Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area: Demographics and Community Profiles
The Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)—a geographic region defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to provide a consistent set of data for statistical purposes—is characterized by a diverse array of urban centers and rural settlements. From its principal cities to its unincorporated villages, the region serves as a hub of activity with a population that has evolved significantly over the last two decades.
Key Facts
- Total Population (2020): 122,012 residents.
- Principal Cities: Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.
- Largest Ethnic Group: White (Non-Hispanic) at 63.54%.
- Significant Minority Group: Hispanic or Latino residents make up 30.11% of the population.
- Growth Trend: The population grew from 99,219 in 2000 to 122,012 in 2020.
Community Classifications
The region is composed of various communities categorized by their population size, ranging from bustling principal cities to quiet unincorporated areas.
Major Urban Centers
Wenatchee serves as the primary principal city, boasting a population of over 25,000 inhabitants. East Wenatchee also holds principal city status, with a population between 10,000 and 25,000.
Mid-Sized and Small Towns
Several communities fall within the 1,000 to 10,000 inhabitant range, including Bridgeport, Cashmere, Chelan, Leavenworth, and Waterville. This group also includes the census-designated places (CDPs)—concentrated residential nuclei that lack a separate municipal government—of South Wenatchee and Sunnyslope, as well as a partial inclusion of Coulee Dam.
Smaller settlements with fewer than 1,000 residents include Entiat, Mansfield, and Rock Island.
Unincorporated Places
The MSA also encompasses several unincorporated areas, which are regions not governed by a local municipal corporation. These include Blewett, Holden Village, Manson, Stehekin, and Orondo.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Demographic and Racial Composition
The racial and ethnic makeup of the MSA has shifted between the 2000 and 2020 censuses, reflecting a growing diversity within the region.
| Race / Ethnicity (Non-Hispanic) | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White alone | 77,538 | 63.54% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 36,741 | 30.11% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial | 4,676 | 3.83% |
| Asian alone | 1,193 | 0.98% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone | 746 | 0.61% |
| Other race alone | 584 | 0.48% |
| Black or African American alone | 370 | 0.30% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone | 164 | 0.13% |
| Total | 122,012 | 100.00% |
In comparison, the 2000 census recorded a population of 99,219. At that time, the White population was 83.97%, and Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for 19.42% of the total population.
Economic Indicators
Based on historical data from the 2000 census, the MSA's economic landscape was defined by the following median income figures:
- Household Median Income: $37,890
- Family Median Income: $45,035
- Per Capita Income: $18,211
There was a notable gender gap in earnings during this period, with males earning a median income of $35,491 compared to $25,316 for females.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the principal cities in the Wenatchee MSA?
The principal cities are Wenatchee, which has more than 25,000 inhabitants, and East Wenatchee, which has between 10,000 and 25,000 inhabitants.
How has the population changed since 2000?
The population increased from 99,219 people in the 2000 census to 122,012 people by 2020.
What is the most prominent ethnic group in the region as of 2020?
The most prominent group is White (Non-Hispanic), making up 63.54% of the population, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents at 30.11%.
Which communities in the MSA have fewer than 1,000 residents?
The communities with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants are Entiat, Mansfield, and Rock Island.
What is a census-designated place (CDP)?
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes, such as South Wenatchee and Sunnyslope, which may lack their own separate municipal government.