| ZIP Code | 98542 |
|---|---|
| City | Ethel |
| State | Washington (WA) |
| County | Lewis County |
| Area Code | 360/564 |
| Elevation | 503 ft |
| Latitude | 46.533037 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -122.725418 |
| Timezone | Los Angeles (DST) |
| FIPS | 53041 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.5 yrs ↓ 16% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.06 |
| Below Poverty | 18.5% ▲ 85% above avg |
| College Grads | 12.5% ▼ 68% below avg |
| Unemployment | 0.0% ▼ 100% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 38 (9.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 197 (50.4%) |
| Some College | 36 (9.2%) |
| Associates | 71 (18.2%) |
| Bachelors | 27 (6.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 22 (5.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $61,818 ▼ 19% below avg ↓ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $415,700 ▲ 49% above avg ↑ 39% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 6.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $583/mo |
| Total Units | 224 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.06 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 224 |
|---|---|
| Owner Occupied | 67.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 32.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.06 |
ZIP code 98542 is located in Ethel, Washington, within Lewis County. With a population of 686, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47.5 years. Economically, 98542 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $61,818 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 98542 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $415,700 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $583 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 67.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 39% since 2019.
The population of 98542 is primarily White (100.00%). Residents are less-educated — 12.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is well below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 18.5%. Household income has declined by 3% since 2019.
As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 75%.
Overall, ZIP code 98542 in Ethel, WA is characterized as solidly middle-class, less-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 686 residents, a median household income of $61,818, and a median home value of $415,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Washington.