| ZIP Code | 98626 |
|---|---|
| City | Kelso |
| State | Washington (WA) |
| County | Cowlitz County |
| Area Code | 360/564 |
| Elevation | 516 ft |
| Latitude | 46.17216 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -122.773533 |
| Timezone | Los Angeles (DST) |
| FIPS | 53015 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.4 yrs ↑ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.64 |
| Below Poverty | 12.5% ▲ 25% above avg |
| College Grads | 27.8% ▼ 28% below avg |
| Unemployment | 7.1% ▲ 45% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 427 (2.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 5,155 (29%) |
| Some College | 3,441 (19.4%) |
| Associates | 3,820 (21.5%) |
| Bachelors | 2,203 (12.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 2,732 (15.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $70,058 ▼ 8% below avg ↑ 30% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $339,800 ▲ 22% above avg ↑ 70% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,169/mo ↑ 44% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 10,642 |
| Vacant Units | 452 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.64 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 10,642 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 452 |
| Owner Occupied | 68.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 31.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.64 |
ZIP code 98626 is located in Kelso, Washington, within Cowlitz County. With a population of 26,948, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 40.4 years. Economically, 98626 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $70,058 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 98626 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $339,800 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,169 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 68.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 70% since 2019.
The population of 98626 is primarily White (84.82%). Residents are moderately educated — 27.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.5%. Household income has grown by 30% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 98626 stands at 7.1%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 87%.
Overall, ZIP code 98626 in Kelso, WA is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 26,948 residents, a median household income of $70,058, and a median home value of $339,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Washington.