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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98038

Pop. 37,324·King County·12th most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$3,033/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.0%
Month-over-Month
-0.3%
vs US Median
+$1,068
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98038 · $3,033
More expensive than 91% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,360
1 BR
$2,450
2 BR
$2,850
3 BR
$3,730
4 BR+
$4,380
Research median
$2,850/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
$36,396/yr
At $3,033/mo median
Location
StateWA
CountyKing County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.0% YoY, -0.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98038 (Maple Valley, WA) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 49% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
37,324
Median income
$152,261
Median age
38.5
Renters
14.4%
Age distribution
28.9%
15.2%
32.1%
12%
Under 1828.9%
18–3415.2%
35–5432.1%
55–6411.8%
65+12%
Gender
51.3%
48.7%
Male51.3%
Female48.7%
Race & ethnicity
71.5%
12.9%
White71.5%
Black1.3%
Hispanic6.7%
Asian12.9%
Other7.6%
Education (25+)
17.9%
29.8%
49%
No HS diploma3.3%
HS diploma17.9%
Some college29.8%
Bachelor's+49%
Housing tenure
85.6%
14.4%
Owner85.6%
Renter14.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98038 in Maple Valley, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,356 → $3,033
up 28.7%
Income
$124,164 → $152,261
up 22.6%
Population
37,624 → 37,324
down 0.8%
Renter share
13.8% → 14.4%
+0.6 pts
Bachelor's+
42.4% → 49%
+6.6 pts

Five years ago, renters in ZIP 98038 in Maple Valley, WA paid around $2,356 a month. That figure now sits near $3,033, up 28.7% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 98038 in Maple Valley, WA now reports about $152,261, up from $124,164 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 42.4% to 49% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 98038 in Maple Valley, WA reflects that arc in its own way.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 98038

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 98038 covers Maple Valley, WA. The median rent here is $3,033/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,450/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,850/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($152,261/yr), ZIP 98038 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98038?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98038 (Maple Valley, WA) is $3,033. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98038 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98038's median rent of $3,033/mo is $1,068 (54%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 98038 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98038 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Washington, ranking #12 out of 209 ZIPs tracked at $3,033/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98038?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $121,000/year (~$58/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,033/mo in ZIP 98038. The local median household income is $152,261/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98038?

Rent in ZIP 98038 has increased 13.0% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 98038 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98038 is considered very affordable for renters. At $3,033/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($152,261/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98038 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 98038 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 14.4% of ZIP 98038 households are renters, while 85.6% are owner-occupied. ZIP 98038 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 98038 compare to the rest of Maple Valley?

ZIP 98038 is more affordable than Maple Valley overall. At $3,033/mo, it's $14 below the Maple Valley citywide median of $3,047/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98038 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98038 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $3,033/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 98038's median household income ($152,261/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98038 24%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Public schools near ZIP 98038 (Maple Valley, WA)

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