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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98402

Part of Tacoma, WA
Pop. 8,080·Pierce County·159th most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$1,757/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.6%
Month-over-Month
-3.6%
vs US Median
-$208
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98402 · $1,757
More affordable than 55% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,380
1 BR
$1,550
2 BR
$1,900
3 BR
$2,630
4 BR+
$2,990
Research median
$1,900/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
$21,084/yr
At $1,757/mo median
Location
CityTacoma
StateWA
CountyPierce County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.6% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.6% YoY, -3.6% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98402 (Tacoma, WA) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 43.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
8,080
Median income
$60,505
Median age
33.5
Renters
82.2%
Age distribution
48.3%
20.2%
14.5%
Under 187.4%
18–3448.3%
35–5420.2%
55–649.7%
65+14.5%
Gender
49.7%
50.3%
Male49.7%
Female50.3%
Race & ethnicity
66.1%
White66.1%
Black8.5%
Hispanic11.2%
Asian8%
Other6.2%
Education (25+)
20.3%
27.7%
43.4%
No HS diploma8.6%
HS diploma20.3%
Some college27.7%
Bachelor's+43.4%
Housing tenure
17.8%
82.2%
Owner17.8%
Renter82.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98402 in Tacoma, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,538 → $1,757
up 14.2%
Income
$55,250 → $60,505
up 9.5%
Population
6,805 → 8,080
up 18.7%
Renter share
77.8% → 82.2%
+4.4 pts
Bachelor's+
43.3% → 43.4%
+0.1 pts
Median age
36.3 → 33.5
-2.8 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 98402 in Tacoma, WA has increased from $1,538 to $1,757, a 14.2% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 98402 in Tacoma, WA now reports about $60,505, up from $55,250 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 18.7% since 2021, moving from about 6,805 residents to roughly 8,080. Renters now make up 82.2% of households, compared with 77.8% five years ago. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 98402 in Tacoma, WA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 98402

About renting in ZIP 98402

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 98402 covers Tacoma, WA. The median rent here is $1,757/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,550/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,900/mo.

At 35% of local median household income ($60,505/yr), ZIP 98402 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98402?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98402 (Tacoma, WA) is $1,757. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98402 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98402's median rent of $1,757/mo is $208 (11%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 98402 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98402 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Washington, ranking #159 out of 209 ZIPs at $1,757/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98402?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $70,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,757/mo in ZIP 98402. The local median household income is $60,505/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98402?

Rent in ZIP 98402 has increased 0.6% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 98402 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98402 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,757/mo, rent takes approximately 35% of the local median household income ($60,505/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98402 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 98402 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 82.2% of ZIP 98402 households are renters, while 17.8% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 98402 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 98402 compare to the rest of Tacoma?

ZIP 98402 is pricier than Tacoma as a whole. At $1,757/mo, it's $8 above the Tacoma citywide median of $1,749/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98402 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98402 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
35%
MODERATE

At $1,757/mo, rent takes ~35% of ZIP 98402's median household income ($60,505/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98402 35%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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