Living in Seattle, Washington
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Seattle · Census data 2020–2024
Seattle has 754,195 residents with a median age of 35.6. The median household income is $123,860 (26% higher than the Washington median), the median home value is $938,600, the median rent is $2,030/month.
Seattle at a glance
- Population
- 754,195
- Median age
- 35.6State: 38.3
- Median household income
- $123,860State: $98,141
- Median home value
- $938,600State: $564,600
- Median rent
- $2,030/moState: $1,760
- Homeowners
- 43.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 68.4%
- Average commute
- 26 min
Is Seattle a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 26% higher than the Washington median; an average commute of 26 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%; a poverty rate of 9.9%.
Cons: Home values 66% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Seattle
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Seattle the median home value is $938,600, 182% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,030 per month, which is 27.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $3,505 a month in housing costs.
Seattle median household income
The median household income in Seattle is $123,860 and the income per person is $86,095. 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line (Washington: 9.9%).
Housing in Seattle: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 393,918
- Owner-occupied
- 43.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 56.3%
- Vacant
- 7.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1976
- Average household size
- 2.00
Seattle demographics
- Population
- 754,195
- Median age
- 35.6
- Under 18
- 13.8%
- 65 and older
- 13%
- Households
- 363,466
- Foreign-born
- 20.2%
- Veterans
- 3.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Seattle ›
Education in Seattle
68.4% of adults 25 and older in Seattle have a bachelor's degree or higher (Washington: 39.6%), and 30.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Seattle
- Unemployment rate
- 4.6%State: 5.1%
- Average commute
- 26 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 34.8%
- Drive alone
- 36.7%
- Public transit
- 11.9%
- Walk to work
- 8.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.5%
Seattle vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 754,195 | $123,860 | $938,600 | $2,030 |
| Medina | 2,928 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Hunts Point | 289 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | — |
| Clyde Hill | 3,119 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Yarrow Point | 1,198 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Mercer Island | 25,307 | $219,069 | $2,000,001 | $2,502 |
| Beaux Arts Village | 233 | $248,750 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Bainbridge Island | 24,631 | $172,188 | $1,155,900 | $2,194 |
| Boulevard Park | 4,575 | $78,954 | $456,100 | $1,848 |
More for people moving to Seattle
Seattle ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Seattle: FAQ
What is the median household income in Seattle, WA?
The median household income in Seattle is $123,860, 26% higher than the Washington median of $98,141 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Seattle?
The median home value in Seattle is $938,600, compared with $564,600 in Washington.
How much is rent in Seattle?
The median gross rent in Seattle is $2,030 per month, about 27.4% of household income.
Is Seattle, WA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 26% higher than the Washington median; an average commute of 26 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%; a poverty rate of 9.9%. Minuses: home values 66% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Seattle?
The median age in Seattle is 35.6 years (Washington: 38.3).
How long is the commute in Seattle?
The average commute to work in Seattle is 26 minutes; 34.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Seattle?
The unemployment rate in Seattle is 4.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Seattle?
68.4% of adults in Seattle have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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