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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98144

Part of Seattle, WA
Pop. 33,787·King County·130th most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$1,938/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.4%
Month-over-Month
-0.9%
vs US Median
-$13
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98144 · $1,938
More expensive than 57% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,951/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,478
1 BR
$1,534
2 BR
$1,785
3 BR
$2,336
4 BR+
$2,747
Research median
$1,785/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: June 22, 2026

Annual cost
$23,256/yr
At $1,938/mo median
Location
StateWA
CountyKing County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 2.4% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.4% YoY, -0.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98144 (Seattle, WA) is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 61.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
33,787
Median income
$96,969
Median age
38.4
Renters
54.5%
Age distribution
14.7%
29.2%
28.7%
17.2%
Under 1814.7%
18–3429.2%
35–5428.7%
55–6410.3%
65+17.2%
Gender
51.8%
48.2%
Male51.8%
Female48.2%
Race & ethnicity
46.6%
19.9%
White46.6%
Black11.8%
Hispanic10%
Asian19.9%
Other11.8%
Education (25+)
12.4%
17.5%
61.4%
No HS diploma8.7%
HS diploma12.4%
Some college17.5%
Bachelor's+61.4%
Housing tenure
45.5%
54.5%
Owner45.5%
Renter54.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98144 in Seattle, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,638 → $1,938
up 18.3%
Income
$90,239 → $96,969
up 7.5%
Population
31,648 → 33,787
up 6.8%
Renter share
52% → 54.5%
+2.5 pts
Bachelor's+
61.1% → 61.4%
+0.3 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 98144 in Seattle, WA has climbed from $1,638 to $1,938, a 18.3% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 98144 in Seattle, WA now reports about $96,969, up from $90,239 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 6.8% since 2021, moving from about 31,648 residents to roughly 33,787. Renters now make up 54.5% of households, compared with 52% five years ago. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 98144 in Seattle, WA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 98144

Last updated: June 22, 2026

ZIP code 98144 covers Seattle, WA. The median rent here is $1,938/mo as of June 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,534/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,785/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($96,969/yr), ZIP 98144 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98144?

As of June 22, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98144 (Seattle, WA) is $1,938. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98144 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98144's median rent of $1,938/mo is $13 (1%) below the US national median of $1,951/mo.

How does ZIP 98144 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98144 falls in the middle range for Washington, ranking #130 out of 209 ZIPs at $1,938/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98144?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $78,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,938/mo in ZIP 98144. The local median household income is $96,969/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98144?

Rent in ZIP 98144 has decreased 2.4% over the past year as of June 22, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 98144 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98144 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,938/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($96,969/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98144 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 98144 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 54.5% of ZIP 98144 households are renters, while 45.5% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 98144 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 98144 compare to the rest of Seattle?

ZIP 98144 is more affordable than Seattle overall. At $1,938/mo, it's $258 below the Seattle citywide median of $2,196/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98144 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98144 reflects June 22, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,938/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 98144's median household income ($96,969/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98144 24%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

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