Cowlitz County, Washington

Income Data

-4% vs. Washington average
$72,932
Median Household Income
$36,520
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$72,932
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,520
-7% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
19.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Washington
#18 / 39
by median household income

How Cowlitz County Compares

Cowlitz County$72,932
Washington Average$76,363
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$72,932
Median Household Income
$36,520
Per Capita Income
$367,400
Median Home Value
19.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Cowlitz County, Washington

Cowlitz County slightly below national earnings

At $72,932, Cowlitz County's median household income falls 2.4% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning residents in solid middle-income territory. Per capita income of $36,520 trails national averages slightly, suggesting lower individual earnings despite moderate household incomes.

Lower-middle income tier within Washington

Cowlitz County's median household income of $72,932 lags the Washington state average of $76,363 by $3,431. The county ranks in the lower-middle quartile statewide, reflecting industrial economy challenges and fewer high-wage employer concentrations.

Mid-range earner among rural and suburban peers

Cowlitz County's $72,932 median income exceeds Adams County by $7,890 and trails Columbia County by just $596. The Longview region balances legacy timber and manufacturing industries with Kelso-area service sector jobs, creating moderate but not exceptional earning power.

Housing pressure mounts as costs rise faster

Cowlitz County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability concern levels, and median home value of $367,400 rises faster than local wage growth. Residents increasingly struggle to maintain housing affordability as regional property values climb despite stagnant industrial wages.

Strategic planning amid economic transition

Cowlitz County residents should prioritize debt reduction and emergency funds given moderating incomes and rising costs. Explore employer training programs for higher-wage sectors, consider dual-income household strategies, and consult financial counselors about managing housing affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Cowlitz County, Washington?
The median household income in Cowlitz County, Washington is $72,932, 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 Cowlitz County?
The per capita income in Cowlitz County is $36,520, 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 $72,932.
How does Cowlitz County compare to the Washington average?
Cowlitz County's median household income of $72,932 is lower than the Washington state average of $76,363. The per capita income is $36,520, compared to the state average of $40,628.
What is the per capita income in Cowlitz County, Washington?
The per capita income in Cowlitz County, Washington is $36,520, 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.
Is Cowlitz County a low-income area in Washington?
Cowlitz County's median household income of $72,932 is below the Washington average of $76,363. The per capita income of $36,520 is also lower than the state average of $40,628. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Cowlitz County rank for income in Washington?
Cowlitz County ranks #18 out of 39 counties in Washington by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $72,932 and per capita income of $36,520, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $72,932 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.