Pierce County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Washington
The population of Pierce County, Washington is 924,106 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $96,632, the median home value is $484,400, and the median age is 36.8.
The population of Pierce County has grown 18.3% since 2010 (795,402 → 941,170), a +1.21% annualized rate.
924,106
Population
+1.21%
Annual growth
554
People / sq mi
$96,632
Median Income
$484,400
Median Home Value
Pierce County covers 1,668 sq mi of land at 554.0 people per square mile.
About Pierce County, WA
In Pierce County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $484,400. With 924,106 residents, Pierce County is a county in Washington. It is the #2-largest of all counties in Washington nationally.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $96,632, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.8%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $484,400, with typical rent around $1,722.
College attainment is above the local norm at 30.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 12.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Pierce County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Pierce County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pierce County had a population of 795,402 in 2010 and 941,170 in 2024, a 18.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 941,170 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.21%.
941,170
Population (2024)
795,402
Population (2010)
941,170
Peak (2024)
1.21%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 795,402 |
| 2011 | 807,728 |
| 2012 | 815,772 |
| 2013 | 821,307 |
| 2014 | 833,106 |
| 2015 | 844,317 |
| 2016 | 864,004 |
| 2017 | 880,745 |
| 2018 | 894,951 |
| 2019 | 905,719 |
| 2020 | 923,655 |
| 2021 | 927,738 |
| 2022 | 927,313 |
| 2023 | 931,718 |
| 2024 | 941,170 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.9% |
| Black or African American | 7.2% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
36.8
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
14.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 14.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $96,632+$1,680 vs state |
| Mean household income | $120,501 |
| Per-capita income | $45,885 |
| Poverty rate | 5.8%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pierce County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.7% of workers.
How residents commute
2.5%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
71.8%
Public transit
12.3%
Work from home
31.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$484,400$-35,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,722
Median rent
64.8%
Homeownership rate
365,748
Total housing units
94.8%
Occupied
5.2%
Vacant
35.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
96.9%
With broadband internet
36.3%
Foreign-born
11.5%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
84.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.5%
High School+
30.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Common questions about Pierce County, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Pierce County, Washington has a population of 924,106 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Washington. Population density is 554 people per square mile.
The population of Pierce County has grown 18.3% since 2010 (795,402 → 941,170), a +1.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pierce County, Washington is $96,632, with mean (average) household income of $120,501 and per-capita income of $45,885. 5.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pierce County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.9%), Black or African American (7.2%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pierce County, Washington is 36.8 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Pierce County is $484,400 and median monthly rent is $1,722. 64.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 365,748 total housing units, 5.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pierce County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Pierce County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
Pierce County, WA Climate
Pierce County, WA has an average annual temperature of 9.2°C (49°F) and receives about 1578 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.2°C
Avg Temp
1578
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 216 mm |
| February | 5° / 40° | 166 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 149 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 128 mm |
| May | 11° / 52° | 95 mm |
| June | 14° / 56° | 78 mm |
| July | 16° / 61° | 41 mm |
| August | 17° / 62° | 46 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 79 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 130 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 232 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 218 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 Pierce County, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Pierce County, WA are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 24°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pierce County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.