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
Cowlitz County is a county in Washington with a population of 111,539. It ranks #12 among counties in Washington by population. The median age is 41.1, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Cowlitz County is $72,932, near the US median of $74,580. 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $367,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,169. The homeownership rate of 66.2% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cowlitz County reflects 17.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.5 minutes each way.
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+
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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.