Chelan County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in Washington
The population of Chelan County, Washington is 79,518 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $78,306, the median home value is $454,900, and the median age is 40.4.
The population of Chelan County has grown 11.7% since 2010 (72,747 → 81,228), a +0.79% annualized rate.
79,518
Population
+0.79%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$78,306
Median Income
$454,900
Median Home Value
Chelan County covers 2,921 sq mi of land at 27.2 people per square mile.
About Chelan County, WA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Chelan County: the median home is valued at $454,900. Chelan County is a county in Washington with a population of 79,518. It ranks #17 among counties in Washington by population.
The typical household earns $78,306 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.1%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $454,900, with typical rent around $1,182.
College attainment is above the local norm at 30.2%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Chelan County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Chelan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chelan County had a population of 72,747 in 2010 and 81,228 in 2024, a 11.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 81,228 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.79%.
81,228
Population (2024)
72,747
Population (2010)
81,228
Peak (2024)
0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 72,747 |
| 2011 | 73,213 |
| 2012 | 73,471 |
| 2013 | 73,723 |
| 2014 | 74,114 |
| 2015 | 75,030 |
| 2016 | 75,809 |
| 2017 | 76,216 |
| 2018 | 76,612 |
| 2019 | 77,053 |
| 2020 | 79,307 |
| 2021 | 79,854 |
| 2022 | 80,032 |
| 2023 | 80,439 |
| 2024 | 81,228 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.4
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,306$-16,646 vs state |
| Mean household income | $105,534 |
| Per-capita income | $42,092 |
| Poverty rate | 6.1%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chelan County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.3% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
4.3%
Carpool
73.8%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
19.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$454,900$-64,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,182
Median rent
63.3%
Homeownership rate
38,129
Total housing units
80.8%
Occupied
19.2%
Vacant
36.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.7%
With health insurance
95.0%
With broadband internet
27.6%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
17.8%
With a disability
74.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.8%
High School+
30.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chelan County, Washington has a population of 79,518 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of Chelan County has grown 11.7% since 2010 (72,747 → 81,228), a +0.79% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chelan County, Washington is $78,306, with mean (average) household income of $105,534 and per-capita income of $42,092. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chelan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (68.8%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chelan County, Washington is 40.4 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Chelan County is $454,900 and median monthly rent is $1,182. 63.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 38,129 total housing units, 19.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chelan County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Chelan County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
Chelan County, WA Climate
Chelan County, WA has an average annual temperature of 4.1°C (39°F) and receives about 1105 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.1°C
Avg Temp
1105
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 187 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 122 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 96 mm |
| April | 3° / 37° | 61 mm |
| May | 7° / 45° | 52 mm |
| June | 11° / 51° | 45 mm |
| July | 14° / 57° | 26 mm |
| August | 14° / 58° | 35 mm |
| September | 11° / 51° | 46 mm |
| October | 5° / 41° | 83 mm |
| November | -1° / 29° | 163 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 189 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 Chelan County, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Chelan County, WA are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 22°C high). The coldest is December (near -9°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chelan County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.