Located on beautiful Liberty Bay and known as “Little Norway on the Fjord”, this enchanting Norwegian heritage town (population 11,180), has blossomed into a visitor destination filled with recreation, shopping, and dining opportunities. With its stunning water and mountain views Poulsbo is as rich in natural beauty as it is in authentic Scandinavian charm. Poulsbo’s historic downtown captivates visitors with its wonderful old murals, world famous bakeries, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants and beautiful waterfront park and boardwalk along Liberty Bay. Poulsbo celebrates it's Nordic heritage with the annual Viking Fest, Jule Fest and Tree Lighting celebrations. Poulsbo also hosts an annual Arts Festival, and 3rd of July Celebration over Liberty Bay.
Poulsbo’s charm, and natural beauty appeal to many visitors who, tempted by the good schools, distinct neighborhoods, and sense of community, soon become residents. Poulsbo’s leaders are progressive and forward-looking and are conscientiously working to balance the needs of a growing 21st century city while maintaining the Scandinavian heritage that has earned Poulsbo the nickname “Little Norway”.
As of 2026 the population of Poulsbo is 13,080. The population is expected to grow to 14,540 by 2031 - a growth rate of 2.14%.
The median age of Poulsbo residents is 44.
The diversity index of Poulsbo is 52.5, meaning that there is a 53% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Poulsbo is $146,142 and projected to be $166,808 in 2031. Per capita income is $59,600, projected to be $67,307 in 2031. 8.15% of households – 1,066 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $1,862,837 and the average disposable income is $112,180.
There are 5,627 housing units in Poulsbo; 3,523 are owner-occupied, 1,787 are rented, and 317 are vacant. The average home value is $699,354, with 1,489 homes built in 2010 or later, and 363 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 833 businesses in Poulsbo, employing 7,073 workers and pulling from a labor force of 5,742 age 16 and above. 798 workers commute into Poulsbo from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
4,852 residents both live and work in/around Poulsbo. The average travel time is 28.3 minutes. 3.19% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 6.31% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 3,215 drive alone, 547 carpool, and 396 take public transportation. 202 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 1,382 residents work from home.
2,096 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,077 have associates degrees, 2,773 have bachelor’s degrees, and 1,999 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
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