Shoreline, WA
Population 59,280 · Washington
About Shoreline, WA
Shoreline is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 59,280 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $113,336 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shoreline features a median home value of $759,400, which is 210% above the national median of $244,900. This places Shoreline in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,938, 67% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 24,280 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (15,649 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (7,600 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shoreline shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shoreline have an average one-way commute time of 27.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.8% of Shoreline 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, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 21.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shoreline Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Shoreline, WA
Compared to national averages, Shoreline has a median household income of $113,336 (51% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $759,400, which is 210% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,938 is 67% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Shoreline's income is 25% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 65% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Shoreline, WA?
Shoreline offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $113,336, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 52.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $759,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Shoreline provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Shoreline has a population of 59,280 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Shoreline with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Shoreline
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacey | 57,088 | $87,277 | $427,900 | Compare |
| Richland | 61,912 | $92,550 | $401,800 | Compare |
| Olympia | 55,583 | $76,930 | $457,900 | Compare |
| Lakewood | 63,034 | $70,524 | $420,500 | Compare |
| Sammamish | 66,375 | $227,273 | $1,240,300 | Compare |
| Burien | 51,331 | $90,597 | $609,300 | Compare |
| South Hill | 68,161 | $109,235 | $493,800 | Compare |
| Bothell | 48,610 | $132,232 | $871,300 | 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 Shoreline With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shoreline
What is the population of Shoreline, WA?
The population of Shoreline, WA is 59,280 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 Shoreline?
The median household income in Shoreline, WA is $113,336 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shoreline?
The median home value in Shoreline, WA is $759,400, which is 210% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shoreline?
The median monthly rent in Shoreline, WA is $1,938, which is 67% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shoreline?
The unemployment rate in Shoreline, WA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shoreline, WA a good place to live?
Shoreline offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 59,280 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shoreline, WA?
52.8% of residents in Shoreline 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 Shoreline?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shoreline, WA: median home value is $759,400 (210% above national), median rent is $1,938/month, and median household income is $113,336. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Shoreline?
The poverty rate in Shoreline, WA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shoreline, WA?
Shoreline's population is 4.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 21.9% of residents are foreign-born.