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
Chelan County is a county in Washington with a population of 79,518. It ranks #17 among counties in Washington by population. The median age is 40.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Chelan County is $78,306, near the US median of $74,580. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $454,900, with monthly rent averaging $1,182. The homeownership rate of 63.3% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Chelan County reflects 30.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.5 minutes each way.
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.
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Statewide data for Washington
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Washington
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.