Cowlitz County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 12th-largest in Washington
The population of Cowlitz County, Washington is 111,539 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $72,932, the median home value is $367,400, and the median age is 41.1.
The population of Cowlitz County has grown 11.4% since 2010 (102,358 → 113,982), a +0.77% annualized rate.
111,539
Population
+0.77%
Annual growth
98
People / sq mi
$72,932
Median Income
$367,400
Median Home Value
Cowlitz County covers 1,141 sq mi of land at 97.7 people per square mile.
About Cowlitz County, WA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Cowlitz County: the median home is valued at $367,400. With 111,539 residents, Cowlitz County is a county in Washington. It ranks #12 among counties in Washington by population.
Median household income is $72,932, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.5%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $367,400, with typical rent around $1,169.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.0%, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Cowlitz County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Cowlitz County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cowlitz County had a population of 102,358 in 2010 and 113,982 in 2024, a 11.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 113,982 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.77%.
113,982
Population (2024)
102,358
Population (2010)
113,982
Peak (2024)
0.77%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 102,358 |
| 2011 | 102,313 |
| 2012 | 101,669 |
| 2013 | 101,497 |
| 2014 | 101,811 |
| 2015 | 103,031 |
| 2016 | 104,760 |
| 2017 | 106,800 |
| 2018 | 108,673 |
| 2019 | 110,389 |
| 2020 | 111,021 |
| 2021 | 111,701 |
| 2022 | 112,058 |
| 2023 | 113,040 |
| 2024 | 113,982 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
41.1
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,932$-22,020 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,523 |
| Per-capita income | $36,520 |
| Poverty rate | 8.5%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cowlitz County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
82.6%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
26.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$367,400$-152,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,169
Median rent
66.2%
Homeownership rate
45,884
Total housing units
94.6%
Occupied
5.4%
Vacant
33.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
94.8%
With broadband internet
42.8%
Foreign-born
10.2%
Veterans (18+)
19.4%
With a disability
92.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
17.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cowlitz County, Washington has a population of 111,539 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 98 people per square mile.
The population of Cowlitz County has grown 11.4% since 2010 (102,358 → 113,982), a +0.77% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cowlitz County, Washington is $72,932, with mean (average) household income of $92,523 and per-capita income of $36,520. 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cowlitz County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.8%), Hispanic or Latino (4.1%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cowlitz County, Washington is 41.1 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Cowlitz County is $367,400 and median monthly rent is $1,169. 66.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 45,884 total housing units, 5.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cowlitz County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Cowlitz 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.