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

Total population
78,420
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,237/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
32,561
3.0% year-over-year change

South Seattle population

How many people live in South Seattle

South Seattle is home to 78,420 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.1% of South Seattle locals are male, and 48.9% are female.

Total population
78,420
2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.1%
40,092
Female
48.9%
38,328
Value Percent YoY change
Male 40,092 51.1% 2.1%
Female 38,328 48.9% 2.4%
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 South Seattle is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35.2% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
38
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
35.2%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,853 16.4% 2.5%
15 to 24 7,865 10% 0.2%
25 to 44 27,574 35.2% 5.6%
45 to 64 18,440 23.5% -1.9%
Over 65 11,688 14.9% 2.5%
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 Seattle, 70% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 38.6% of locals are Caucasian, 17.2% are African American and 25.8% have Asian roots. Another 1.5% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.7%
Non-citizens
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 54,878 70% 2.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,454 19.7% 1.1%
Non-citizens 8,089 10.3% 0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
38.6%
Black or African American
17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
25.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
5.1%
Value Percent
White 30,233 38.6%
Black or African American 13,470 17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,146 1.5%
Asian 20,209 25.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 209 0.3%
Two or more races 9,187 11.7%
Other 3,967 5.1%

Households in South Seattle

A peek inside South Seattle households

South Seattle has 30,685 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.9% are families, while the remaining 41.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
30,685
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,604
Family households
18,081
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,604 41.1% 2.9%
Family households 18,081 58.9% 3.0%
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 Seattle

The housing landscape of South Seattle

South Seattle's housing consists of 32,561 units, with 55.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.2% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
32,561
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 18,002 55.3%
1 unit, attached 3,309 10.2%
2 units 817 2.5%
3 or 4 units 1,408 4.3%
5 to 9 units 1,179 3.6%
10 to 19 units 1,775 5.4%
20 to 49 units 2,143 6.6%
50 or more units 3,828 11.8%
Mobile home 66 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 35 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
1,077
102.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Seattle

In South Seattle, the median construction year is 1968. About 20.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,608 20.3% -1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,772 8.5% -2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,747 11.5% 1.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,285 10.1% 4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,267 7% -2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,867 5.7% -3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,340 7.2% 5.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,199 12.9% -1.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,399 13.5% 11.2%
Built in 2020 or later 1,077 3.3% 102.4%
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.

South Seattle occupancy rates

Out of the 30,685 occupied housing units in South Seattle, 55.2% are owner-occupied, while 44.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
30,685
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,733
Owner occupied
16,951
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,733 44.8% 2.6%
Owner occupied 16,951 55.2% 3.3%
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.

South Seattle housing costs

Housing costs in South Seattle come to a median of $2,112 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,826.

Median housing costs per month
$2,112/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 Seattle
$1,826/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 Seattle

South Seattle education at a glance

About 23.8% of the population in South Seattle went to high school, while 14.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 29.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,897 6.2% -1.1%
High school diploma 15,009 23.8% 0.0%
College diploma 9,433 14.9% -6.1%
Associate degree 4,360 6.9% -0.1%
Bachelor's degree 18,810 29.8% 7.4%
Graduate degree 11,671 18.5% 5.8%
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 Seattle

How much people earn in South Seattle

The average annual household income in South Seattle was $132,852 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,237, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Seattle
$132,852/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Seattle
$98,237/year
4.6% year-over-year change

South Seattle income by age

In South Seattle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $138,199. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $115,026 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,171, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,602 in earnings. Overall, 86.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,171 -5.4%
25 - 44 $138,199 4.9%
45 - 64 $115,026 -1.7%
Over 65 $56,602 -3.1%
Above poverty level
66,503
Below poverty level
10,122
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 66,503 86.8% 2.8%
Below poverty level 10,122 13.2% -1.4%

Employment in South Seattle

Workforce and job types in South Seattle

86.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
37,367
Blue collar
5,850
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 37,367 86.5% 2.4%
Blue collar 5,850 13.5% -2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,633 10.7% 1.4%
Private companies 27,418 63.4% 2.5%
Governmental workers 6,202 14.4% -0.9%
Not for profit companies 4,964 11.5% 0.8%

Transportation in South Seattle

How people get around in South Seattle

In South Seattle, the average commute time is 6 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
6 min
-66.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 22,986 82.4% -1.4%
Taxicab 80 0.3% 15.9%
Bus or trolleybus 3,239 11.6% -13.4%
Railroad 8 0% 0.0%
Ferryboat 29 0.1% 20.8%
Motorcycle 59 0.2% -33.7%
Bicycle 519 1.9% -6.5%
Walk 973 3.5% 28.2%
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 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
98118 50,500 19,176 $113,762 $157,800
98134 645 182 $68,214 $64,674
98144 33,787 16,019 $96,969 $158,130
98178 26,748 9,349 $99,505 $139,638

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FAQs about South Seattle demographics 

What is the total population of South Seattle?

South Seattle has a total population of 78,420 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 +2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Seattle?

The gender ratio in South Seattle is as follows:
  • 51.1% males (40,092 residents)
  • 48.9% females (38,328 residents)

What is the median age in South Seattle?

The median age in South Seattle is 38.

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

The age distribution in South Seattle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (12,853 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (7,865 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35.2% (27,574 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (18,440 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.9% (11,688 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Seattle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Seattle is as follows:
  • White: 38.6% (30,233 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.2% (13,470 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (1,146 residents)
  • Asian: 25.8% (20,209 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (209 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (9,187 residents)
  • Other: 5.1% (3,967 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 70% of the population in South Seattle.

How many housing units are there in South Seattle?

There are 32,561 housing units in South Seattle, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Seattle has a total of 30,685 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Seattle?

South Seattle has a median household income of $98,237, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Seattle?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.5% (37,367 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.5% (5,850 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (4,633 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (27,418 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (6,202 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (4,964 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