| City: | Skykomish, Washington |
| Names to Avoid: | Grotto, Scenic |
| County: | King County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 12:04:44 AM |
| Population: | 344 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 425 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 47.6326, -121.3316 |
| Land Area: | 346.413 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Skykomish sits at the western gateway to Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountains, 293 square miles of forested mountain terrain along the historic Great Northern Railway corridor. This isn't a beach resort despite the entity classification. It's a mountain railroad town turned recreation gateway. Of 390 housing units, half (194 units, 50%) are seasonal. The permanent population of 344 residents shares the valley with a tourism and transportation economy that employs 465 workers.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the entire 293-square-mile territory. The Skykomish post office maintains 179 PO Boxes for 170 households, a 1.05 adoption rate that extends slightly beyond immediate residents. General Delivery is available for transient workers and seasonal visitors. Rural carrier routes serve just 49 delivery points, mostly along Old Cascade Highway and Stevens Pass Highway corridors.
Skykomish's identity comes from two historic transportation routes. Old Cascade Highway (the original mountain crossing) and Stevens Pass Highway appear most frequently in ZIP+4 records. Railroad Avenue reflects the town's origins as a division point on the transcontinental railway. The aliases Scenic and Grotto (recognized but not valid for mailing) mark historic railroad communities absorbed into this service area.
The work-from-home rate is 40.3%, more than triple the national average. Remote workers have found affordable mountain housing here. Median home values of $442,300 and a median age of 47.3 years indicate an established community of outdoor enthusiasts and railroad families rather than wealthy resort owners. With 56 of 170 workers in transportation and warehousing, the railroad and highway corridor remain central to local employment.
Street names preserve the dual transportation heritage: historic railroad division point and mountain highway gateway.
ZIP Code 98288 has 344 residents and 170 households (average 1.98 persons per household). The median age is 47.3 years, significantly older than the state (38.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.8% male and 46.2% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (78.8%, much higher than the state average of 66.6% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (5.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 5.2%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 344Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 201Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 1.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $59,583Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 170Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $442,300Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.98Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.91Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 187 | 178 | 194 | 169 | 175 | 155 | 171 | 181 | 231 | 225 | 254 | 180 | 201 |
| Decennial Census | 333 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 344 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 47.3
Male Median Age: 49.8
Female Median Age: 40.9
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 8 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 18 | 4 | 11 | 14 | 12 | 5 | 22 | 15 | 19 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Female | 13 | 6 | 10 | 5 | 16 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 19 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 2 |
| Total | 21 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 20 | 18 | 26 | 14 | 19 | 24 | 15 | 13 | 34 | 34 | 31 | 8 | 14 | 8 |
| White: | 271 | 86.86% |
| Black: | 4 | 1.28% |
| Hispanic:* | 18 | 5.77% |
| Asian: | 8 | 2.56% |
| American Indian: | 3 | 0.96% |
| Hawaiian: | 3 | 0.96% |
| Other: | 5 | 1.60% |
| Total: | 312 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 185 | 53.78% | 49.8 years |
| Females: | 159 | 46.22% | 40.9 years |
| Total: | 344 | 100% | 47.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 184 | 91.54% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 4 | 1.99% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 13 | 6.47% |
| Total Population: | 201 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 188 | 93.53% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 13 | 6.47% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $59,583, which is well under the state median ($94,952), is up $30,520 (105.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,083. Family households earn a median of $125,208 versus $50,000 for nonfamily households (a difference of $75,208). By gender, male median income is $60,000 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($63,283), with a current gap of $60,000 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 58.6%, which is tends to be lower than the state rate (64.7%). The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is generally lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (54.1%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $29,063 | $27,750 | $26,750 | $30,000 | $29,063 | $36,771 | $38,906 | $42,500 | $46,500 | $50,625 | $0 | $55,833 | $59,583 |
| Median Family Income | $28,125 | $30,625 | $28,750 | $31,250 | $0 | $108,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $46,250 | $41,563 | $0 | $125,208 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $34,375 | $24,250 | $25,000 | $27,292 | $26,750 | $35,375 | $36,625 | $35,500 | $38,611 | $39,375 | $38,750 | $56,250 | $50,000 |
| Median Male Income | $24,583 | $30,625 | $24,643 | $108,750 | $0 | $0 | $49,250 | $0 | $51,518 | $50,938 | $39,474 | $58,636 | $60,000 |
| Median Female Income | $17,361 | $17,321 | $16,667 | $43,125 | $0 | $61,250 | $75,893 | $78,393 | $79,844 | $79,375 | $83,611 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 98 | 56.32% |
| Unemployed: | 4 | 2.30% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 72 | 41.38% |
| Total: | 174 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 53 | 54.08% |
| Service: | 9 | 9.18% |
| Sales and Office: | 7 | 7.14% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 18 | 18.37% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 11 | 11.22% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 98 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $442,300, which is considerably higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $232,900 (111.22%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $161,000. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,682), is down $682 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $950. Of occupied housing, owners make up 69.70% (71.01% with a mortgage, 28.99% free-and-clear) and renters 30.30% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 71.88%, which is considerably higher than the state rate (7.42%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $209,400 | $203,300 | $172,200 | $236,400 | $214,300 | $293,800 | $302,800 | $256,300 | $281,300 | $276,700 | $287,500 | $378,600 | $442,300 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 14 | 46.67% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 10 | 33.33% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 3 | 10.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 3 | 10.00% |
| Total: | 30 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $682 | $682 | $684 | $0 | $0 | $842 | $883 | $915 | $950 | $900 | $1,081 | $1,063 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 49 | 49.49% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 20 | 20.20% |
| Renter Occupied: | 30 | 30.30% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 99 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 99 | 28.13% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 253 | 71.88% |
| Total Housing Units: | 352 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 340 | 96.59% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 8 | 2.27% |
| Other Units: | 4 | 1.14% |
| Total Housing Units: | 352 | 100% |
In 2023, 33.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is on par with the state rate (38.80%). High school or higher is 92.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 5.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 2.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 39.60 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.90 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (58.97%). College enrollment is 35.90%, which is on par with the state rate (25.00%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 4 | 2.37% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 9 | 5.33% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 38 | 22.49% |
| Some college, no degree: | 41 | 24.26% |
| Associate's degree: | 21 | 12.43% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 20 | 11.83% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 36 | 21.30% |
| Total: | 169 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 156 | 92.31% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 56 | 33.14% |
| Private Insurance: | 140 | 56.45% |
| Public Insurance: | 98 | 39.52% |
| No Insurance: | 10 | 4.03% |
| Total: | 248 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 238 | 95.97% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 42.5% | 28.6% | 40.5% | 33.3% | 34.1% | 12.5% | 8.8% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 2.9% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 2 | 5.13% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 23 | 58.97% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 14 | 35.90% |
| Total: | 39 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 2 | 5.13% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 23 | 58.97% |
ZIP Code 98288 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 12 business establishments, employing about 477 people with an annual payroll of $12,229,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 210Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 12Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $3,877,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $12,229,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 477Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 98288 is located in King County, Washington, within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 42660) and Washington's 8th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 4,021,467 people, about 0.01% of whom live in ZIP Code 98288, and is subdivided into the Seattle-Bellevue-Kent, WA division. It covers 346.413 sq mi of land and a water area of 5.995 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 42660Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | Seattle-Bellevue-Kent, WA (CBSA Div 42644)Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 4,021,467Source: Census |
| MSA: | Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA CMSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 346.413 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 5.995 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 08Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 7359.7 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 5364855Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Skykomish town; WashingtonSource: Census |
ZIP Code 98288 is in the Skykomish School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 2 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.