Kelso, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Kelso, Washington is 12,697 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 104th-largest city in Washington. The median household income is $59,462, the median home value is $302,300, and the median age is 38.4.
The population has grown 7.0% since 2010 (11,900 → 12,737).
12,697
Population
1561
People / sq mi
$59,462
Median Income
$302,300
Median Home Value
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Kelso covers 8.1 sq mi of land at 1561 people per square mile.
About Kelso, WA
Educational attainment is the headline number in Kelso: 11.8% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 12,697 residents, Kelso is a city in Washington.
The typical household earns $59,462, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.1% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $302,300, with typical rent around $1,131.
Kelso is among the least college-educated US cities, at 11.8% — below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 6.1% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Kelso city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Kelso city had a population of 11,900 in 2010 and 12,737 in 2024, a 7.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,737 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.49%.
12,737
Population (2024)
11,900
Population (2010)
12,737
Peak (2024)
0.49%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,900 |
| 2011 | 11,868 |
| 2012 | 11,773 |
| 2013 | 11,725 |
| 2014 | 11,718 |
| 2015 | 11,809 |
| 2016 | 11,968 |
| 2017 | 12,125 |
| 2018 | 12,283 |
| 2019 | 12,417 |
| 2020 | 12,732 |
| 2021 | 12,722 |
| 2022 | 12,665 |
| 2023 | 12,649 |
| 2024 | 12,737 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Economy & Income
$59,462
Median Household Income
$29,002
Per Capita Income
15.1%
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$302,300
Median Home Value
$1,131
Median Rent
54.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.7%
High School+
11.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.2%
Drive Alone
87.1%
Public Transit
6.1%
Work From Home
21.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
40.9%
Foreign Born
93.3%
Non-English at Home
10.7%
Veterans
24.4%
With Disability
90.8%
Health Insurance
95.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 16.8% |
| Manufacturing | 14.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.6% |
| Retail Trade | 6.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.3% |
| Construction | 5.0% |
| Information | 3.4% |
| Public Administration | 2.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Kelso, Washington has a population of 12,697 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 104th-largest city in Washington.
The median household income in Kelso, Washington is $59,462, with 15.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Kelso, Washington is $302,300, with median monthly rent at $1,131 and a homeownership rate of 54.8%.
The median age in Kelso, Washington is 38.4 years. The population is 50.8% male and 49.2% female.
The population has grown 7.0% since 2010 (11,900 → 12,737).
Kelso city, WA Climate
Kelso city, WA has an average annual temperature of 10.8°C (51°F) and receives about 1432 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.8°C
Avg Temp
1432
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 211 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 161 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 139 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 103 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 75 mm |
| June | 15° / 60° | 60 mm |
| July | 18° / 64° | 27 mm |
| August | 18° / 65° | 36 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 65 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 114 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 217 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 224 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 Kelso city, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Kelso city, WA are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kelso
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.