Private Schools Market: ZIP 98116
Opportunity Score
71
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 98116 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 28,091 and household incomes well above the national median ($130,504). There are 3 private schools operations in ZIP 98116.
Area Profile
28,091
Population
$130,504
Median Income
+75% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
14.2/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 40.5 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 54.6% —
strong appetite for artisan/specialty food.
Competition
Private Schools and related businesses in ZIP 98116.
3
Private Schools
Low competition — room to establish
1.1 per 10K residents
14
Child Care Centers
5.0 per 10K residents
What this means:
Private Schools are 17.6% of the relevant market in ZIP 98116 (3 vs. 14 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$2,680
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,033
Median Gross Rent
$920 K
Median Home Value
11
Bank Branches
$1.5 M deposits
Tips for Starting a Private School Business in Washington
- Accreditation takes 2-3 years but determines whether your tuition qualifies for tax credits and whether colleges recognize your diplomas.
- Your first 50 students are the hardest. Most private schools break even around 80-120 students. Plan for 2-3 years of operating losses.
- Facility costs dominate. Leasing a church or community center cuts your startup cost by 60-80% vs. building or buying.
- Teacher salaries run 15-30% below public school equivalents. You'll attract mission-driven educators, but benefits and culture have to compensate.
- The median income here is $130,504. That gives you pricing room most markets don't offer. Don't underprice.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Car-Dependent
- Private Schools
- 3
- Related Businesses
- 14
- Bank Branches
- 11
vs. National Average
Median Income
+75% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+3.7 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
98126
2.4 mi
Pop: 22,433
$114,030
Walk: 14.7
98136
2.8 mi
Pop: 17,299
$153,636
98106
4.0 mi
Pop: 28,889
$115,529
Walk: 12.4
98134
4.1 mi
Pop: 779
$66,119
Walk: 13.9
98121
4.2 mi
Pop: 20,904
$148,974
Walk: 19.1
98119
4.6 mi
Pop: 26,390
$125,021
Walk: 16.8
98174
4.7 mi
Pop: 0
98104
4.8 mi
Pop: 15,870
$61,866
Walk: 17.6
Check Another Market
Or estimate costs with the PrivateSchoolCost calculator.
About This Data
Data sources
U.S. Census Bureau (ACS, ZBP) · HUD Fair Market Rents · EPA Walkability Index · USDA RUCA · IRS SOI · FDIC Summary of Deposits