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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98118

Part of Seattle, WA
Pop. 50,500·King County·114th most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$2,017/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.3%
Month-over-Month
+10.2%
vs US Median
+$52
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98118 · $2,017
More expensive than 61% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,544
1 BR
$1,597
2 BR
$1,857
3 BR
$2,430
4 BR+
$2,858
Research median
$1,857/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
$24,204/yr
At $2,017/mo median
Location
StateWA
CountyKing County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.3% YoY, +10.2% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98118 (Seattle, WA) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 51.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
50,500
Median income
$113,762
Median age
38.4
Renters
42.9%
Age distribution
20.4%
24.6%
30.1%
14.1%
Under 1820.4%
18–3424.6%
35–5430.1%
55–6410.8%
65+14.1%
Gender
50.3%
49.7%
Male50.3%
Female49.7%
Race & ethnicity
40.4%
18.1%
24.3%
White40.4%
Black18.1%
Hispanic10.8%
Asian24.3%
Other6.4%
Education (25+)
18.7%
19.2%
51.9%
No HS diploma10.3%
HS diploma18.7%
Some college19.2%
Bachelor's+51.9%
Housing tenure
57.1%
42.9%
Owner57.1%
Renter42.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98118 in Seattle, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,425 → $2,017
up 41.5%
Income
$94,790 → $113,762
up 20.0%
Population
48,937 → 50,500
up 3.2%
Renter share
40.3% → 42.9%
+2.6 pts
Bachelor's+
47.8% → 51.9%
+4.1 pts

Across the past five years, the going rent in ZIP 98118 in Seattle, WA has shifted from $1,425 to $2,017, up 41.5% since 2021. Census figures show median household income at $113,762 today, compared with $94,790 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show ZIP 98118 in Seattle, WA adding about 1,563 residents over the five-year window, up 3.2% on net. The renter share has risen from 40.3% to 42.9%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 47.8% to 51.9% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 98118

About renting in ZIP 98118

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 98118 covers Seattle, WA. The median rent here is $2,017/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,597/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,857/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($113,762/yr), ZIP 98118 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98118?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98118 (Seattle, WA) is $2,017. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98118 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98118's median rent of $2,017/mo is $52 (3%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 98118 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98118 falls in the middle range for Washington, ranking #114 out of 209 ZIPs at $2,017/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98118?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $81,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,017/mo in ZIP 98118. The local median household income is $113,762/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98118?

Rent in ZIP 98118 has increased 6.3% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 98118 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98118 is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,017/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($113,762/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98118 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 98118 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 42.9% of ZIP 98118 households are renters, while 57.1% are owner-occupied. ZIP 98118 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 98118 compare to the rest of Seattle?

ZIP 98118 is more affordable than Seattle overall. At $2,017/mo, it's $207 below the Seattle citywide median of $2,224/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98118 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98118 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,017/mo, rent takes ~21% of ZIP 98118's median household income ($113,762/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98118 21%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 98118 (Seattle, WA)

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