South Lake Union, Seattle, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,514
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$133,663/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,817
6.2% year-over-year change

South Lake Union population

How many people live in South Lake Union

South Lake Union is home to 9,514 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.6% of South Lake Union locals are male, and 46.4% are female.

Total population
9,514
5.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.6%
5,102
Female
46.4%
4,411
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,102 53.6% 7.2%
Female 4,411 46.4% 3.5%
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 South Lake Union is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.3% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 60.1% of the population, while another 15.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.3%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
60.1%
45 to 64
15.7%
Over 65
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 409 4.3% -4.7%
15 to 24 1,154 12.1% 9.2%
25 to 44 5,722 60.1% 10.0%
45 to 64 1,493 15.7% -1.3%
Over 65 736 7.7% -10.5%
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 South Lake Union, 67.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 25.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 49.9% of locals are Caucasian, 4% are African American and 31.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
67.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.5%
Non-citizens
25.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,398 67.2% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 710 7.5% 17.6%
Non-citizens 2,406 25.3% 14.7%
Racial breakdown
White
49.9%
Black or African American
4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
31.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
12.1%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 4,748 49.9%
Black or African American 380 4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 59 0.6%
Asian 3,010 31.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0.1%
Two or more races 1,152 12.1%
Other 159 1.7%

Households in South Lake Union

A peek inside South Lake Union households

South Lake Union has 6,065 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 23.2% are families, while the remaining 76.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,065
6.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
4,655
Family households
1,409
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,655 76.8% 6.8%
Family households 1,409 23.2% 4.8%
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 South Lake Union

The housing landscape of South Lake Union

South Lake Union's housing consists of 6,817 units, with 9.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% 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
6,817
6.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 657 9.6%
1 unit, attached 178 2.6%
2 units 57 0.8%
3 or 4 units 159 2.3%
5 to 9 units 455 6.7%
10 to 19 units 561 8.2%
20 to 49 units 1,111 16.3%
50 or more units 3,626 53.2%
Mobile home 6 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
263
56.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Lake Union

In South Lake Union, the median construction year is 2005. About 15% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 36.9% 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 1,019 15% 7.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 133 2% 24.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 249 3.6% 14.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 313 4.6% -16.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 293 4.3% 7.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 228 3.3% 14.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 637 9.3% -12.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,164 17.1% 2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,518 36.9% 11.1%
Built in 2020 or later 263 3.9% 56.5%
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.

South Lake Union occupancy rates

Out of the 6,065 occupied housing units in South Lake Union, 21.1% are owner-occupied, while 78.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,065
6.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,785
Owner occupied
1,279
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,785 78.9% 6.8%
Owner occupied 1,279 21.1% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
11.0%
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.

South Lake Union housing costs

Housing costs in South Lake Union come to a median of $2,382 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,343.

Median housing costs per month
$2,382/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 South Lake Union
$2,343/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 South Lake Union

South Lake Union education at a glance

About 7% of the population in South Lake Union went to high school, while 8.8% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 44.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 33.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 49 0.5% 32.4%
High school diploma 629 7% 11.3%
College diploma 800 8.8% -4.0%
Associate degree 485 5.4% -4.0%
Bachelor's degree 4,027 44.6% 8.4%
Graduate degree 3,047 33.7% 6.6%
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 South Lake Union

How much people earn in South Lake Union

The average annual household income in South Lake Union was $171,137 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $133,663, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Lake Union
$171,137/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Lake Union
$133,663/year
2.1% year-over-year change

South Lake Union income by age

In South Lake Union, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $154,017. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $127,838 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $81,310, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $105,536 in earnings. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $81,310 0.6%
25 - 44 $154,017 6.4%
45 - 64 $127,838 3.3%
Over 65 $105,536 -0.7%
Above poverty level
8,566
Below poverty level
820
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,566 91.3% 5.2%
Below poverty level 820 8.7% 8.2%

Employment in South Lake Union

Workforce and job types in South Lake Union

95.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 77.2% are employed by private companies, and 7.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
6,924
Blue collar
317
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,924 95.6% 7.1%
Blue collar 317 4.4% 6.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
77.2%
Governmental workers
7.4%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 450 6.2% 16.0%
Private companies 5,593 77.2% 7.9%
Governmental workers 539 7.4% -9.3%
Not for profit companies 660 9.1% 9.4%

Transportation in South Lake Union

How people get around in South Lake Union

Commuting methods vary: 46.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 31.7% 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 1,983 46.9% 9.6%
Taxicab 45 1.1% 2.3%
Bus or trolleybus 739 17.5% 5.1%
Ferryboat 14 0.3% 0.0%
Motorcycle 6 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 101 2.4% 18.8%
Walk 1,343 31.7% -7.6%
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 South Lake Union by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98109 34,328 21,883 $133,663 $181,890

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FAQs about South Lake Union demographics 

What is the total population of South Lake Union?

South Lake Union has a total population of 9,514 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 +5.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Lake Union?

The gender ratio in South Lake Union is as follows:
  • 53.6% males (5,102 residents)
  • 46.4% females (4,411 residents)

What is the median age in South Lake Union?

The median age in South Lake Union is 31.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Lake Union?

The age distribution in South Lake Union is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.3% (409 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (1,154 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 60.1% (5,722 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.7% (1,493 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.7% (736 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Lake Union?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Lake Union is as follows:
  • White: 49.9% (4,748 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4% (380 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (59 residents)
  • Asian: 31.6% (3,010 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.1% (1,152 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (159 residents)

What percentage of the population in South Lake Union are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 67.2% of the population in South Lake Union.

How many housing units are there in South Lake Union?

There are 6,817 housing units in South Lake Union, reflecting a +6.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in South Lake Union and what is the average household size?

South Lake Union has a total of 6,065 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Lake Union?

South Lake Union has a median household income of $133,663, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Lake Union?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.6% (6,924 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.4% (317 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (450 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.2% (5,593 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.4% (539 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (660 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