Central Area, Seattle, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
31,799
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$106,886/yr
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,923
2.7% year-over-year change

Central Area population

How many people live in Central Area

Central Area is home to 31,799 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.7% of Central Area locals are male, and 48.3% are female.

Total population
31,799
2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
16,427
Female
48.3%
15,372
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,427 51.7% 2.0%
Female 15,372 48.3% 3.1%
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 Central Area is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.3% are children under 15, then 14.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 46.6% of the population, while another 19.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.3%
15 to 24
14.9%
25 to 44
46.6%
45 to 64
19.3%
Over 65
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,641 8.3% 4.4%
15 to 24 4,732 14.9% -5.4%
25 to 44 14,824 46.6% 3.6%
45 to 64 6,143 19.3% 4.1%
Over 65 3,459 10.9% 5.3%
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 Central Area, 80.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.3% of locals are Caucasian, 9.4% are African American and 15.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.8%
Non-citizens
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,475 80.1% 3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,445 10.8% 3.1%
Non-citizens 2,880 9.1% -1.9%
Racial breakdown
White
57.3%
Black or African American
9.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
15.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
13.7%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 18,216 57.3%
Black or African American 2,996 9.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 232 0.7%
Asian 4,906 15.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 80 0.2%
Two or more races 4,346 13.7%
Other 1,024 3.2%

Households in Central Area

A peek inside Central Area households

Central Area has 16,785 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 31.9% are families, while the remaining 68.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,785
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,427
Family households
5,358
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,427 68.1% 2.7%
Family households 5,358 31.9% 3.4%
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 Central Area

The housing landscape of Central Area

Central Area's housing consists of 17,923 units, with 26.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.2% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,923
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,749 26.5%
1 unit, attached 1,288 7.2%
2 units 558 3.1%
3 or 4 units 597 3.3%
5 to 9 units 765 4.3%
10 to 19 units 1,490 8.3%
20 to 49 units 3,248 18.1%
50 or more units 5,210 29.1%
Mobile home 18 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
537
102.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Central Area

In Central Area, the median construction year is 1975. About 32.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 22.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,822 32.5% 0.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 620 3.5% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 522 2.9% -2.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 877 4.9% 4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 979 5.5% 9.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 946 5.3% 2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,247 7% 0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,399 13.4% -1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,974 22.2% 3.3%
Built in 2020 or later 537 3% 102.6%
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.

Central Area occupancy rates

Out of the 16,785 occupied housing units in Central Area, 34.2% are owner-occupied, while 65.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,785
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,041
Owner occupied
5,744
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,041 65.8% 2.9%
Owner occupied 5,744 34.2% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
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.

Central Area housing costs

Housing costs in Central Area come to a median of $2,132 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,991.

Median housing costs per month
$2,132/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 Central Area
$1,991/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 Central Area

Central Area education at a glance

About 10.6% of the population in Central Area went to high school, while 16.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 38.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 26.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 530 1.8% -6.7%
High school diploma 3,042 10.6% 6.4%
College diploma 4,752 16.6% 2.4%
Associate degree 1,604 5.6% 7.6%
Bachelor's degree 11,070 38.7% -0.7%
Graduate degree 7,587 26.5% 5.7%
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 Central Area

How much people earn in Central Area

The average annual household income in Central Area was $180,718 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $106,886, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Central Area
$180,718/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Central Area
$106,886/year
0.4% year-over-year change

Central Area income by age

In Central Area, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $136,957. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $151,429 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,252, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,517 in earnings. Overall, 88.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,252 -10.5%
25 - 44 $136,957 -4.0%
45 - 64 $151,429 5.2%
Over 65 $52,517 8.2%
Above poverty level
27,003
Below poverty level
3,610
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 27,003 88.2% 2.5%
Below poverty level 3,610 11.8% 1.3%

Employment in Central Area

Workforce and job types in Central Area

94.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
19,670
Blue collar
1,209
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 19,670 94.2% 1.7%
Blue collar 1,209 5.8% 7.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,937 9.3% 15.6%
Private companies 13,083 62.7% -1.2%
Governmental workers 2,710 13% 3.5%
Not for profit companies 3,148 15.1% 7.2%

Transportation in Central Area

How people get around in Central Area

In Central Area, the average commute time is 3 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 53.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 20.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
3 min
-62.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,855 53.3% -2.4%
Taxicab 28 0.2% -22.2%
Bus or trolleybus 2,553 19.8% -16.2%
Ferryboat 30 0.2% 233.3%
Motorcycle 30 0.2% -16.7%
Bicycle 750 5.8% 17.2%
Walk 2,621 20.4% -2.9%
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 Central Area by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98112 23,921 10,918 $171,572 $287,649
98122 43,234 23,964 $106,886 $161,551
98144 33,787 16,019 $96,969 $158,130

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FAQs about Central Area demographics 

What is the total population of Central Area?

Central Area has a total population of 31,799 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 +2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Central Area?

The gender ratio in Central Area is as follows:
  • 51.7% males (16,427 residents)
  • 48.3% females (15,372 residents)

What is the median age in Central Area?

The median age in Central Area is 38.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Central Area?

The age distribution in Central Area is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.3% (2,641 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.9% (4,732 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 46.6% (14,824 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.3% (6,143 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.9% (3,459 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Central Area?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Central Area is as follows:
  • White: 57.3% (18,216 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.4% (2,996 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (232 residents)
  • Asian: 15.4% (4,906 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (80 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.7% (4,346 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (1,024 residents)

What percentage of the population in Central Area are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.1% of the population in Central Area.

How many housing units are there in Central Area?

There are 17,923 housing units in Central Area, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Central Area and what is the average household size?

Central Area has a total of 16,785 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Central Area?

Central Area has a median household income of $106,886, representing a +0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Central Area?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.2% (19,670 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.8% (1,209 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (1,937 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (13,083 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (2,710 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.1% (3,148 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