Ellensburg, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Ellensburg, Washington is 18,913 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest city in Washington. The median household income is $49,888, the median home value is $357,800, and the median age is 26.7.
The population has grown 14.6% since 2010 (18,325 → 20,996).
18,913
Population
2180
People / sq mi
$49,888
Median Income
$357,800
Median Home Value
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Ellensburg covers 8.7 sq mi of land at 2180 people per square mile.
About Ellensburg, WA
Age is the most distinctive thing about Ellensburg: a median age of 26.7, younger than the national median. With 18,913 residents, Ellensburg is a city in Washington.
The typical household earns $49,888, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.9%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $357,800, with typical rent around $1,258.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 41.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 10.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Ellensburg city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Ellensburg city had a population of 18,325 in 2010 and 20,996 in 2024, a 14.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,627 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 1.03%.
20,996
Population (2024)
18,325
Population (2010)
21,627
Peak (2020)
1.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,325 |
| 2011 | 18,515 |
| 2012 | 18,369 |
| 2013 | 18,428 |
| 2014 | 18,872 |
| 2015 | 18,896 |
| 2016 | 19,674 |
| 2017 | 20,213 |
| 2018 | 20,877 |
| 2019 | 21,111 |
| 2020 | 21,627 |
| 2021 | 19,714 |
| 2022 | 20,992 |
| 2023 | 21,110 |
| 2024 | 20,996 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.8% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$49,888
Median Household Income
$31,725
Per Capita Income
8.9%
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$357,800
Median Home Value
$1,258
Median Rent
37.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
94.0%
High School+
41.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.6%
Drive Alone
69.2%
Public Transit
10.3%
Work From Home
17.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
30.9%
Foreign Born
91.1%
Non-English at Home
6.6%
Veterans
14.9%
With Disability
94.1%
Health Insurance
94.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 31.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 20.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.5% |
| Public Administration | 5.6% |
| Construction | 4.5% |
| Manufacturing | 4.0% |
| Retail Trade | 3.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 3.1% |
| Information | 2.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
Largest cities in Washington
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ellensburg, Washington has a population of 18,913 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest city in Washington.
The median household income in Ellensburg, Washington is $49,888, with 8.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Ellensburg, Washington is $357,800, with median monthly rent at $1,258 and a homeownership rate of 37.4%.
The median age in Ellensburg, Washington is 26.7 years. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The population has grown 14.6% since 2010 (18,325 → 20,996).
Ellensburg city, WA Climate
Ellensburg city, WA has an average annual temperature of 8.8°C (48°F) and receives about 278 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.8°C
Avg Temp
278
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 44 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 29 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 22 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 16 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 15 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 15 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 8 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 10 mm |
| September | 15° / 60° | 12 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 18 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 40 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 49 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Ellensburg city, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Ellensburg city, WA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.