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ZIP Code · WA

ZIP 98626

Part of Kelso, WA
Pop. 26,892·Cowlitz County·189th most expensive ZIP in Washington
Median rent (all units)
$1,542/mo
Year-over-Year
-1.3%
Month-over-Month
+0.6%
vs US Median
-$423
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 98626 · $1,542
More affordable than 71% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$990
1 BR
$1,190
2 BR
$1,440
3 BR
$2,000
4 BR+
$2,420
Research median
$1,440/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
$18,504/yr
At $1,542/mo median
Location
CityKelso
StateWA
CountyCowlitz County
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-1.3% YoY, +0.6% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 98626 (Kelso, WA) is majority owner-occupied, 14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
26,892
Median income
$75,528
Median age
41.5
Renters
31.5%
Age distribution
22.4%
20.2%
29.3%
17.1%
Under 1822.4%
18–3420.2%
35–5429.3%
55–6411%
65+17.1%
Gender
50.3%
49.7%
Male50.3%
Female49.7%
Race & ethnicity
84.7%
White84.7%
Black0.9%
Hispanic7.1%
Asian0.9%
Other6.4%
Education (25+)
34.4%
41.3%
14.7%
No HS diploma9.6%
HS diploma34.4%
Some college41.3%
Bachelor's+14.7%
Housing tenure
68.5%
31.5%
Owner68.5%
Renter31.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 98626 in Kelso, WA has changed in 5 years

Income
$64,782 → $75,528
up 16.6%
Population
26,579 → 26,892
up 1.2%
Renter share
31.3% → 31.5%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
15.6% → 14.7%
-0.9 pts
Median age
40.2 → 41.5
+1.3 yrs

Median household income grew from $64,782 to $75,528 between 2021 and 2024, a 16.6% shift. Headcount in the area went from 26,579 to 26,892 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.2% change.

Community

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 98626

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 98626 covers Kelso, WA. The median rent here is $1,542/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,190/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,440/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($75,528/yr), ZIP 98626 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 98626?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 98626 (Kelso, WA) is $1,542. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 98626 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 98626's median rent of $1,542/mo is $423 (22%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 98626 compare to other ZIPs in Washington?

ZIP 98626 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Washington, ranking #189 out of 209 ZIPs at $1,542/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 98626?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $62,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,542/mo in ZIP 98626. The local median household income is $75,528/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 98626?

Rent in ZIP 98626 has decreased 1.3% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 98626 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 98626 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,542/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($75,528/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 98626 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 98626 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 31.5% of ZIP 98626 households are renters, while 68.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 98626 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 98626 compare to the rest of Kelso?

ZIP 98626 is more affordable than Kelso overall. At $1,542/mo, it's $11 below the Kelso citywide median of $1,553/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 98626 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 98626 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,542/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 98626's median household income ($75,528/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 98626 24%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 98626 (Kelso, WA)

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