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Sarah Mitchell
Compass Real Estate · ZIP 98296
“Your trusted relocation specialist since 2009. 350+ homes sold. Zero-pressure, data-first approach.”
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98296 ZIP Code Housing Market
$920,000median sale price
What is the 98296 housing market like right now?
The median home sale price in ZIP code 98296 is $920,000, down 8.0% year-over-year. Homes sell in an average of 18 days with 71 active listings. The market is currently a balanced market. (Source: Redfin monthly MLS data, as of March 2026 — the most recent Redfin release; Redfin publishes each month's data on a ~6-week lag.)
Is the 98296 ZIP code a buyer's or seller's market?
ZIP code 98296 is currently a balanced market and homes selling in about 18 days. How we determine this →
What are the latest 98296 housing market stats?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median sale price | $920,000 |
| Median list price | $1.10M |
| Year-over-year price change | -8.0% |
| Average days on market | 18 days |
| Active inventory | 71 listings |
| Sale-to-list price ratio | 100.1% |
| Market condition | Balanced market |
Source: Redfin · Updated monthly
The 98296 zip code, located in Cathcart, WA, is currently classified as a balanced market. The median sale price stands at $920,000, representing a -8.0% change year over year. Homes in this area spend an average of 18 days on the market before going under contract. There are currently 71 active listings in the area, which influences how much negotiating power buyers and sellers have.
ZIP 98296 sits in the Cathcart, WA area, roughly 0.8 miles from downtown Cathcart. Because home prices are set street by street, this ZIP can move differently from Cathcart's citywide averages. The figures below reflect 98296 specifically — drawn from Redfin transactions, U.S. Census data for its 27,896 residents, and Zillow value estimates.
Homes sold
117
Last 12 weeks
Days on market
18
Fast-moving
Active listings
71
Sale-to-list
100.1%
Above asking
What is driving the 98296 housing market?
The 98296 real estate market is shaped by a combination of local demand, housing supply, and broader economic trends. As a balanced market, homes are selling at approximately 100.1% of their listed price.
Year-over-year price trends are one of the most important indicators for both homebuyers and investors. Prices in 98296 have declined -8.0% compared to last year, which may present opportunities for buyers looking to enter the market at a lower price point. For context, it's valuable to compare this trend against neighboring zip codes and the broader metro area to determine whether this performance is localized or part of a regional pattern.
The Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for 98296 stands at $1.05M, which represents Zillow's estimate of the typical home value in the area. The Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) indicates typical rents of $3,500 per month. This gives a price-to-rent ratio of approximately 25.0, which indicates that renting may be more cost-effective than buying in the short term, though long-term appreciation could shift that calculus. Use our mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments based on current home values and interest rates.
Who lives in 98296?
Population
27,896
Median income
$177,583/yr
Median age
41.7 years
Owner-occupied
88.9%
College grads
48.6%
Avg commute
36.09 min
What is it like living in 98296?
Zip code 98296 is home to approximately 27,896 residents. The median household income is $177,583 per year, which shapes the types of homes and amenities available in the area. With a median age of 41.7 years, the community's age profile influences everything from school enrollment to local business types and recreational offerings. Approximately 88.9% of housing units are owner-occupied, indicating a stable, ownership-oriented community where residents have a vested interest in maintaining property values and neighborhood quality.
About 48.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher earning potential in the area. The average commute time is 36.09 minutes, which is above the national average and may reflect a suburban or exurban setting where residents trade commute time for more affordable housing or larger lots. These demographic factors, combined with the market data above, help paint a complete picture of what it's like to live and own property in 98296.
Which public schools serve ZIP 98296?
8 schools tracked · 4,405 students
The largest public schools serving ZIP code 98296 by enrollment, drawn from the National Center for Education Statistics. School quality is a commonly cited factor in home-buying decisions — these are the campuses families in this area are most likely to encounter.
Glacier Peak High School
Grades 9-12 · 1,630 students
Little Cedars Elementary School
Grades K-6 · 652 students
Valley View Middle School
Grades 7-8 · 625 students
Totem Falls
Grades PK-6 · 441 students
Cathcart Elementary
Grades K-6 · 437 students
Maltby Elementary
Grades K-5 · 316 students
Hidden River Middle School
Grades 6-8 · 298 students
Open Doors Youth Reengagement
Grades 9-12 · 6 students
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data directory. Updated annually. Ratings and test scores are not currently displayed.
Frequently asked questions about 98296
What is the median home price in 98296?
The current median sale price in 98296 is $920,000, based on recent Redfin transaction data. Prices have changed -8.0% compared to last year. For the most up-to-date pricing and to see how this compares to nearby areas, use our comparison tool.
Is 98296 a buyer's or seller's market?
The 98296 zip code is currently classified as a balanced market. This assessment is based on key indicators including months of supply, sale-to-list price ratios, and average days on market.
What is the population of zip code 98296?
Zip code 98296 has a population of approximately 27,896 residents. The median household income is $177,583 per year. About 88.9% of homes are owner-occupied. This data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and is updated annually.
How do I research neighborhoods in 98296?
Properties Incorporated provides comprehensive data for 98296 including median home prices, price history charts, days on market, active inventory, and Census Bureau demographics. To compare this area with other zip codes or cities, use our comparison tool. For mortgage planning, our mortgage calculator estimates monthly payments based on current prices and interest rates.
How often is the data for 98296 updated?
Market data on Properties Incorporated is updated regularly as new information becomes available. Redfin sales data is typically refreshed monthly, Zillow home value and rent estimates update monthly, and Census Bureau demographics are updated annually.
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