The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 98251 sells for about $472,188, or $315 per square foot.
Prices are down 2.1% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 45 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,791 a month.
ZIP 98251 — Gold Bar
The housing market in ZIP 98251 is currently stable, reflecting a balance between limited inventory and cautious buyer demand. Prices have seen a slight year-over-year decline, consistent with broader regional trends as interest rates impact affordability. The area remains a popular choice for those seeking a more rural lifestyle within commuting distance of the Everett employment hub.
This ZIP is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking more space at a lower price point, and commuters willing to trade a longer drive for a quieter, rural lifestyle. It is less suitable for those requiring immediate access to urban amenities or high-frequency public transit.
Median prices moved down 2.1% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 45 days on market with 5.4 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 7.5% · poverty 12.7% — 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 7.6%/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 7.1%/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 98251, Snohomish 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 Gold Bar are generally lower than the national average, with property crime being the most frequently reported concern. The area is considered relatively safe compared to larger urban centers in Snohomish County.
Schools serving the area are part of the Sultan School District, which generally maintains moderate performance ratings. The district is characterized by smaller class sizes and a focus on community-integrated learning.
The area faces moderate risks from wildfire and seasonal flooding due to its proximity to the Skykomish River and surrounding forested terrain. Residents are encouraged to maintain adequate insurance coverage for these specific environmental hazards.
Economic momentum is driven by its role as a bedroom community for commuters working in Everett and the greater Seattle metro area. Development is primarily residential with limited commercial expansion, focusing on preserving the natural mountain-town character.
Property taxes are assessed by Snohomish County based on the annual market value of the property. The rate includes standard state and local levies, with no additional municipal income tax, though special district levies for fire and emergency services apply.
Commuting to the Everett employment core typically involves a 30-45 minute drive via US-2. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicle ownership essential for most residents.
The area is a gateway to outdoor recreation, featuring immediate access to the Skykomish River, hiking trails in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and nearby Wallace Falls State Park. Local shopping and dining are modest, primarily serving daily needs.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and high demand from those seeking a more affordable alternative to the Seattle suburbs. Vacancy rates remain tight, and short-term rentals are present due to the area's proximity to outdoor tourism hubs.
The local economy is largely service-oriented, with many residents employed in the aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors in the nearby Everett and Snohomish hubs. Tourism related to outdoor recreation serves as a secondary economic driver.
Transportation is heavily reliant on the US-2 highway corridor. Public transit is minimal, with limited bus service connecting the area to the broader Snohomish County transit network.
Development is constrained by environmental protections and rural zoning, with most planning focused on small-scale residential infill rather than large-scale commercial projects.
The Snohomish County Assessor maintains a market-value assessment system, with properties reappraised annually to reflect current market conditions.
Parcels are subject to Sultan School District taxes, as well as local fire district and emergency medical service levies.
Property insurance premiums are rising due to increased wildfire risk assessments in the Pacific Northwest, though the area remains insurable.
Washington state continues to see net positive domestic migration, though growth has moderated compared to the 2020-2022 period.
Washington is a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for a streamlined process under the Deed of Trust Act.
Sellers are required to provide a comprehensive disclosure statement covering all known material defects of the property.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 98251 profile.
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.
- Jump, Rattle & Roll4.519.2 mi
- The Evergreen State Fairgrounds4.419 mi
- Evergreen Speedway4.718.9 mi
- Bubba's Road House4.510.6 mi
- Jeno's Cafe & Lounge4.418.1 mi
- French Creek Manor - Wedding, Reception and Events4.719.7 mi
- Wallace Falls State Park4.84.3 mi
- Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead4.85.7 mi
- Big Four Ice Caves4.811.6 mi
- Gothic Basin Trailhead4.811.3 mi
- Blanca Lake Trailhead4.712.6 mi
- Monte Cristo4.710.9 mi
- Great Northern & Cascade Railway4.816.3 mi
- Wallace Falls State Park4.84.3 mi
- Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead4.85.7 mi
- Big Four Ice Caves4.811.6 mi
- Ice Caves Trailhead - Big 44.712.5 mi
- Gothic Basin Trailhead4.811.3 mi
- Blue Boy West Golf Course & Event Center4.512.8 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A major regional attraction known for its scenic waterfalls and extensive hiking trail network.
Provides opportunities for fishing, rafting, and scenic riverfront access.
Offers vast wilderness access for camping, hiking, and outdoor exploration.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.