Tacoma, WA Census Data
The 3rd largest city in Washington by population · 26 cities ranked
Tacoma is the 3rd largest city in Washington by population and ranks 15th of 26 for median household income. With 220,482 residents, its poverty rate of 12.0% ranks among the higher rates in Washington. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
220,482
50.1% male · 49.9% female
Median Age
37.3
1.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$83,857
$5,319 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
33.5%
1.5% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 91.3%
Poverty Rate
12.0%
0.4% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.2%
Broadband Access
95.6%
5.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$454,600
Median rent: $1,597 · 56% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Labor force participation: 61.9%
Per Capita Income
$49,930
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
9.7%
Disability rate: 15.1%
How Tacoma Compares to Other Washington Cities
Rankings among all 26 Washington cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 3rd of 26 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 15th of 26 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 16th of 26 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 11th of 26 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 17th of 26 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Tacoma, WA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Tacoma, WA?
The population of Tacoma, WA is 220,482 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.3 years.
What is the median household income in Tacoma?
The median household income in Tacoma, WA is $83,857, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $49,930.
What is the poverty rate in Tacoma?
The poverty rate in Tacoma, WA is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.2% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Tacoma residents have a college degree?
33.5% of adults (25+) in Tacoma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 91.3% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Tacoma?
The median home value in Tacoma, WA is $454,600. Median rent is $1,597 per month, with 56% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Tacoma?
Tacoma's population is 59.4% White, 10.5% Black, 13.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 8.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Tacoma rank among Washington cities?
Tacoma is the 3rd largest city in Washington by population, the 15th highest for median household income, the 16th lowest for poverty rate, the 11th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 26 ranked Washington cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Tacoma?
The unemployment rate in Tacoma, WA is 5.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.9%. Per capita income is $49,930.
Cities Similar to Tacoma
Other Washington cities with comparable population and income levels.