2023 King County, Washington Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for King County, Washington, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
King County, Washington Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Total Population
2,262,713
Median Age
37.3 years
Median Household Income
$122,148
Median Property Value
$811,200
Bachelor's Degree+
55.93%
Uninsured Rate
5.2%
Total Households
927,817
Total Workers
1,245,153
Citizenship Rate
86.8%
Total Veterans
85,740
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
5.1%
Families in Poverty
27,836
SNAP Recipients
8.15%
Households w/ SNAP
75,651
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
King County, Washington Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for King County, Washington
The following statistics highlight King County, Washington population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 2,262,713
- Median Age (Total)
- 37.3 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 36.7 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 38.0 years
King County, Washington Population Age Distribution 2023
| Age Cohort | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 5.32% |
| 5–17 years (Children) | 14.44% |
| 18–24 years (Young Adults) | 8.00% |
| 25–34 years | 18.22% |
| 35–54 years | 28.81% |
| 55–64 years | 11.45% |
| 65 years and over (Seniors) | 13.76% |
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 50.42
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 29.72 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 20.70 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of King County, Washington (2023)?
Diversity & Cultural Composition of King County, Washington
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of King County, Washington are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 64.49
- Diversity Tier
- high
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random from King County, Washington will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
King County, Washington Population by Race/Ethnicity
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 54.34% |
| Asian Alone | 19.76% |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 10.84% |
| Two or More Races | 6.93% |
| Black/African American Alone | 6.40% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.74% |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.59% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.41% |
King County, Washington Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of King County, Washington, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $122,148 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 927,817
King County, Washington Household Income Distribution by Income Brackets
| Annual Income Range | Share of Households |
|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 7.59% |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 5.87% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 6.38% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 11.53% |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 27.92% |
| $150,000 or more | 40.71% |
King County, Washington Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in King County, Washington, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $811,200
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 520,391 (Owner-occupied units)
King County, Washington Property Value Brackets
| Value Range | Share of Properties |
|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.04% |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 0.46% |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 0.97% |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 1.41% |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 16.27% |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 65.66% |
| $1,000,000 or more | 14.20% |
King County, Washington Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in King County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 93.78%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 55.93%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 1,634,473
King County, Washington Education Levels
| Education Level | Share of Population (25+) |
|---|---|
| Less than high school graduate | 6.22% |
| High school graduate (incl. equivalency) | 14.30% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 23.55% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 32.42% |
| Graduate or professional degree | 23.51% |
King County, Washington Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of King County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 5.2%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 117,605
- Total Civilian Population
- 2,249,127
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
King County, Washington Uninsured Rates by Demographics
| Age Group | Male Uninsured % | Female Uninsured % |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 2.4% | 2.4% |
| 18-34 years | 9.4% | 6.7% |
| 35-64 years | 6.9% | 5.7% |
| 65+ years | 1.1% | 1.2% |
King County, Washington Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in King County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 86.8% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 270,107 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 298,193
King County, Washington Nativity Breakdown
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 73.0% |
| Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas | 0.2% |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.6% |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 11.9% |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 13.2% |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 86.8% |
King County, Washington Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in King County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 59.1%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 8.0%
- Work From Home Rate
- 26.2%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 1,218,859
King County, Washington Commute Breakdown
| Transportation Method | Percentage | Number of Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 59.1% | 720,033 |
| Public transportation | 8.0% | 97,519 |
| Bicycle | 1.1% | 13,759 |
| Walked | 4.3% | 52,360 |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means | 1.3% | 15,983 |
| Worked from home | 26.2% | 319,205 |
| Total Workers | - | 1,218,859 |
King County, Washington Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in King County, Washington by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 1,245,153
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
King County, Washington Employment Sector Breakdown
| Employment Class | Male Workers | Female Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit | 542,215 (43.5%) | 374,586 (30.1%) |
| Private Non-Profit | 39,567 (3.2%) | 73,462 (5.9%) |
| Government (All Levels) | 60,675 (4.9%) | 83,725 (6.7%) |
| • Local Government | 27,983 | 43,831 |
| • State Government | 21,268 | 30,685 |
| • Federal Government | 11,424 | 9,209 |
| Self-Employed | 36,697 (2.9%) | 32,162 (2.6%) |
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
King County, Washington Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in King County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 85,740
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
26,158 veterans (30.5%)
King County, Washington Service Period Breakdown
| Period of Service | Number of Veterans | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) | 26,158 | 30.5% |
| Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) | 16,108 | 18.8% |
| Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) | 13,102 | 15.3% |
| Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era | 12,048 | 14.1% |
| Between Vietnam Era and Korean War | 5,623 | 6.6% |
| Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) | 5,112 | 6.0% |
| Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) | 4,297 | 5.0% |
| World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) | 1,367 | 1.6% |
| Gulf War and Vietnam Era | 937 | 1.1% |
| Vietnam Era and Korean War | 473 | 0.6% |
| Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era | 133 | 0.2% |
| Korean War and World War II | 112 | 0.1% |
| Between Korean War and World War II | 112 | 0.1% |
| Vietnam Era, Korean War, and World War II | 80 | 0.1% |
| Pre-World War II | 78 | 0.1% |
| Total Veterans | 85,740 | 100.0% |
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
King County, Washington Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following data categorizes families in King County, Washington by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 5.1% (27,836 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 15.5% (83,926 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 79.3% (428,796 families)
King County, Washington Income-to-Poverty Ratio Breakdown
| Income-to-Poverty Ratio Category | Number of Families | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Below 50% of Poverty | 13,251 | 2.5% |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 6,184 | 1.1% |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 8,401 | 1.6% |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 8,251 | 1.5% |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 9,301 | 1.7% |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 10,376 | 1.9% |
| 175-184% of Poverty | 3,484 | 0.6% |
| 185-199% of Poverty | 6,560 | 1.2% |
| 200-299% of Poverty | 45,954 | 8.5% |
| 300-399% of Poverty | 48,698 | 9.0% |
| 400-499% of Poverty | 48,884 | 9.0% |
| 500%+ of Poverty | 331,214 | 61.3% |
| Total Families | 540,558 | 100.0% |
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
King County, Washington SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for King County, Washington
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in King County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 75,651 (8.15% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 30,093 (39.78% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 927,817
King County, Washington SNAP Recipient Demographics
| Household Type | With Children Under 18 | No Children Under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Married-Couple Family | 13,398 (17.71%) | 6,782 (8.96%) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 2,793 (3.69%) | 2,478 (3.28%) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 13,597 (17.97%) | 5,767 (7.62%) |
| Nonfamily Households | 305 (0.40%) | 30,531 (40.36%) |
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The age breakdown for King County, Washington is as follows: Under 5: 5.32%, Ages 5–17: 14.44%, Ages 18–24: 8.00%, Ages 25–34: 18.22%, Ages 35–54: 28.81%, Ages 55–64: 11.45%, and 65 or older: 13.76%.
The racial and ethnic composition of King County, Washington is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 54.34%, Asian Alone: 19.76%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 10.84%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.
The median household income in King County, Washington is $122,148. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.
The household income distribution in King County, Washington is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 7.59%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 5.87%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 6.38%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 11.53%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 27.92%, High Income ($150,000+): 40.71%.
Approximately 58.38% of households in King County, Washington earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.
The median property value for owner-occupied housing units in King County, Washington is $811,200. This represents the midpoint of all property values in the area, meaning half of homes are valued above this amount and half are valued below. The median is a better indicator of typical home values than the average because it is not skewed by extremely high or low property values.
The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in King County, Washington is: Less than $25,000: 1.04%, $25,000-$49,999: 0.46%, $50,000-$99,999: 0.97%, $100,000-$199,999: 1.41%, $200,000-$499,999: 16.27%, $500,000-$999,999: 65.66%, $1,000,000 or more: 14.20%.
There are 520,391 owner-occupied housing units in King County, Washington. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.
Approximately 79.86% of owner-occupied housing units in King County, Washington are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.
In King County, Washington, 55.93% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.
The educational attainment breakdown for King County, Washington (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 6.22%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 14.30%, Some college or associate's degree: 23.55%, Bachelor's degree: 32.42%, Graduate or professional degree: 23.51%.
In King County, Washington, 93.78% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.
In King County, Washington, 5.2% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 117,605 individuals out of a total population of 2,249,127 people.
The uninsured rates vary by age group in King County, Washington. For young adults (18-34 years), 9.4% of males and 6.7% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 6.9% of males and 5.7% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.
Children under 18 in King County, Washington have uninsured rates of 2.4% for males and 2.4% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 1.1% for males and 1.2% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.
In King County, Washington, 86.8% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 2,262,713 people, 1,964,520 are U.S. citizens.
King County, Washington has 270,107 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 11.9% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.
The nativity and citizenship breakdown for King County, Washington is: 73.0% were born in the United States, 0.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 1.6% were born abroad of American parent(s), 11.9% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 13.2% are foreign-born non-citizens.
In King County, Washington, 59.1% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 1,218,859 total workers, 720,033 use personal vehicles for their commute.
97,519 workers in King County, Washington use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 8.0% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.
Alternative commute methods in King County, Washington include: 26.2% work from home, 4.3% walk to work, 1.1% bicycle, and 1.3% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.
"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in King County, Washington. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.
According to the American Community Survey, King County, Washington has 1,245,153 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 43.5% of male workers and 30.1% of female workers in this category.
In King County, Washington, there are 60,675 male government workers and 83,725 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 4.9% of male workers and 6.7% of female workers.
Self-employment in King County, Washington includes 36,697 males (2.9%) and 32,162 females (2.6%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.
In King County, Washington, 75,651 households (8.15% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 927,817 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.
Of the SNAP-receiving households in King County, Washington, 30,093 (39.78%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.
SNAP recipients in King County, Washington include diverse household types. Among households with children, 13,597 (17.97%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 13,398 (17.71%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In King County, Washington, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 85,740 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in King County, Washington. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.
The most common period of military service for veterans in King County, Washington is Vietnam Era Only, with 26,158 veterans (30.5% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 16,108 veterans (18.8%).
"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in King County, Washington provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.
Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 55.3% of all veterans in King County, Washington. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 47,440 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.
In King County, Washington, 27,836 families (5.1% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 540,558 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.
"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In King County, Washington, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.
Beyond families living in poverty, King County, Washington has 83,926 families (15.5%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 27,928 families (5.2%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.
In King County, Washington, 13,251 families (2.5%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 428,796 families (79.3%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.