West Seattle, Seattle, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
83,384
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$120,339/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
39,159
2.0% year-over-year change

West Seattle population

How many people live in West Seattle

West Seattle is home to 83,384 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of West Seattle locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
83,384
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
41,924
Female
49.7%
41,460
Value Percent YoY change
Male 41,924 50.3% 1.9%
Female 41,460 49.7% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in West Seattle is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 37.3% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 44
37.3%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,030 15.6% 1.0%
15 to 24 6,688 8% -1.4%
25 to 44 31,085 37.3% 3.4%
45 to 64 20,882 25% -2.6%
Over 65 11,700 14% 4.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In West Seattle, 80.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61.2% of locals are Caucasian, 9% are African American and 11.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.2%
Non-citizens
7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 67,388 80.8% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,195 12.2% 0.8%
Non-citizens 5,802 7% -6.0%
Racial breakdown
White
61.2%
Black or African American
9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
11.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
12.6%
Other
4.5%
Value Percent
White 51,037 61.2%
Black or African American 7,524 9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 567 0.7%
Asian 9,815 11.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 229 0.3%
Two or more races 10,485 12.6%
Other 3,728 4.5%

Households in West Seattle

A peek inside West Seattle households

West Seattle has 36,877 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.5% are families, while the remaining 46.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
36,877
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
17,151
Family households
19,727
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 17,151 46.5% 6.5%
Family households 19,727 53.5% -0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in West Seattle

The housing landscape of West Seattle

West Seattle's housing consists of 39,159 units, with 51.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
39,159
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 20,260 51.7%
1 unit, attached 3,721 9.5%
2 units 885 2.3%
3 or 4 units 1,533 3.9%
5 to 9 units 2,269 5.8%
10 to 19 units 2,470 6.3%
20 to 49 units 3,287 8.4%
50 or more units 4,648 11.9%
Mobile home 81 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0%
Homes built since 2020
563
75.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Seattle

In West Seattle, the median construction year is 1967. About 20.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,987 20.4% -0.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,979 10.2% -3.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,386 11.2% 3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,783 7.1% 0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,841 7.2% 4.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,289 8.4% 2.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,143 8% -10.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,651 11.9% 7.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,538 14.1% 7.5%
Built in 2020 or later 563 1.4% 75.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

West Seattle occupancy rates

Out of the 36,877 occupied housing units in West Seattle, 57.4% are owner-occupied, while 42.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
36,877
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,692
Owner occupied
21,186
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,692 42.6% 5.8%
Owner occupied 21,186 57.4% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

West Seattle housing costs

Housing costs in West Seattle come to a median of $2,220 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,850.

Median housing costs per month
$2,220/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in West Seattle
$1,850/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in West Seattle

West Seattle education at a glance

About 16.8% of the population in West Seattle went to high school, while 16.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 34.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,791 2.6% -7.6%
High school diploma 11,422 16.8% -0.2%
College diploma 11,238 16.5% -1.9%
Associate degree 5,505 8.1% 2.9%
Bachelor's degree 23,238 34.1% 3.3%
Graduate degree 14,953 21.9% 2.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in West Seattle

How much people earn in West Seattle

The average annual household income in West Seattle was $159,509 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $120,339, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Seattle
$159,509/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Seattle
$120,339/year
4.8% year-over-year change

West Seattle income by age

In West Seattle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $143,033. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $134,896 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,479, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,228 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,479 8.4%
25 - 44 $143,033 4.4%
45 - 64 $134,896 6.6%
Over 65 $73,228 5.5%
Above poverty level
75,252
Below poverty level
6,537
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 75,252 92% 1.3%
Below poverty level 6,537 8% -2.9%

Employment in West Seattle

Workforce and job types in West Seattle

87.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11% run their own businesses, 66% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
42,473
Blue collar
5,971
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 42,473 87.7% 0.9%
Blue collar 5,971 12.3% 2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
11%
Private companies
66%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,306 11% 5.1%
Private companies 31,967 66% -0.7%
Governmental workers 6,274 13% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 4,897 10.1% 6.3%

Transportation in West Seattle

How people get around in West Seattle

In West Seattle, the average commute time is 46 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
46 min
84.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 24,826 80.9% -2.9%
Taxicab 80 0.3% 25.0%
Bus or trolleybus 3,650 11.9% -15.8%
Ferryboat 273 0.9% -0.7%
Motorcycle 86 0.3% 72.0%
Bicycle 734 2.4% -5.4%
Walk 1,040 3.4% 18.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in West Seattle by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98106 28,690 11,791 $124,212 $146,606
98108 25,529 9,016 $95,780 $137,245
98116 28,711 14,051 $126,151 $176,159
98126 22,975 10,248 $116,466 $152,123
98136 17,252 7,921 $149,269 $192,996
98146 28,573 10,617 $102,520 $135,617

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FAQs about West Seattle demographics 

What is the total population of West Seattle?

West Seattle has a total population of 83,384 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Seattle?

The gender ratio in West Seattle is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (41,924 residents)
  • 49.7% females (41,460 residents)

What is the median age in West Seattle?

The median age in West Seattle is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Seattle?

The age distribution in West Seattle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (13,030 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8% (6,688 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 37.3% (31,085 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (20,882 residents)
  • Over 65: 14% (11,700 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Seattle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Seattle is as follows:
  • White: 61.2% (51,037 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9% (7,524 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (567 residents)
  • Asian: 11.8% (9,815 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (229 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.6% (10,485 residents)
  • Other: 4.5% (3,728 residents)

What percentage of the population in West Seattle are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.8% of the population in West Seattle.

How many housing units are there in West Seattle?

There are 39,159 housing units in West Seattle, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in West Seattle and what is the average household size?

West Seattle has a total of 36,877 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Seattle?

West Seattle has a median household income of $120,339, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for West Seattle?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.7% (42,473 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.3% (5,971 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11% (5,306 residents)
  • Private companies: 66% (31,967 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (6,274 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.1% (4,897 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025