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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98409

Part of Tacoma, WA
Pop. 27,843·Pierce County·177th most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$1,640/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.9%
Month-over-Month
Stable
vs US Median
-$322
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98409 · $1,640
More affordable than 63% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,962/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,380
1 BR
$1,560
2 BR
$1,910
3 BR
$2,650
4 BR+
$3,010
Research median
$1,910/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: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$19,680/yr
At $1,640/mo median
Location
CityTacoma
StateWA
CountyPierce County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 2.9% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.9% YoY, -0.1% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98409 (Tacoma, WA) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, 22.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
27,843
Median income
$73,348
Median age
33.2
Renters
55.6%
Age distribution
20.4%
33.6%
24.5%
Under 1820.4%
18–3433.6%
35–5424.5%
55–6411.1%
65+10.4%
Gender
49.1%
50.9%
Male49.1%
Female50.9%
Race & ethnicity
50.9%
17.4%
16.1%
White50.9%
Black17.4%
Hispanic16.1%
Asian9%
Other6.6%
Education (25+)
12.8%
27.7%
37.1%
22.4%
No HS diploma12.8%
HS diploma27.7%
Some college37.1%
Bachelor's+22.4%
Housing tenure
44.4%
55.6%
Owner44.4%
Renter55.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98409 in Tacoma, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,325 → $1,640
up 23.8%
Income
$58,619 → $73,348
up 25.1%
Population
28,403 → 27,843
down 2.0%
Renter share
59% → 55.6%
-3.4 pts
Bachelor's+
18.8% → 22.4%
+3.6 pts
Median age
31 → 33.2
+2.2 yrs

The median rent in ZIP 98409 in Tacoma, WA stood at $1,325 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,640, reflecting a 23.8% increase over the period. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $58,619 in 2021 to $73,348 more recently. The population has contracted by 2.0% since 2021, moving from about 28,403 residents to roughly 27,843. Renters now make up 55.6% of households, compared with 59% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 22.4% of adults here, versus 18.8% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the ZIP 98409 in Tacoma, WA market of 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 98409

About renting in ZIP 98409

Last updated: August 17, 2026

ZIP code 98409 covers Tacoma, WA. The median rent here is $1,640/mo as of August 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,560/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,910/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($73,348/yr), ZIP 98409 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98409?

As of August 17, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98409 (Tacoma, WA) is $1,640. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98409 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98409's median rent of $1,640/mo is $322 (16%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo.

How does ZIP 98409 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98409 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Washington, ranking #177 out of 207 ZIPs at $1,640/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98409?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $66,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,640/mo in ZIP 98409. The local median household income is $73,348/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98409?

Rent in ZIP 98409 has decreased 2.9% over the past year as of August 17, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 98409 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98409 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,640/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($73,348/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98409 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 98409 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 55.6% of ZIP 98409 households are renters, while 44.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 98409 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 98409 compare to the rest of Tacoma?

ZIP 98409 is more affordable than Tacoma overall. At $1,640/mo, it's $120 below the Tacoma citywide median of $1,760/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98409 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98409 reflects August 17, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,640/mo, rent takes ~27% of ZIP 98409's median household income ($73,348/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98409 27%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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