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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City rankings
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).
Where to stay in Kelso
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.