The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 98368 sells for about $605,000, or $310 per square foot.
Prices are down 7% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 19 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,850 a month.
ZIP 98368 — Port Townsend
The 98368 housing market is currently experiencing a correction with a year-over-year decline in median prices, reflecting broader regional cooling trends. Despite the price adjustment, the market remains competitive with low inventory and relatively quick sales times. Demand is supported by the area's high quality of life, though affordability remains a challenge for local residents.
This ZIP is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking a quiet, scenic coastal lifestyle, though it is less suited for commuters requiring daily access to major urban employment centers.
Median prices moved down 7.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 19 days on market with 2.6 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
20% 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 4.8% · poverty 9.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 98368, Jefferson 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 Port Townsend are generally low, with the area experiencing lower violent and property crime rates compared to the national average.
The area is served by the Port Townsend School District, which is generally regarded for its community-focused approach and moderate academic performance.
The region faces moderate risks related to seismic activity and potential coastal flooding, with standard insurance requirements for properties in designated flood zones.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, maritime industries, and a growing remote-work population, with limited large-scale industrial development.
Property taxes are assessed by Jefferson County based on local millage rates, which include levies for schools, emergency services, and county operations.
Commuting from Port Townsend typically involves long drive times to employment hubs in Kitsap County or the Seattle metro area, often requiring ferry transit.
The area features extensive access to outdoor recreation, including Fort Worden State Park, numerous hiking trails, waterfront parks, and a historic downtown shopping district.
The rental market is characterized by low vacancy rates and high demand, driven by a limited supply of long-term housing and a significant presence of short-term vacation rentals.
The local economy is anchored by maritime trades, tourism, and healthcare services, with a significant portion of the workforce engaged in remote professional services.
Transportation relies heavily on personal vehicles and the Washington State Ferries system for connections to the mainland.
Development is primarily focused on small-scale residential infill and historic preservation projects within the city limits.
The Jefferson County Assessor maintains property valuations based on annual market analysis and physical inspections.
Parcels are subject to various special purpose districts, including fire protection, library, and hospital districts.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by coastal proximity and wildfire risk assessments common to the Pacific Northwest.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 98368 profiles.
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.
- Fort Worden Historical State Park4.85.5 mi
- 7 Cedars4.29.5 mi
- Purple Haze Lavender Farm4.611.5 mi
- Sequim Lavender Festival4.412.5 mi
- Hudson Point Café4.34.7 mi
- Fort Worden Historical State Park4.85.5 mi
- Fort Flagler Historical State Park4.85.6 mi
- Fort Casey Historical State Park4.89.1 mi
- Sequim Bay State Park4.510 mi
- North Beach County Park4.75.5 mi
- Fort Casey Historical State Park4.89.1 mi
- Price Sculpture Forest4.813.1 mi
- Point No Point Lighthouse4.817.1 mi
- New Dungeness Lighthouse4.815.7 mi
- Point Wilson Lighthouse4.76.1 mi
- Fort Worden Historical State Park4.85.5 mi
- Fort Flagler Historical State Park4.85.6 mi
- Fort Casey Historical State Park4.89.1 mi
- Fort Ebey State Park4.810.9 mi
- Sequim Bay State Park4.510 mi
- John Wayne Marina4.710.4 mi
- Coupeville Wharf4.712.3 mi
- Port Townsend Boat Haven4.43.4 mi
- Port Ludlow Marina4.511.6 mi
- City of Oak Harbor Marina4.417.4 mi
- 7 Cedars4.29.5 mi
- Port Ludlow Golf Course4.512.6 mi
- RainShadow Disc Golf Park4.77.9 mi
- Safeway4.13.3 mi
- QFC4.13.6 mi
- QFC4.312.5 mi
- QFC4.22.8 mi
- 3 Sisters Market4.612.6 mi
- Paine Field4.727.1 mi
- Alaska Airlines - Everett4.827.2 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A historic former military base offering beaches, trails, and camping.
A National Historic Landmark district known for Victorian architecture.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.