King County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Washington
The population of King County, Washington is 2,262,713 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $122,148, the median home value is $811,200, and the median age is 37.3.
The population of King County has grown 20.7% since 2010 (1,938,431 → 2,340,211), a +1.35% annualized rate.
2,262,713
Population
+1.35%
Annual growth
1069
People / sq mi
$122,148
Median Income
$811,200
Median Home Value
King County covers 2,116 sq mi of land at 1069.5 people per square mile.
About King County, WA
Remote work is unusually prominent in King County: 26.2% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. With 2,262,713 residents, King County is a county in Washington. It is the #1-largest of all counties in Washington nationally.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $122,148, putting King County near the top of US counties. The poverty rate, 5.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $811,200, with typical rent around $2,035.
King County is among the best-educated US counties: 55.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. An unusually large 26.2% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in King County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
King County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of King County had a population of 1,938,431 in 2010 and 2,340,211 in 2024, a 20.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,340,211 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.36%.
2,340,211
Population (2024)
1,938,431
Population (2010)
2,340,211
Peak (2024)
1.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,938,431 |
| 2011 | 1,974,499 |
| 2012 | 2,011,708 |
| 2013 | 2,047,967 |
| 2014 | 2,086,174 |
| 2015 | 2,127,372 |
| 2016 | 2,167,863 |
| 2017 | 2,205,001 |
| 2018 | 2,228,488 |
| 2019 | 2,249,653 |
| 2020 | 2,274,349 |
| 2021 | 2,253,242 |
| 2022 | 2,271,238 |
| 2023 | 2,296,813 |
| 2024 | 2,340,211 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 56.7% |
| Black or African American | 6.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
37.3
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
13.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 13.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $122,148+$27,196 vs state |
| Mean household income | $170,405 |
| Per-capita income | $71,062 |
| Poverty rate | 5.1%-1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in King County is finance & real estate, accounting for 22.0% of workers.
How residents commute
8.0%
Drive alone
4.3%
Carpool
51.8%
Public transit
26.2%
Work from home
28.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$811,200+$291,400 vs state
Median home value
$2,035
Median rent
56.1%
Homeownership rate
988,330
Total housing units
93.9%
Occupied
6.1%
Vacant
43.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.8%
With health insurance
97.8%
With broadband internet
33.9%
Foreign-born
4.7%
Veterans (18+)
10.2%
With a disability
69.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.8%
High School+
55.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Common questions about King County, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
King County, Washington has a population of 2,262,713 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Washington. Population density is 1069 people per square mile.
The population of King County has grown 20.7% since 2010 (1,938,431 → 2,340,211), a +1.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in King County, Washington is $122,148, with mean (average) household income of $170,405 and per-capita income of $71,062. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In King County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (56.7%), Black or African American (6.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in King County, Washington is 37.3 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in King County is $811,200 and median monthly rent is $2,035. 56.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 988,330 total housing units, 6.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in King County, Washington is finance, insurance, and real estate, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with King County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
King County, WA Climate
King County, WA has an average annual temperature of 8.8°C (48°F) and receives about 2160 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.8°C
Avg Temp
2160
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 289 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 222 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 213 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 180 mm |
| May | 10° / 51° | 136 mm |
| June | 13° / 56° | 106 mm |
| July | 16° / 60° | 57 mm |
| August | 16° / 61° | 57 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 106 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 182 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 319 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 293 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 King County, WA
The most comfortable months to visit King County, WA are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 22°C high). The coldest is December (near 0°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near King County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.