| ZIP Code | 98603 |
|---|---|
| City | Ariel |
| State | Washington (WA) |
| County | Cowlitz County |
| Area Code | 360/564 |
| Elevation | 1,801 ft |
| Latitude | 46.055519 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -122.414757 |
| Timezone | Los Angeles (DST) |
| FIPS | 53015 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 41.5 yrs ↓ 12% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.01 |
| Below Poverty | 17.5% ▲ 75% above avg |
| College Grads | 29.9% ▼ 23% below avg |
| Unemployment | 0.0% ▼ 100% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 28 (3.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 164 (23.1%) |
| Some College | 171 (24.1%) |
| Associates | 134 (18.9%) |
| Bachelors | 95 (13.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 117 (16.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $77,188 ≈ Avg ↑ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $368,800 ▲ 32% above avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $585/mo |
| Total Units | 646 |
| Vacant Units | 250 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.01 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 646 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 250 |
| Owner Occupied | 66.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 33.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.01 |
ZIP code 98603 is located in Ariel, Washington, within Cowlitz County. With a population of 1,192, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 41.5 years. Economically, 98603 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $77,188 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 98603 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $368,800 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $585 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 66.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 36% since 2019.
The population of 98603 is primarily White (82.38%). Residents are moderately educated — 29.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.5%. Household income has grown by 14% since 2019.
About 15% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 85%.
Overall, ZIP code 98603 in Ariel, WA is characterized as middle-income, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,192 residents, a median household income of $77,188, and a median home value of $368,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Washington.