| City: | Ethel, Washington |
| County: | Lewis County |
| Timezone: | Pacific (GMT -08:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:55:26 PM |
| Population: | 668 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 360 / 564 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 46.5285, -122.7720 |
| Land Area: | 10.909 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 98542 has 668 residents and 236 households (average 2.83 persons per household). The median age is 48.8 years, significantly older than the state (38.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.5% male and 51.5% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.9%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (81.9%, much higher than the state average of 66.6% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (7.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 7.6%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 668Source: Census DHC |
| 2023 ACS Population Estimate: | 686Source: Census ACS |
| 2025 ZC Population Estimate: | 608Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 61.2 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $61,818Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 236Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $415,700Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.83Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.55Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 686 | 609 | 680 | 459 | 454 | 517 | 559 | 560 | 615 | 1,080 | 669 | 708 | 686 |
| Decennial Census | 656 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 668 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 48.8
Male Median Age: 48.3
Female Median Age: 49.4
| 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 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 29 | 20 | 7 | 16 | 23 | 14 | 23 | 18 | 43 | 29 | 18 | 10 | 20 | 13 | 2 |
| Female | 10 | 20 | 25 | 14 | 6 | 9 | 27 | 15 | 32 | 18 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 61 | 30 | 24 | 8 | 3 |
| Total | 22 | 32 | 40 | 43 | 26 | 16 | 43 | 38 | 46 | 41 | 33 | 52 | 47 | 79 | 40 | 44 | 21 | 5 |
| White: | 547 | 83.51% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.15% |
| Hispanic:* | 51 | 7.79% |
| Asian: | 7 | 1.07% |
| American Indian: | 16 | 2.44% |
| Hawaiian: | 6 | 0.92% |
| Other: | 27 | 4.12% |
| Total: | 655 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 324 | 48.50% | 48.3 years |
| Females: | 344 | 51.50% | 49.4 years |
| Total: | 668 | 100% | 48.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 686 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 686 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 686 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $61,818, which is considerably lower than the state median ($94,952), is up $3,901 (6.7%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,776. Family households earn a median of $83,981 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $83,981). By gender, male median income is $49,828 and female is $31,520, which is far less than the state female median ($63,283), with a current gap of $18,308 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 57.6%, which is much lower than the state rate (64.7%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (31.2%).
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 | $57,917 | $57,689 | $59,063 | $58,550 | $59,348 | $55,313 | $56,667 | $59,583 | $63,594 | $53,250 | $78,929 | $80,875 | $61,818 |
| Median Family Income | $56,458 | $56,875 | $59,643 | $60,446 | $61,302 | $59,306 | $60,417 | $53,667 | $54,844 | $35,795 | $73,409 | $82,188 | $83,981 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $39,643 | $48,125 | $20,781 | $18,594 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $51,250 | $50,625 | $60,221 | $61,591 | $0 | $60,972 | $63,750 | $36,875 | $37,788 | $32,463 | $40,313 | $43,594 | $49,828 |
| Median Female Income | $34,500 | $33,611 | $41,000 | $60,121 | $0 | $60,806 | $62,757 | $31,389 | $26,458 | $26,791 | $27,014 | $28,785 | $31,520 |
| Employed: | 362 | 57.64% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 266 | 42.36% |
| Total: | 628 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 113 | 31.22% |
| Service: | 55 | 15.19% |
| Sales and Office: | 54 | 14.92% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 92 | 25.41% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 48 | 13.26% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 362 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $415,700, which is far above the national median ($303,400), is up $162,400 (64.11%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $117,300. The median gross rent is $583, which is considerably lower than the state median ($1,682), is down $2 (0.34%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $583. Of occupied housing, owners make up 67.86% (47.37% with a mortgage, 52.63% free-and-clear) and renters 32.14% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 0.00%, which is much lower than the national rate (10.43%).
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 | $253,300 | $223,000 | $249,000 | $230,400 | $235,500 | $189,200 | $258,800 | $266,100 | $298,400 | $316,700 | $346,700 | $363,800 | $415,700 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 50 | 69.44% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 22 | 30.56% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 72 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $585 | $575 | $580 | $592 | $810 | $813 | $847 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $527 | $0 | $583 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 72 | 32.14% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 80 | 35.71% |
| Renter Occupied: | 72 | 32.14% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 224 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 224 | 100.00% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 224 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 172 | 76.79% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 52 | 23.21% |
| Total Housing Units: | 224 | 100% |
In 2023, 5.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (38.80%). High school or higher is 82.70%, which is on par with the state rate (92.20%). The uninsured rate is 14.40%, which is on par with the state rate (6.40%). The share of people in poverty is 31.50%, which is on par with the state rate (6.40%), up 31.50 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 20.80 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (53.72%). College enrollment is 53.72%, 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: | 38 | 8.90% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 36 | 8.43% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 226 | 52.93% |
| Some college, no degree: | 78 | 18.27% |
| Associate's degree: | 27 | 6.32% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 22 | 5.15% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 427 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 353 | 82.67% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 22 | 5.15% |
| Private Insurance: | 500 | 62.81% |
| Public Insurance: | 197 | 24.75% |
| No Insurance: | 99 | 12.44% |
| Total: | 796 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 697 | 87.56% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 7.6% | 5.0% | 6.0% | 5.1% | 14.6% | 14.5% | 11.2% | 10.7% | 32.8% | 14.3% | 19.0% | 31.5% |
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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 26 | 21.49% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 30 | 24.79% |
| College or graduate school: | 65 | 53.72% |
| Total: | 121 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 56 | 46.28% |
ZIP Code 98542 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 12 business establishments, employing about 32 people with an annual payroll of $1,488,000. USPS data shows 215 residential mailboxes and 6 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 215Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 6Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 555Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 215Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 12Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $329,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,488,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 32Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 98542 is located in Lewis County, Washington, within the Centralia, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 16500) and Washington's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 83,925 people, about 0.80% of whom live in ZIP Code 98542. It covers 10.909 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Centralia, WASource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 16500Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 83,925Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 10.909 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 03Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 9114.01 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
We could not locate which school district 98542 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. 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 October 1, 2025.