Rents are right about where Lake Stevens's 10-year trend predicts.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $3,023 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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Who lives here
Lake Stevens, WA is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 35% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Lake Stevens, WA has changed in 5 years
The median rent in Lake Stevens, WA stood at $2,244 in 2021 and currently runs about $3,023, reflecting a 34.7% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Lake Stevens, WA now reports about $122,336, up from $99,296 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 14.6% since 2021, moving from about 35,135 residents to roughly 40,253. College-educated residents now make up 35% of adults here, versus 29.6% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Lake Stevens, WA reflects that arc in its own way.
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Can you afford rent in Lake Stevens on your salary?
At $3,023/mo, how Lake Stevens rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Lake Stevens rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Lake Stevens. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Lake Stevens
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in Lake Stevens is $3,023/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,280/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,720/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,340/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,590/mo.
At 30% of local median household income ($122,336/yr), Lake Stevens ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.8% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Stevens an affordable city for renters?
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How does Lake Stevens rent compare to other cities in Washington?
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What percentage of Lake Stevens residents rent vs. own?
How does Lake Stevens rent compare to the national average?
At $3,023/mo, rent takes ~30% of Lake Stevens's median household income ($122,336/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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