The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 98042 sells for about $749,777, or $333 per square foot.
Prices are up +6.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 11 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,118 a month.
ZIP 98042 — Kent
The 98042 housing market remains competitive with low inventory levels supporting stable price growth. While the market has cooled slightly from peak intensity, demand from families and commuters continues to drive activity, resulting in a balanced environment for buyers and sellers.
This ZIP code is well-suited for families and commuters seeking a balance between suburban living and access to the greater Seattle employment core. It appeals to buyers looking for more square footage than is typically available in the urban center while maintaining proximity to essential services.
Median prices moved up 6.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 11 days on market with 1.3 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
21% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.6% · poverty 4.7% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 98042, King County WA
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in the Kent area are generally consistent with regional averages for suburban King County, with property crime remaining the primary concern. Local law enforcement continues to focus on community-based policing to address fluctuations in reported incidents.
Schools serving the 98042 ZIP code are primarily part of the Kent School District, which offers a diverse range of educational programs. Performance ratings vary by individual school, with many institutions focusing on college and career readiness initiatives.
The area faces moderate risks related to regional windstorms and occasional localized flooding in low-lying areas near the Green River valley. Property insurance remains stable, though premiums are influenced by broader Pacific Northwest wildfire and seismic risk assessments.
Economic momentum is driven by the area's proximity to major employment hubs in Kent, Renton, and Seattle, supported by ongoing infrastructure improvements. Development is characterized by a mix of established residential neighborhoods and continued expansion of commercial services along major corridors.
Property taxes are levied by King County based on assessed valuations, with rates determined by a combination of state, county, and local school district levies. Special districts for fire protection, emergency medical services, and utility management are included in the total tax burden.
Residents typically rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with access to State Route 167 and Highway 18 providing connections to major employment centers in Seattle and Bellevue. Public transit options include regional bus services, though commute times are heavily influenced by peak-hour traffic congestion.
The area features numerous community parks, walking trails, and proximity to Lake Meridian, which serves as a central hub for outdoor recreation. Shopping and dining amenities are concentrated along the Kent-Kangley Road corridor and in nearby Covington.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand from commuters and families, with vacancy rates remaining relatively low. Investor interest is present, though the market is primarily driven by long-term residential occupancy.
The local economy is anchored by a mix of manufacturing, logistics, and retail sectors, benefiting from the broader Seattle-Tacoma industrial base. Major employers include regional distribution centers and aerospace-related services.
The area is served by a network of arterial roads and regional bus routes, with limited direct access to light rail. Commuters primarily utilize private vehicles to reach major employment hubs.
Development activity is focused on infill residential projects and the revitalization of existing commercial centers along major transit corridors.
Parcels are subject to various special districts, including fire protection, water and sewer utilities, and the Kent School District.
Property insurance markets are stable, with premiums reflecting regional hazard profiles including wind and seismic risks.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Wild Waves Theme and Water Park3.911.4 mi
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park4.18.8 mi
- Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant4.39.2 mi
- Round1 Bowling & Arcade49.3 mi
- Dave & Buster's3.97.7 mi
- T-Mobile Park4.718.7 mi
- Lumen Field4.618.8 mi
- Washington State Fair Event Center4.315.2 mi
- Tacoma Dome4.117.2 mi
- Paramount Theatre4.719.9 mi
- Westfield Southcenter4.49.4 mi
- Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park4.610.6 mi
- AMC Southcenter 164.39.3 mi
- Kubota Garden4.712.4 mi
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park4.18.8 mi
- Pike Place Market4.619.9 mi
- The Museum of Flight4.813.6 mi
- Seattle Art Museum4.619.7 mi
- Museum of Illusions Seattle4.719.8 mi
- Museum of Glass4.517.2 mi
- Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park4.610.6 mi
- Kubota Garden4.712.4 mi
- Poo Poo Point Trailhead4.710.2 mi
- North Lake Tapps Park4.59.1 mi
- Saltwater State Park4.59.7 mi
- Mercer Island Beach Club4.512.3 mi
- Tacoma Yacht Club4.719.2 mi
- City of Des Moines Marina4.510.4 mi
- Point Defiance Marina4.719.4 mi
- Seattle Boat Company - Newport4.814.9 mi
- Topgolf Renton4.19.9 mi
- The Golf Club at Newcastle4.411.8 mi
- Washington National Golf Club4.14.4 mi
- Maplewood Golf Course4.37.6 mi
- Riverbend Golf Complex4.27.1 mi
- Westfield Southcenter4.49.4 mi
- The Outlet Collection Seattle4.27.7 mi
- WinCo Foods4.46 mi
- Kent Station Shopping Center4.45.9 mi
- The Landing4.410 mi
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Parking Garage3.410.3 mi
- King County International Airport - Boeing Field4.514.8 mi
- Kenmore Air - Lake Union4.621 mi
- Kenmore Air - Lake Washington4.527.8 mi
- The Club SEA2.710.2 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A popular waterfront park featuring swimming areas, boat launches, and picnic facilities.
A major regional trail system providing extensive walking and cycling paths through natural areas.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.