Mountlake Terrace, WA
Population 21,419 · Washington
About Mountlake Terrace, WA
Mountlake Terrace is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 21,419 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $101,404 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mountlake Terrace features a median home value of $606,100, which is 147% above the national median of $244,900. This places Mountlake Terrace in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,966, 69% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,504 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (5,118 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (3,999 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mountlake Terrace shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mountlake Terrace have an average one-way commute time of 31 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.9% of Mountlake Terrace residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 11.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 18.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mountlake Terrace, WA
Compared to national averages, Mountlake Terrace has a median household income of $101,404 (35% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $606,100, which is 147% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,966 is 69% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Mountlake Terrace's income is 12% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 32% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
Mountlake Terrace offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $101,404, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 41.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $606,100. However, Mountlake Terrace’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mountlake Terrace has a population of 21,419 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Mountlake Terrace with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Mountlake Terrace
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five Corners | 21,444 | $102,423 | $432,800 | Compare |
| Tukwila | 21,479 | $80,534 | $462,800 | Compare |
| Mukilteo | 21,312 | $122,612 | $830,000 | Compare |
| Battle Ground | 21,293 | $100,185 | $452,000 | Compare |
| Silverdale | 21,046 | $101,445 | $507,600 | Compare |
| Silver Firs | 21,796 | $153,026 | $791,700 | Compare |
| Bothell West | 21,014 | $144,941 | $757,700 | Compare |
| Covington | 20,957 | $126,730 | $590,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Mountlake Terrace With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountlake Terrace
What is the population of Mountlake Terrace, WA?
The population of Mountlake Terrace, WA is 21,419 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Mountlake Terrace?
The median household income in Mountlake Terrace, WA is $101,404 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mountlake Terrace?
The median home value in Mountlake Terrace, WA is $606,100, which is 147% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mountlake Terrace?
The median monthly rent in Mountlake Terrace, WA is $1,966, which is 69% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mountlake Terrace?
The unemployment rate in Mountlake Terrace, WA is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mountlake Terrace, WA a good place to live?
Mountlake Terrace offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,419 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mountlake Terrace, WA?
41.9% of residents in Mountlake Terrace aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Mountlake Terrace?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mountlake Terrace, WA: median home value is $606,100 (147% above national), median rent is $1,966/month, and median household income is $101,404. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mountlake Terrace?
The poverty rate in Mountlake Terrace, WA is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mountlake Terrace, WA?
Mountlake Terrace's population is 11.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 18.3% of residents are foreign-born.