White Center, WA
Population 15,017 · Washington
About White Center, WA
White Center is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 15,017 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,500 per year, which is 10% 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 White Center features a median home value of $591,500, which is 142% above the national median of $244,900. This places White Center in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,556, 34% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,014 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (3,270 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (2,472 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in White Center shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in White Center have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.2% of White Center 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 17.8% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 29.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in White Center, WA
Compared to national averages, White Center has a median household income of $82,500 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $591,500, which is 142% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,556 is 34% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, White Center's income is 9% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 28% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in White Center, WA?
White Center offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,500, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 34.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $591,500. However, White Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
White Center has a population of 15,017 with a median age of 37.3 years. Compare White Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near White Center
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland North | 14,664 | $111,681 | $501,600 | Compare |
| Ferndale | 15,447 | $83,839 | $492,400 | Compare |
| Lake Stickney | 15,514 | $85,762 | $598,400 | Compare |
| Bothell East | 14,487 | $189,519 | $1,047,300 | Compare |
| East Wenatchee | 14,114 | $81,050 | $414,000 | Compare |
| Artondale | 14,051 | $156,908 | $714,000 | Compare |
| Lynden | 16,025 | $94,869 | $546,400 | Compare |
| Fort Lewis | 13,983 | $54,902 | $0 | 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 White Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about White Center
What is the population of White Center, WA?
The population of White Center, WA is 15,017 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 White Center?
The median household income in White Center, WA is $82,500 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in White Center?
The median home value in White Center, WA is $591,500, which is 142% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in White Center?
The median monthly rent in White Center, WA is $1,556, which is 34% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in White Center?
The unemployment rate in White Center, WA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is White Center, WA a good place to live?
White Center offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,017 and a median age of 37.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is White Center, WA?
34.2% of residents in White Center 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 White Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for White Center, WA: median home value is $591,500 (142% above national), median rent is $1,556/month, and median household income is $82,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in White Center?
The poverty rate in White Center, WA is 17.1%, 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 White Center, WA?
White Center's population is 17.8% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 13.9% two or more races. 29.0% of residents are foreign-born.