Federal Way, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
99,493
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,909/yr
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
37,479
-2.0% year-over-year change

Federal Way population

How many people live in Federal Way

Federal Way is home to 99,493 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Federal Way locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
99,493
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
50,960
Female
48.8%
48,533
Value Percent YoY change
Male 50,960 51.2% 2.3%
Female 48,533 48.8% -1.8%
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 Federal Way is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.7% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
29.7%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,755 18.8% -2.0%
15 to 24 12,100 12.2% -1.1%
25 to 44 29,557 29.7% 5.3%
45 to 64 24,116 24.2% -5.2%
Over 65 14,965 15% 4.2%
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 Federal Way, 65.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 36.9% of locals are Caucasian, 18% are African American and 15.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 2.9% are Pacific Islanders, while 11.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
65.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.4%
Non-citizens
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 65,453 65.8% -4.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17,320 17.4% 10.2%
Non-citizens 16,720 16.8% 9.5%
Racial breakdown
White
36.9%
Black or African American
18%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
15.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
2.9%
Two or more races
14.7%
Other
11.2%
Value Percent
White 36,742 36.9%
Black or African American 17,962 18%
American Indian and Alaska Native 864 0.9%
Asian 15,322 15.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2,867 2.9%
Two or more races 14,602 14.7%
Other 11,134 11.2%

Households in Federal Way

A peek inside Federal Way households

Federal Way has 35,717 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.8% are families, while the remaining 35.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
35,717
-1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
12,586
Family households
23,131
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,586 35.2% 2.8%
Family households 23,131 64.8% -4.2%
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 Federal Way

The housing landscape of Federal Way

Federal Way's housing consists of 37,479 units, with 49.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
37,479
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 18,430 49.2%
1 unit, attached 1,065 2.8%
2 units 571 1.5%
3 or 4 units 3,511 9.4%
5 to 9 units 4,310 11.5%
10 to 19 units 3,883 10.4%
20 to 49 units 1,613 4.3%
50 or more units 2,588 6.9%
Mobile home 1,454 3.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 54 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
179
115.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Federal Way

In Federal Way, the median construction year is 1984. About 1.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 539 1.4% -2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 208 0.6% 0.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,235 3.3% 4.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,418 14.5% -2.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,627 20.4% -8.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,006 24% 1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,512 17.4% -1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,581 9.6% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,174 8.5% -1.7%
Built in 2020 or later 179 0.5% 115.7%
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.

Federal Way occupancy rates

Out of the 35,717 occupied housing units in Federal Way, 55.3% are owner-occupied, while 44.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
35,717
-1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,960
Owner occupied
19,757
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,960 44.7% -1.1%
Owner occupied 19,757 55.3% -2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
4.7%
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.

Federal Way housing costs

Housing costs in Federal Way come to a median of $1,837 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,797.

Median housing costs per month
$1,837/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 Federal Way
$1,797/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 Federal Way

Federal Way education at a glance

About 33.9% of the population in Federal Way went to high school, while 23.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 20.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,911 5.1% 13.0%
High school diploma 26,027 33.9% 3.0%
College diploma 17,933 23.4% -2.2%
Associate degree 6,768 8.8% -5.3%
Bachelor's degree 15,575 20.3% 1.5%
Graduate degree 6,573 8.6% -3.1%
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 Federal Way

How much people earn in Federal Way

The average annual household income in Federal Way was $110,559 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,909, reflecting a +5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Federal Way
$110,559/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Federal Way
$86,909/year
5.8% year-over-year change

Federal Way income by age

In Federal Way, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,707. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,637 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $74,102, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,824 in earnings. Overall, 86.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $74,102 26.3%
25 - 44 $82,707 3.8%
45 - 64 $107,637 6.4%
Over 65 $68,824 2.5%
Above poverty level
84,889
Below poverty level
12,748
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 84,889 86.9% -0.2%
Below poverty level 12,748 13.1% 3.1%

Average renter income in Federal Way

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Federal Way, their median household income was $56,700 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,700
Rent-to-income ratio
38%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Federal Way

Workforce and job types in Federal Way

The job market in Federal Way is powered by 49,666 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 71% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
49,666
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
35,849
Blue collar
13,817
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35,849 72.2% 0.2%
Blue collar 13,817 27.8% 8.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
71%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,168 8.4% 7.1%
Private companies 35,267 71% 2.4%
Governmental workers 6,318 12.7% -1.1%
Not for profit companies 3,913 7.9% 2.7%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
-6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Federal Way stands at 5.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Federal Way

How people get around in Federal Way

In Federal Way, the average commute time is 32 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
32 min
-0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 37,715 78.6% 1.3%
Taxicab 71 0.2% 108.8%
Bus or trolleybus 1,952 4.1% -15.8%
Subway or elevated 75 0.2% N/A
Motorcycle 46 0.1% -27.0%
Walk 987 2.1% 37.9%
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 Federal Way by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98003 51,619 18,786 $75,319 $93,522
98023 50,448 17,752 $104,893 $130,136

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FAQs about Federal Way demographics 

What is the total population of Federal Way?

Federal Way has a total population of 99,493 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Federal Way?

The gender ratio in Federal Way is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (50,960 residents)
  • 48.8% females (48,533 residents)

What is the median age in Federal Way?

The median age in Federal Way is 37.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Federal Way?

The age distribution in Federal Way is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (18,755 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (12,100 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.7% (29,557 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (24,116 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (14,965 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Federal Way?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Federal Way is as follows:
  • White: 36.9% (36,742 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18% (17,962 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (864 residents)
  • Asian: 15.4% (15,322 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 2.9% (2,867 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.7% (14,602 residents)
  • Other: 11.2% (11,134 residents)

What percentage of the population in Federal Way are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 65.8% of the population in Federal Way.

How many housing units are there in Federal Way?

There are 37,479 housing units in Federal Way, 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 Federal Way and what is the average household size?

Federal Way has a total of 35,717 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Federal Way?

Federal Way has a median household income of $86,909, representing a +5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Federal Way?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Federal Way, with a workforce of 49,666 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.2% (35,849 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.8% (13,817 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (4,168 residents)
  • Private companies: 71% (35,267 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (6,318 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (3,913 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