City profile
Kelso, WA
Cowlitz County · Population 12,684
Kelso is a town in Cowlitz County, WA with about 12,684 residents and a typical home value near $338,000. It is 35 miles from Vancouver, WA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Mild & temperate
Winter avg
39°F
Summer avg
68°F
Sunny days / yr
150
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$337,600
Typical monthly housing
$2,070
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
99
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.84%
- State income tax (top)
- None
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 9.43%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate · county score 90/100
Top hazards: Volcanic activity, Earthquake, Heat wave
Nearest major airport
39 mi to Portland International Airport (PDX)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 39% Democratic / 59% Republican
Community
Population
12,684
Black population
1.9%
County
Cowlitz County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: wildfire smoke, earthquakes
Highlights
- About 12,684 residents
- Typical home value about $338,000
- 35 miles from Vancouver, WA
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.