wapato, WA?
The population of Wapato, WA is 4,577 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 Wapato?
The median household income in Wapato, WA is $51,341 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wapato?
The median home value in Wapato, WA is $177,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wapato?
The median monthly rent in Wapato, WA is $931, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wapato?
The unemployment rate in Wapato, WA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wapato, WA a good place to live?
Wapato offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,577 and a median age of 24.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Wapato, WA?
6.1% of residents in Wapato 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 Wapato?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wapato, WA: median home value is $177,600 (27% below national), median rent is $931/month, and median household income is $51,341. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wapato?
The poverty rate in Wapato, WA is 22.0%, 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 Wapato, WA?
Wapato's population is 85.6% White, 8.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 31.9% of residents are foreign-born.