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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98198

Pop. 40,463·King County·106th most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$2,045/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.6%
Month-over-Month
+1.9%
vs US Median
+$80
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98198 · $2,045
More expensive than 63% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,810
1 BR
$1,870
2 BR
$2,180
3 BR
$2,850
4 BR+
$3,350
Research median
$2,180/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
$24,540/yr
At $2,045/mo median
Location
StateWA
CountyKing County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 3.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.6% YoY, +1.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98198 (Des Moines, WA) is roughly split between renters and owners, 30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
40,463
Median income
$86,239
Median age
36.1
Renters
45.2%
Age distribution
22.3%
25.6%
26.5%
15.8%
Under 1822.3%
18–3425.6%
35–5426.5%
55–649.8%
65+15.8%
Gender
50.1%
49.9%
Male50.1%
Female49.9%
Race & ethnicity
41.9%
14.4%
22.5%
13.7%
White41.9%
Black14.4%
Hispanic22.5%
Asian13.7%
Other7.5%
Education (25+)
12.3%
26.3%
30.6%
30.8%
No HS diploma12.3%
HS diploma26.3%
Some college30.6%
Bachelor's+30.8%
Housing tenure
54.8%
45.2%
Owner54.8%
Renter45.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98198 in Des Moines, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,602 → $2,045
up 27.7%
Income
$69,833 → $86,239
up 23.5%
Population
38,919 → 40,463
up 4.0%
Renter share
46.5% → 45.2%
-1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
27.9% → 30.8%
+2.9 pts
Median age
37 → 36.1
-0.9 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 98198 in Des Moines, WA has increased from $1,602 to $2,045, a 27.7% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $86,239 today, compared with $69,833 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 4.0% since 2021, moving from about 38,919 residents to roughly 40,463. College-educated residents now make up 30.8% of adults here, versus 27.9% in 2021. 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

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About renting in ZIP 98198

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 98198 covers Des Moines, WA. The median rent here is $2,045/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,870/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,180/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($86,239/yr), ZIP 98198 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98198?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98198 (Des Moines, WA) is $2,045. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98198 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98198's median rent of $2,045/mo is $80 (4%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 98198 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98198 falls in the middle range for Washington, ranking #106 out of 209 ZIPs at $2,045/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98198?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $82,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,045/mo in ZIP 98198. The local median household income is $86,239/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98198?

Rent in ZIP 98198 has increased 3.6% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 98198 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98198 is considered affordable for renters. At $2,045/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($86,239/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98198 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 98198 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 45.2% of ZIP 98198 households are renters, while 54.8% are owner-occupied. ZIP 98198 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 98198 compare to the rest of Des Moines?

ZIP 98198 is pricier than Des Moines as a whole. At $2,045/mo, it's $32 above the Des Moines citywide median of $2,013/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98198 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98198 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,045/mo, rent takes ~28% of ZIP 98198's median household income ($86,239/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98198 28%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 98198 (Des Moines, WA)

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