| City: | Wilkeson, Washington |
| County: | Pierce County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:16:34 AM |
| Population: | 649 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 360 / 564 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 47.1164, -122.0172 |
| Land Area: | 10.606 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Wilkeson sits in the foothills of the Cascade Range in Pierce County, Washington. This small town of 649 residents occupies about 12 square miles of forested terrain southeast of Tacoma. It's a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no home mail delivery anywhere in the ZIP code. Everyone picks up mail at the post office.
The Wilkeson post office maintains 326 PO Boxes for a community of 236 households. That's a 1.38x adoption rate, which suggests the post office also serves people from surrounding rural areas who don't have their own ZIP code. With no alternative delivery options across the entire 12 square miles, the post office functions as the sole mail access point for residents and nearby property owners.
Street names tell the story of an old railroad town. Railroad Avenue runs through the community, and the grid includes Church Street, Roosevelt Avenue, and tree-named streets like Alder, Cedar, Oak, Maple, and Spruce. Wilkeson Spiketon Road connects to the surrounding countryside. These aren't just addresses for mapping purposes; they're the framework of a small town that never got carrier routes.
Despite its remote character, Wilkeson isn't a struggling community. Median household income reaches $103,750, well above the national average. Home values average $489,200. The homeownership rate is 85%, with 201 of 236 occupied homes owner-occupied. Nearly 39% of workers work from home, one of the highest rates anywhere. The transportation and warehousing sector employs most of the local workforce, likely connected to logistics operations in the Puget Sound region.
The median age of 38.3 years indicates a mix of families and working-age adults rather than retirees. Only 5 of 251 housing units are used seasonally. This isn't a vacation community. It's a permanent residential area where people have chosen to live outside the suburban sprawl, accepting PO Box mail as the tradeoff for foothill living.
Street names reflect railroad heritage with Railroad Avenue and tree-lined residential streets typical of historic Pacific Northwest towns.
ZIP Code 98396 has 649 residents and 236 households (average 2.70 persons per household). The median age is 38.3 years, about the same as the state (38.1) and about the same as the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.2% male and 48.8% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (86.4%, 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: | 649Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 844Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 61.2 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $112,031Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 236Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $485,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.70Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.67Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 491 | 522 | 540 | 613 | 574 | 589 | 662 | 685 | 761 | 749 | 620 | 643 | 871 | 844 |
| Decennial Census | 662 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 649 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 38.3
Male Median Age: 36.5
Female Median Age: 39
| 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 | 20 | 20 | 23 | 20 | 24 | 20 | 27 | 24 | 27 | 15 | 26 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 3 | 8 |
| Female | 22 | 24 | 26 | 11 | 11 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 17 | 19 | 17 | 30 | 22 | 15 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| Total | 42 | 44 | 49 | 31 | 35 | 40 | 50 | 47 | 51 | 32 | 45 | 37 | 55 | 33 | 25 | 13 | 9 | 11 |
| White: | 561 | 90.19% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.16% |
| Hispanic:* | 34 | 5.47% |
| Asian: | 5 | 0.80% |
| American Indian: | 4 | 0.64% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.32% |
| Other: | 15 | 2.41% |
| Total: | 622 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 332 | 51.16% | 36.5 years |
| Females: | 317 | 48.84% | 39.0 years |
| Total: | 649 | 100% | 38.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 777 | 92.06% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 3 | 0.36% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 2 | 0.24% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 62 | 7.58% |
| Total Population: | 844 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 780 | 92.42% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 64 | 7.58% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $112,031, which is markedly greater than the national median ($80,734), is up $45,213 (67.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $31,093. Family households earn a median of $153,103 versus $61,875 for nonfamily households (a difference of $91,228). By gender, male median income is $108,800 and female is $56,875, which is a touch higher than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $51,925 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 62.1%, which is a bit lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is just under the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Natural resources (27.7%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,818 | $74,688 | $73,875 | $67,250 | $65,083 | $66,563 | $65,313 | $59,444 | $80,938 | $82,031 | $92,321 | $98,438 | $103,750 | $112,031 |
| Median Family Income | $77,813 | $81,406 | $77,500 | $72,813 | $66,827 | $68,958 | $76,071 | $73,611 | $80,000 | $102,188 | $110,417 | $98,571 | $115,000 | $153,103 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $41,875 | $47,500 | $53,750 | $51,250 | $50,500 | $50,625 | $50,385 | $49,375 | $51,667 | $53,900 | $56,250 | $63,125 | $59,583 | $61,875 |
| Median Male Income | $53,958 | $56,667 | $53,625 | $52,500 | $50,221 | $50,074 | $50,865 | $53,897 | $60,795 | $69,167 | $67,440 | $72,308 | $96,429 | $108,800 |
| Median Female Income | $36,875 | $45,625 | $47,188 | $46,563 | $45,469 | $47,500 | $57,500 | $54,792 | $55,000 | $65,313 | $67,813 | $56,563 | $55,000 | $56,875 |
| Employed: | 423 | 59.33% |
| Unemployed: | 20 | 2.81% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 270 | 37.87% |
| Total: | 713 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 97 | 22.93% |
| Service: | 57 | 13.48% |
| Sales and Office: | 111 | 26.24% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 117 | 27.66% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 41 | 9.69% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 423 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $485,400, which is considerably higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $248,200 (104.64%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $241,100. The median gross rent is $1,173, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), is down $6 (0.51%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $212. Of occupied housing, owners make up 84.89% (80.30% with a mortgage, 19.70% free-and-clear) and renters 15.11% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 3.72%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (10.12%).
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 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $237,200 | $232,400 | $225,000 | $220,200 | $192,500 | $196,700 | $228,000 | $223,300 | $244,300 | $297,100 | $302,500 | $482,900 | $489,200 | $485,400 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 39 | 82.98% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 8 | 17.02% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 47 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,179 | $1,125 | $1,321 | $1,238 | $1,268 | $1,375 | $1,527 | $1,352 | $1,385 | $1,375 | $1,500 | $1,414 | $1,211 | $1,173 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 212 | 68.17% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 52 | 16.72% |
| Renter Occupied: | 47 | 15.11% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 311 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 311 | 96.28% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 12 | 3.72% |
| Total Housing Units: | 323 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 273 | 84.52% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 7 | 2.17% |
| Other Units: | 43 | 13.31% |
| Total Housing Units: | 323 | 100% |
In 2024, 18.30% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 91.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 7.20%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 2.30%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), up 1.90 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.70 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (44.09%). College enrollment is 16.54%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 37 | 6.26% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 11 | 1.86% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 166 | 28.09% |
| Some college, no degree: | 179 | 30.29% |
| Associate's degree: | 90 | 15.23% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 108 | 18.27% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 591 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 543 | 91.88% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 108 | 18.27% |
| Private Insurance: | 679 | 69.71% |
| Public Insurance: | 234 | 24.02% |
| No Insurance: | 61 | 6.26% |
| Total: | 974 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 913 | 93.74% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 2.0% | 4.0% | 3.2% | 2.9% | 3.3% | 3.9% | 1.1% | 1.0% | 3.2% | 1.8% | 5.4% | 5.4% | 3.9% | 2.3% |
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: | 13 | 10.24% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 56 | 44.09% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 37 | 29.13% |
| College or graduate school: | 21 | 16.54% |
| Total: | 127 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 13 | 10.24% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 93 | 73.23% |
ZIP Code 98396 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 9 business establishments, employing about 16 people with an annual payroll of $729,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 343Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 9Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $149,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $729,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 16Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 98396 is located in Pierce 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 3,439,809 people, about 0.02% of whom live in ZIP Code 98396, and is subdivided into the Tacoma-Lakewood, WA division. It covers 10.606 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.025 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 42660Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | Tacoma-Lakewood, WA (CBSA Div 45104)Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 3,439,809Source: Census |
| MSA: | Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA CMSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 10.606 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.025 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 08Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 7359.7 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Tacoma, WA PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 5378925Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Wilkeson town; WashingtonSource: Census |
ZIP Code 98396 is in the White River School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 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.