Metro areas in Washington: income, rent and home values
Washington has 13 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Seattle, WA with 4.2 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Seattle, WA ($120,018). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Wenatchee, WA (26.5%) and the largest in Bellingham, WA (36.2%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Kennewick, WA (+5.2%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 4,161,883 | $120,018 | $2,121 | $771,100 | 29.7% |
| Portland, OR | 2,541,771 | $99,767 | $1,799 | $575,500 | 31.4% |
| Spokane, WA | 608,012 | $80,969 | $1,423 | $441,100 | 31.6% |
| Kennewick, WA | 324,334 | $93,363 | $1,485 | $436,900 | 31.6% |
| Olympia, WA | 304,261 | $102,391 | $1,900 | $524,600 | 31.9% |
| Bremerton, WA | 283,374 | $101,768 | $1,967 | $554,600 | 33.3% |
| Yakima, WA | 259,185 | $66,593 | $1,140 | $351,700 | 30.0% |
| Bellingham, WA | 236,392 | $87,645 | $1,610 | $641,600 | 36.2% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | 132,975 | $91,811 | $1,730 | $610,000 | 32.4% |
| Wenatchee, WA | 128,414 | $92,165 | $1,401 | $533,400 | 26.5% |
| Longview, WA | 114,885 | $77,813 | $1,247 | $432,400 | 33.7% |
| Lewiston, ID | 65,450 | $70,185 | $1,025 | $347,400 | 28.0% |
| Walla Walla, WA | 62,361 | $78,607 | $1,662 | $418,100 | 34.5% |
Includes 2 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Washington at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Washington for renters?+
Wenatchee, WA, where renters spend a median 26.5% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Washington has the highest income?+
Seattle, WA, with a median household income of $120,018 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Washington?+
13 metropolitan statistical areas in Washington have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.