Chelan County, Washington

Income Data

+3% vs. Washington average
$78,306
Median Household Income
$42,092
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$78,306
+3% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$42,092
+7% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
17.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Washington
#16 / 39
by median household income

How Chelan County Compares

Chelan County$78,306
Washington Average$76,363
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$78,306
Median Household Income
$42,092
Per Capita Income
$454,900
Median Home Value
17.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Chelan County, Washington

Chelan County exceeds national income baseline

Chelan County's median household income of $78,306 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 4.8%, reflecting solid earning power in this mountain community. Per capita income of $42,092 also surpasses national averages, showing broad economic strength across the population.

Above-average earnings for mountain region

At $78,306, Chelan County's median household income exceeds the Washington state average of $76,363 by nearly $2,000. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide, driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and diversified local employment.

Outearning rural peers despite high housing costs

Chelan County's $78,306 median income falls $9,010 short of Benton County but exceeds Asotin County's $69,107 by $9,199. The county balances strong tourism and recreation economies against higher cost-of-living pressures from mountain-valley real estate demand.

Income stretched by elevated property values

With a median home value of $454,900—the highest among these counties—Chelan's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio signals tightening affordability. While still below the 30% danger threshold, residents must carefully budget as property costs continue rising with tourism and vacation home demand.

Balancing lifestyle and long-term financial goals

Chelan County's moderate-to-high incomes support wealth-building, but rising housing costs require intentional planning. Prioritize down payment savings, explore first-time homebuyer programs, and diversify income through seasonal employment opportunities to offset housing market pressures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Chelan County, Washington?
The median household income in Chelan County, Washington is $78,306, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Chelan County?
The per capita income in Chelan County is $42,092, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $78,306.
How does Chelan County compare to the Washington average?
Chelan County's median household income of $78,306 is higher than the Washington state average of $76,363. The per capita income is $42,092, compared to the state average of $40,628.
What is the per capita income in Chelan County, Washington?
The per capita income in Chelan County, Washington is $42,092, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Chelan County income higher than the Washington average?
Chelan County's median household income of $78,306 is higher than the Washington average of $76,363. This difference of $1,943 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Chelan County rank for income in Washington?
Chelan County ranks #16 out of 39 counties in Washington by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $78,306 and per capita income of $42,092, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $78,306 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.