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

Total population
42,952
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$140,450/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
32,379
4.7% year-over-year change

Downtown Seattle population

How many people live in Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle is home to 42,952 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57.3% of Downtown Seattle locals are male, and 42.7% are female.

Total population
42,952
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57.3%
24,623
Female
42.7%
18,328
Value Percent YoY change
Male 24,623 57.3% 3.7%
Female 18,328 42.7% 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 Downtown Seattle is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 3.2% are children under 15, then 9.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 54.6% of the population, while another 19.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
3.2%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 44
54.6%
45 to 64
19.4%
Over 65
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,371 3.2% 20.5%
15 to 24 3,960 9.2% -1.1%
25 to 44 23,439 54.6% 4.7%
45 to 64 8,336 19.4% 1.7%
Over 65 5,845 13.6% 1.1%
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 Downtown Seattle, 58.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 26.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 46.1% of locals are Caucasian, 7% are African American and 33.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.5% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
58.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.4%
Non-citizens
26.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,241 58.8% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,167 14.4% 5.8%
Non-citizens 11,543 26.9% 11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
46.1%
Black or African American
7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
33.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
9.3%
Other
3.1%
Value Percent
White 19,804 46.1%
Black or African American 3,008 7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 182 0.4%
Asian 14,407 33.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 227 0.5%
Two or more races 3,978 9.3%
Other 1,345 3.1%

Households in Downtown Seattle

A peek inside Downtown Seattle households

Downtown Seattle has 27,683 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 23.1% are families, while the remaining 76.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,683
4.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
21,276
Family households
6,407
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21,276 76.9% 5.2%
Family households 6,407 23.1% 2.7%
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 Downtown Seattle

The housing landscape of Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle's housing consists of 32,379 units, with 1.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
32,379
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 491 1.5%
1 unit, attached 60 0.2%
2 units 59 0.2%
3 or 4 units 160 0.5%
5 to 9 units 116 0.4%
10 to 19 units 700 2.2%
20 to 49 units 3,902 12%
50 or more units 26,891 83%
Homes built since 2020
1,263
91.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Seattle

In Downtown Seattle, the median construction year is 2002. About 16.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 32.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,416 16.7% 0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 462 1.4% -32.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 879 2.7% 1.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,325 4.1% -8.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,312 4% -10.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,864 8.8% 1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,726 8.4% -3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,739 17.7% 2.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10,391 32.1% 13.6%
Built in 2020 or later 1,263 3.9% 91.7%
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.

Downtown Seattle occupancy rates

Out of the 27,683 occupied housing units in Downtown Seattle, 15.5% are owner-occupied, while 84.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,683
4.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23,390
Owner occupied
4,293
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23,390 84.5% 6.6%
Owner occupied 4,293 15.5% -5.2%
Unoccupied housing units
14.5%
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.

Downtown Seattle housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Seattle come to a median of $2,500 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,410.

Median housing costs per month
$2,500/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 Downtown Seattle
$2,410/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 Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle education at a glance

About 13.7% of the population in Downtown Seattle went to high school, while 12.6% pursued college studies. Another 4.4% earned an associate degree and 34.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 31.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,270 3.1% -13.4%
High school diploma 5,674 13.7% -2.2%
College diploma 5,224 12.6% -0.0%
Associate degree 1,801 4.4% 6.8%
Bachelor's degree 14,248 34.4% 2.5%
Graduate degree 13,197 31.9% 9.2%
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 Downtown Seattle

How much people earn in Downtown Seattle

The average annual household income in Downtown Seattle was $114,544 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $140,450, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Seattle
$114,544/year
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Seattle
$140,450/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Downtown Seattle income by age

In Downtown Seattle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $164,072. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,422 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $105,238, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,902 in earnings. Overall, 83.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $105,238 29.9%
25 - 44 $164,072 6.3%
45 - 64 $66,422 -9.6%
Over 65 $54,902 56.5%
Above poverty level
34,595
Below poverty level
6,945
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 34,595 83.3% 2.6%
Below poverty level 6,945 16.7% 10.8%

Employment in Downtown Seattle

Workforce and job types in Downtown Seattle

94.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.2% run their own businesses, 79.2% are employed by private companies, and 7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
26,848
Blue collar
1,672
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 26,848 94.1% 2.4%
Blue collar 1,672 5.9% 6.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.2%
Private companies
79.2%
Governmental workers
7%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,492 5.2% -11.0%
Private companies 22,601 79.2% 3.0%
Governmental workers 1,983 7% 2.1%
Not for profit companies 2,445 8.6% 9.3%

Transportation in Downtown Seattle

How people get around in Downtown Seattle

Commuting methods vary: 34.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 45.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,764 34.4% 7.7%
Taxicab 164 1% 27.1%
Bus or trolleybus 2,786 16.6% -11.3%
Ferryboat 21 0.1% 90.9%
Motorcycle 42 0.2% 61.5%
Bicycle 402 2.4% 44.1%
Walk 7,597 45.3% -0.5%
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 Downtown Seattle by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98101 17,153 11,722 $128,882 $176,659
98104 16,542 9,578 $61,460 $95,511
98121 21,166 14,288 $152,019 $184,063
98164 292 170 $250,001 $328,305

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FAQs about Downtown Seattle demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Seattle?

Downtown Seattle has a total population of 42,952 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Seattle?

The gender ratio in Downtown Seattle is as follows:
  • 57.3% males (24,623 residents)
  • 42.7% females (18,328 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Seattle?

The median age in Downtown Seattle is 36.

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

The age distribution in Downtown Seattle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 3.2% (1,371 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.2% (3,960 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 54.6% (23,439 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.4% (8,336 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.6% (5,845 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Seattle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Seattle is as follows:
  • White: 46.1% (19,804 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7% (3,008 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (182 residents)
  • Asian: 33.5% (14,407 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (227 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.3% (3,978 residents)
  • Other: 3.1% (1,345 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 58.8% of the population in Downtown Seattle.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Seattle?

There are 32,379 housing units in Downtown Seattle, reflecting a +4.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Downtown Seattle has a total of 27,683 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Seattle?

Downtown Seattle has a median household income of $140,450, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Seattle?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.1% (26,848 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.9% (1,672 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.2% (1,492 residents)
  • Private companies: 79.2% (22,601 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7% (1,983 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (2,445 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