What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Seattle, WA, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Seattle is a city in King County, Washington, with an estimated population of 780,995. It anchors the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area. The population grew 1.5% annually from 2020 to 2024, a moderate gain. The median home value in Seattle is $871,599 as of 2026-04, down 2.5% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged +1.6% annual growth (-8.0% from the 5-year peak). Rents in Seattle average $2,202 per month, roughly flat year-over-year (+1.0%). The composite momentum score is 51 of 100 (Stable). Conditions are neither hot nor cold, so the local fit matters more than market timing.
Sideways market (-2.5% YoY). No urgency to time the macro trend — focus on the home and neighborhood.
Reasons people move here
- Net positive migration: population up 1.5% per year — demand fundamentals are intact.
- Scale = optionality: 780,995 population gives you airports, hospitals, a deep job market, and a real cultural scene.
Things to know first
- Expensive AND not growing: median home $871,599 with only -2.5% YoY. You're paying premium pricing for a flat trend.
- Cooling: -2.5% over the trailing year — momentum has stalled.
More about Seattle
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.