Zip Code 98021
WA · Population: 34,993
About Zip Code 98021
Zip code 98021 is located in Washington and is home to approximately 34,993 residents. It receives an overall grade of B+ (score: 78/100), based on safety, affordability, quality of life, and employment metrics.
This area has significantly lower crime rates than most of the country, making it one of the safer places to live.
With a median household income of $155,891 and home values around $820,800, this zip code offers strong affordability. Residents typically spend a manageable share of their income on housing.
The community is highly educated — 57.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of ~33%.
Unemployment stands at 3.8%, which is near the national average.
Scores are percentile-based: a score of 85 means this zip code ranks better than 85% of all US zip codes on that dimension. Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau (ACS 5-year estimates) and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
Demographics & Economics
Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Grade | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | 88 | A | Lower crime = higher score |
| Affordability | 82 | A | Lower cost relative to income = higher |
| Quality of Life | 70 | B+ | Education, commute, ownership |
| Jobs & Economy | 74 | B+ | Lower unemployment = higher |
| Overall | 78 | B+ | Weighted average |
Methodology
All scores are percentile-based (0–100): a score of 85 means this zip code ranks better than 85% of all US zip codes on that metric. Safety uses FBI Uniform Crime Report state-level data (Phase 2 will add zip-level granularity). Economic and demographic data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (2022).