City Report · WA

Mill Creek

Pop. 20,956·29th most expensive in Washington·Mill Creek rents are up 8.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,374/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.0%
Month-over-Month
+1.3%
vs US Median
+$409
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Mill Creek · $2,374
More expensive than 75% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
51/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Mill Creek's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$2,374/mo
Expected by trend
$2,390/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Mill Creek's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,875
1 BR
$1,973
2 BR
$2,322
3 BR
$3,103
4 BR+
$3,308
Research median
$2,322/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
$28,488/yr
At $2,374/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.0% YoY, +1.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Mill Creek, WA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 56% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
20,956
Median income
$124,364
Median age
39.3
Renters
41%
Age distribution
21.2%
22%
30.8%
15%
Under 1821.2%
18–3422%
35–5430.8%
55–6411.1%
65+15%
Gender
50.2%
49.8%
Male50.2%
Female49.8%
Race & ethnicity
65.1%
20.4%
White65.1%
Black3.4%
Hispanic8.6%
Asian20.4%
Other2.4%
Education (25+)
28.8%
56%
No HS diploma4%
HS diploma11.2%
Some college28.8%
Bachelor's+56%
Housing tenure
59%
41%
Owner59%
Renter41%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Mill Creek, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,858 → $2,374
up 27.8%
Income
$112,072 → $124,364
up 11.0%
Population
20,665 → 20,956
up 1.4%
Renter share
42.1% → 41%
-1.1 pts
Bachelor's+
51.2% → 56%
+4.8 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Mill Creek, WA has increased from $1,858 to $2,374, a 27.8% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $112,072 to $124,364 across the same window, up 11.0% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.4% since 2021, moving from about 20,665 residents to roughly 20,956. College-educated residents now make up 56% of adults here, versus 51.2% in 2021. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Mill Creek, WA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Mill Creek rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Mill Creek on your salary?

At $2,374/mo, how Mill Creek rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Mill Creek rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Mill Creek

About renting in Mill Creek, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Mill Creek is $2,374/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,875/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,322/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,973/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,103/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($124,364/yr), Mill Creek ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Mill Creek an affordable city for renters?

Mill Creek is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,374/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($124,364/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Mill Creek falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Mill Creek?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $95,000/year (~$46/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,374/mo in Mill Creek. The local median household income is $124,364/yr, meaning the typical Mill Creek household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Mill Creek?

Rent in Mill Creek has increased 8.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Mill Creek rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Mill Creek is one of the pricier cities in Washington for rent, ranking #29 out of 110 tracked cities at $2,374/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Mill Creek?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Mill Creek ($2,374/mo): Everett ($1,946/mo), Lynnwood ($2,191/mo), Mukilteo ($2,365/mo).

What percentage of Mill Creek residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41% of Mill Creek households are renters, while 59% are owner-occupied. Mill Creek leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Mill Creek rent compare to the national average?

Mill Creek's median rent of $2,374/mo is $409 (21%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #29 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,374/mo, rent takes ~23% of Mill Creek's median household income ($124,364/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Mill Creek 23%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Mill Creek, WA

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