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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98101

Part of Seattle, WA
Pop. 17,153·King County·35th most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$2,602/mo
Year-over-Year
-3.1%
Month-over-Month
-1.0%
vs US Median
+$637
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98101 · $2,602
More expensive than 82% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,989
1 BR
$2,058
2 BR
$2,397
3 BR
$3,136
4 BR+
$3,688
Research median
$2,397/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
$31,224/yr
At $2,602/mo median
Location
StateWA
CountyKing County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 3.1% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-3.1% YoY, -1.0% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98101 (Seattle, WA) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 74.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
17,153
Median income
$128,882
Median age
33.8
Renters
86.5%
Age distribution
51.3%
22.4%
12.7%
Under 182.3%
18–3451.3%
35–5422.4%
55–6411.3%
65+12.7%
Gender
57.4%
42.6%
Male57.4%
Female42.6%
Race & ethnicity
49.8%
35.1%
White49.8%
Black6.2%
Hispanic5.4%
Asian35.1%
Other3.5%
Education (25+)
16.3%
74.3%
No HS diploma3.2%
HS diploma6.1%
Some college16.3%
Bachelor's+74.3%
Housing tenure
13.5%
86.5%
Owner13.5%
Renter86.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98101 in Seattle, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,198 → $2,602
up 18.4%
Income
$96,893 → $128,882
up 33.0%
Population
14,528 → 17,153
up 18.1%
Renter share
85% → 86.5%
+1.5 pts
Bachelor's+
66.8% → 74.3%
+7.5 pts
Median age
35.1 → 33.8
-1.3 yrs

The median rent in ZIP 98101 in Seattle, WA stood at $2,198 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,602, reflecting a 18.4% increase over the period. Household income in the area moved from $96,893 to $128,882 across the same window, up 33.0% versus 2021. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has grown by 18.1% since 2021, moving from about 14,528 residents to roughly 17,153. Renters now make up 86.5% of households, compared with 85% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 74.3% of adults here, versus 66.8% in 2021. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in ZIP 98101 in Seattle, WA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 98101

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 98101 covers Seattle, WA. The median rent here is $2,602/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,058/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,397/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($128,882/yr), ZIP 98101 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 3.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98101?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98101 (Seattle, WA) is $2,602. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98101 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98101's median rent of $2,602/mo is $637 (32%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 98101 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98101 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Washington, ranking #35 out of 209 ZIPs tracked at $2,602/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98101?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $104,000/year (~$50/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,602/mo in ZIP 98101. The local median household income is $128,882/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98101?

Rent in ZIP 98101 has decreased 3.1% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 98101 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98101 is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,602/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($128,882/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98101 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 98101 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 86.5% of ZIP 98101 households are renters, while 13.5% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 98101 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 98101 compare to the rest of Seattle?

ZIP 98101 is pricier than Seattle as a whole. At $2,602/mo, it's $378 above the Seattle citywide median of $2,224/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98101 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98101 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,602/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 98101's median household income ($128,882/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98101 24%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 98101 (Seattle, WA)

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