Seattle, WA
Population 741,440 · Washington
About Seattle, WA
Seattle is a major city located in Washington with a population of 741,440 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $121,984 per year, which is 62% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Seattle features a median home value of $912,100, which is 272% above the national median of $244,900. This places Seattle in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,998, 72% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 382,933 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (156,194 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (196,825 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Seattle shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Seattle have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
67.5% of Seattle residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.8% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 19.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Seattle Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Seattle, WA
Compared to national averages, Seattle has a median household income of $121,984 (62% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $912,100, which is 272% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,998 is 72% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Seattle's income is 34% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 98% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Seattle, WA?
Seattle offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $121,984, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 67.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $912,100. However, as a major city, Seattle provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Seattle has a population of 741,440 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Seattle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Seattle
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane | 229,228 | $65,745 | $326,200 | Compare |
| Tacoma | 220,482 | $83,857 | $454,600 | Compare |
| Vancouver | 192,696 | $78,156 | $440,300 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 151,199 | $161,300 | $1,203,100 | Compare |
| Kent | 135,015 | $90,416 | $537,500 | Compare |
| Everett | 111,083 | $81,502 | $532,300 | Compare |
| Spokane Valley | 105,460 | $70,722 | $344,300 | Compare |
| Renton | 105,279 | $96,626 | $631,400 | 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 Seattle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle
What is the population of Seattle, WA?
The population of Seattle, WA is 741,440 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Seattle?
The median household income in Seattle, WA is $121,984 per year, which is 62% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Seattle?
The median home value in Seattle, WA is $912,100, which is 272% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Seattle?
The median monthly rent in Seattle, WA is $1,998, which is 72% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Seattle?
The unemployment rate in Seattle, WA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Seattle, WA a good place to live?
Seattle offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 741,440 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Seattle, WA?
67.5% of residents in Seattle 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 Seattle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Seattle, WA: median home value is $912,100 (272% above national), median rent is $1,998/month, and median household income is $121,984. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Seattle?
The poverty rate in Seattle, WA is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Seattle, WA?
Seattle's population is 4.8% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 6.5% two or more races. 19.9% of residents are foreign-born.