2023 Pierce County, Washington Demographics | Data & Analysis
Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Pierce County, Washington, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Pierce 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
924,106
Median Age
36.8 years
Median Household Income
$96,632
Median Property Value
$484,400
Bachelor's Degree+
30.15%
Uninsured Rate
6.1%
Total Households
346,708
Total Workers
439,554
Citizenship Rate
95.5%
Total Veterans
79,222
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Families in Poverty
13,594
SNAP Recipients
11.82%
Households w/ SNAP
40,978
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Pierce County, Washington Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Pierce County, Washington
The following statistics highlight Pierce County, Washington population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 924,106
- Median Age (Total)
- 36.8 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 35.6 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 37.8 years
Pierce County, Washington Population Age Distribution 2023
| Age Cohort | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 6.18% |
| 5–17 years (Children) | 17.02% |
| 18–24 years (Young Adults) | 8.77% |
| 25–34 years | 15.42% |
| 35–54 years | 26.16% |
| 55–64 years | 12.02% |
| 65 years and over (Seniors) | 14.43% |
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 60.34
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 37.21 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 23.13 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 Pierce County, Washington (2023)?
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Pierce County, Washington
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Pierce County, Washington are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 57.67
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random from Pierce County, Washington will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Pierce County, Washington Population by Race/Ethnicity
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 62.48% |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 12.51% |
| Two or More Races | 9.09% |
| Black/African American Alone | 6.78% |
| Asian Alone | 6.45% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 1.49% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.66% |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.54% |
Pierce County, Washington Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Pierce County, Washington, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $96,632 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 346,708
Pierce County, Washington Household Income Distribution by Income Brackets
| Annual Income Range | Share of Households |
|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 7.37% |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 6.86% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 8.79% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 14.62% |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 35.68% |
| $150,000 or more | 26.68% |
Pierce County, Washington Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Pierce County, Washington, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $484,400
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 224,645 (Owner-occupied units)
Pierce County, Washington Property Value Brackets
| Value Range | Share of Properties |
|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.68% |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 1.22% |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 1.40% |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 2.37% |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 46.88% |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 44.74% |
| $1,000,000 or more | 1.70% |
Pierce County, Washington Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Pierce County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 92.47%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 30.15%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 628,616
Pierce County, Washington Education Levels
| Education Level | Share of Population (25+) |
|---|---|
| Less than high school graduate | 7.53% |
| High school graduate (incl. equivalency) | 26.72% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 35.60% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 19.24% |
| Graduate or professional degree | 10.91% |
Pierce County, Washington Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Pierce County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 6.1%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 54,192
- Total Civilian Population
- 894,492
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.
Pierce County, Washington Uninsured Rates by Demographics
| Age Group | Male Uninsured % | Female Uninsured % |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| 18-34 years | 12.3% | 9.1% |
| 35-64 years | 8.2% | 6.7% |
| 65+ years | 1.2% | 0.8% |
Pierce County, Washington Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Pierce County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 95.5% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 55,630 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 41,643
Pierce County, Washington Nativity Breakdown
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 86.5% |
| Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas | 0.8% |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 2.2% |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 6.0% |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 4.5% |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 95.5% |
Pierce County, Washington Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Pierce County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 81.6%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 2.5%
- Work From Home Rate
- 12.3%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 449,214
Pierce County, Washington Commute Breakdown
| Transportation Method | Percentage | Number of Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 81.6% | 366,703 |
| Public transportation | 2.5% | 11,031 |
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 1,101 |
| Walked | 2.3% | 10,225 |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means | 1.1% | 4,763 |
| Worked from home | 12.3% | 55,391 |
| Total Workers | - | 449,214 |
Pierce County, Washington Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Pierce County, Washington by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 439,554
- 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
Pierce County, Washington Employment Sector Breakdown
| Employment Class | Male Workers | Female Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit | 173,719 (39.5%) | 127,035 (28.9%) |
| Private Non-Profit | 12,551 (2.9%) | 26,716 (6.1%) |
| Government (All Levels) | 33,920 (7.7%) | 45,622 (10.4%) |
| • Local Government | 15,778 | 23,888 |
| • State Government | 7,818 | 13,302 |
| • Federal Government | 10,324 | 8,432 |
| Self-Employed | 10,188 (2.3%) | 9,194 (2.1%) |
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.
Pierce County, Washington Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Pierce County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 79,222
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
19,515 veterans (24.6%)
Pierce County, Washington Service Period Breakdown
| Period of Service | Number of Veterans | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) | 19,515 | 24.6% |
| Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) | 18,783 | 23.7% |
| Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era | 11,871 | 15.0% |
| Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) | 11,202 | 14.1% |
| Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) | 10,166 | 12.8% |
| Between Vietnam Era and Korean War | 2,794 | 3.5% |
| Gulf War and Vietnam Era | 2,112 | 2.7% |
| Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) | 1,305 | 1.6% |
| Vietnam Era and Korean War | 569 | 0.7% |
| World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) | 472 | 0.6% |
| Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era | 283 | 0.4% |
| Vietnam Era, Korean War, and World War II | 80 | 0.1% |
| Between Korean War and World War II | 52 | 0.1% |
| Korean War and World War II | 18 | 0.0% |
| Total Veterans | 79,222 | 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.
Pierce County, Washington Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following data categorizes families in Pierce 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%)
- 5.8% (13,594 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 23.2% (54,118 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 70.9% (165,175 families)
Pierce County, Washington Income-to-Poverty Ratio Breakdown
| Income-to-Poverty Ratio Category | Number of Families | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Below 50% of Poverty | 6,792 | 2.9% |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 2,666 | 1.1% |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 4,136 | 1.8% |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 4,712 | 2.0% |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 5,833 | 2.5% |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 5,754 | 2.5% |
| 175-184% of Poverty | 2,775 | 1.2% |
| 185-199% of Poverty | 3,797 | 1.6% |
| 200-299% of Poverty | 31,247 | 13.4% |
| 300-399% of Poverty | 33,381 | 14.3% |
| 400-499% of Poverty | 31,379 | 13.5% |
| 500%+ of Poverty | 100,415 | 43.1% |
| Total Families | 232,887 | 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.
Pierce County, Washington SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Pierce County, Washington
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Pierce County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 40,978 (11.82% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 19,173 (46.79% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 346,708
Pierce County, Washington SNAP Recipient Demographics
| Household Type | With Children Under 18 | No Children Under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Married-Couple Family | 7,647 (18.66%) | 3,427 (8.36%) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 2,577 (6.29%) | 1,730 (4.22%) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 8,579 (20.94%) | 3,159 (7.71%) |
| Nonfamily Households | 370 (0.90%) | 13,489 (32.92%) |
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 Pierce County, Washington is as follows: Under 5: 6.18%, Ages 5–17: 17.02%, Ages 18–24: 8.77%, Ages 25–34: 15.42%, Ages 35–54: 26.16%, Ages 55–64: 12.02%, and 65 or older: 14.43%.
The racial and ethnic composition of Pierce County, Washington is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 62.48%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 12.51%, Two or More Races: 9.09%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.
The median household income in Pierce County, Washington is $96,632. 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 Pierce County, Washington is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 7.37%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 6.86%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 8.79%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 14.62%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 35.68%, High Income ($150,000+): 26.68%.
Approximately 48.24% of households in Pierce 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 Pierce County, Washington is $484,400. 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 Pierce County, Washington is: Less than $25,000: 1.68%, $25,000-$49,999: 1.22%, $50,000-$99,999: 1.40%, $100,000-$199,999: 2.37%, $200,000-$499,999: 46.88%, $500,000-$999,999: 44.74%, $1,000,000 or more: 1.70%.
There are 224,645 owner-occupied housing units in Pierce County, Washington. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.
Approximately 46.45% of owner-occupied housing units in Pierce 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 Pierce County, Washington, 30.15% 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 Pierce County, Washington (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 7.53%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 26.72%, Some college or associate's degree: 35.60%, Bachelor's degree: 19.24%, Graduate or professional degree: 10.91%.
In Pierce County, Washington, 92.47% 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 Pierce County, Washington, 6.1% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 54,192 individuals out of a total population of 894,492 people.
The uninsured rates vary by age group in Pierce County, Washington. For young adults (18-34 years), 12.3% of males and 9.1% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 8.2% of males and 6.7% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.
Children under 18 in Pierce County, Washington have uninsured rates of 3.0% for males and 2.8% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 1.2% for males and 0.8% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.
In Pierce County, Washington, 95.5% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 924,106 people, 882,463 are U.S. citizens.
Pierce County, Washington has 55,630 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 6.0% 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 Pierce County, Washington is: 86.5% were born in the United States, 0.8% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 2.2% were born abroad of American parent(s), 6.0% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 4.5% are foreign-born non-citizens.
In Pierce County, Washington, 81.6% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 449,214 total workers, 366,703 use personal vehicles for their commute.
11,031 workers in Pierce County, Washington use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 2.5% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.
Alternative commute methods in Pierce County, Washington include: 12.3% work from home, 2.3% walk to work, 0.2% bicycle, and 1.1% 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 Pierce 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, Pierce County, Washington has 439,554 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 39.5% of male workers and 28.9% of female workers in this category.
In Pierce County, Washington, there are 33,920 male government workers and 45,622 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 7.7% of male workers and 10.4% of female workers.
Self-employment in Pierce County, Washington includes 10,188 males (2.3%) and 9,194 females (2.1%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.
In Pierce County, Washington, 40,978 households (11.82% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 346,708 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.
Of the SNAP-receiving households in Pierce County, Washington, 19,173 (46.79%) 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 Pierce County, Washington include diverse household types. Among households with children, 8,579 (20.94%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 7,647 (18.66%) 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 Pierce 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 79,222 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Pierce 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 Pierce County, Washington is Vietnam Era Only, with 19,515 veterans (24.6% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 18,783 veterans (23.7%).
"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 Pierce 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 68.7% of all veterans in Pierce County, Washington. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 54,417 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 Pierce County, Washington, 13,594 families (5.8% 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 232,887 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 Pierce 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, Pierce County, Washington has 54,118 families (23.2%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 16,299 families (7.0%) 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 Pierce County, Washington, 6,792 families (2.9%) 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, 165,175 families (70.9%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.