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City Report · WA

Lacey

Pop. 57,737·47th most expensive in Washington·Lacey rents are up 10.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,163/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.9%
Month-over-Month
+4.5%
vs US Median
+$198
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Lacey · $2,163
More expensive than 68% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
56/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Lacey's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,163/mo
Expected by trend
$2,226/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Lacey's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,557
1 BR
$1,767
2 BR
$2,053
3 BR
$2,813
4 BR+
$3,450
Research median
$2,053/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$25,956/yr
At $2,163/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.9% YoY, +4.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Lacey, WA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 34.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
57,737
Median income
$90,625
Median age
37.3
Renters
44.1%
Age distribution
21%
25.4%
23.9%
19.6%
Under 1821%
18–3425.4%
35–5423.9%
55–6410.1%
65+19.6%
Gender
48.9%
51.1%
Male48.9%
Female51.1%
Race & ethnicity
67.1%
White67.1%
Black5.9%
Hispanic11.4%
Asian9.3%
Other6.4%
Education (25+)
22.8%
37%
34.1%
No HS diploma6.1%
HS diploma22.8%
Some college37%
Bachelor's+34.1%
Housing tenure
55.9%
44.1%
Owner55.9%
Renter44.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Lacey, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,617 → $2,163
up 33.8%
Income
$75,059 → $90,625
up 20.7%
Population
52,572 → 57,737
up 9.8%
Renter share
42.7% → 44.1%
+1.4 pts
Bachelor's+
32.9% → 34.1%
+1.2 pts

Compared with 2021, rent in Lacey, WA has increased by $546 per month, settling near $2,163 after starting the period at $1,617. On the earnings side, the typical household in Lacey, WA now reports about $90,625, up from $75,059 in 2021. Rent outpaced income growth by roughly 13.1 percentage points, which means renters are spending a larger slice of each paycheck on housing than they did in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 52,572 to 57,737 between 2021 and 2024, a 9.8% change. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Lacey, WA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Lacey

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View Lacey rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Lacey on your salary?

At $2,163/mo, how Lacey rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Lacey rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Lacey. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Lacey

About renting in Lacey, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Lacey is $2,163/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,557/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,053/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,767/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,813/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($90,625/yr), Lacey ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lacey an affordable city for renters?

Lacey is considered affordable for renters. At $2,163/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($90,625/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Lacey falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Lacey?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $87,000/year (~$42/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,163/mo in Lacey. The local median household income is $90,625/yr, meaning the typical Lacey household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Lacey?

Rent in Lacey has increased 10.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Lacey neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Lacey are 98503 ($2,031/mo), 98516 ($2,196/mo), and 98513 ($2,409/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Lacey is $2,163/mo.

How does Lacey rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Lacey is middle-of-the-pack for Washington for rent, ranking #47 out of 110 tracked cities at $2,163/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Lacey?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Lacey ($2,163/mo): Lakewood ($1,708/mo), Tumwater ($1,922/mo), Steilacoom ($1,990/mo).

What percentage of Lacey residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44.1% of Lacey households are renters, while 55.9% are owner-occupied. Lacey leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Lacey rent compare to the national average?

Lacey's median rent of $2,163/mo is $198 (10%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #47 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,163/mo, rent takes ~29% of Lacey's median household income ($90,625/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Lacey 29%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Lacey, WA

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