Kittitas County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in Washington
The population of Kittitas County, Washington is 44,736 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $69,928, the median home value is $459,900, and the median age is 37.9.
The population of Kittitas County has grown 17.5% since 2010 (40,992 → 48,172), a +1.16% annualized rate.
44,736
Population
+1.16%
Annual growth
19
People / sq mi
$69,928
Median Income
$459,900
Median Home Value
Kittitas County covers 2,297 sq mi of land at 19.5 people per square mile.
About Kittitas County, WA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Kittitas County: the median home is valued at $459,900. With 44,736 residents, Kittitas County is a county in Washington. It ranks #24 among counties in Washington by population.
Median household income is $69,928, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $459,900, with typical rent around $1,253.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 35.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Kittitas County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Kittitas County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kittitas County had a population of 40,992 in 2010 and 48,172 in 2024, a 17.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 48,172 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.18%.
48,172
Population (2024)
40,992
Population (2010)
48,172
Peak (2024)
1.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,992 |
| 2011 | 41,561 |
| 2012 | 41,636 |
| 2013 | 41,845 |
| 2014 | 42,619 |
| 2015 | 43,120 |
| 2016 | 44,922 |
| 2017 | 46,164 |
| 2018 | 47,341 |
| 2019 | 47,856 |
| 2020 | 46,823 |
| 2021 | 45,653 |
| 2022 | 47,368 |
| 2023 | 47,845 |
| 2024 | 48,172 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.9
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
17.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,928$-25,024 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,281 |
| Per-capita income | $41,356 |
| Poverty rate | 7.3%+0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kittitas County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
5.8%
Carpool
72.1%
Public transit
13.2%
Work from home
24.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$459,900$-59,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,253
Median rent
62.3%
Homeownership rate
24,326
Total housing units
80.6%
Occupied
19.4%
Vacant
37.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
96.4%
With broadband internet
29.3%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.3%
With a disability
92.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.1%
High School+
35.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kittitas County, Washington has a population of 44,736 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 19 people per square mile.
The population of Kittitas County has grown 17.5% since 2010 (40,992 → 48,172), a +1.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kittitas County, Washington is $69,928, with mean (average) household income of $95,281 and per-capita income of $41,356. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kittitas County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.4%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%), Black or African American (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kittitas County, Washington is 37.9 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Kittitas County is $459,900 and median monthly rent is $1,253. 62.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 24,326 total housing units, 19.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kittitas County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Kittitas County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
Kittitas County, WA Climate
Kittitas County, WA has an average annual temperature of 8.3°C (47°F) and receives about 448 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.3°C
Avg Temp
448
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 79 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 50 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 33 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 23 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 19 mm |
| June | 16° / 61° | 19 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 10 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 13 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 18 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 31 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 70 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 83 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 Kittitas County, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Kittitas County, WA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kittitas County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.