Private Schools Market: ZIP 98118
Opportunity Score
68
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 98118 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 49,560 and household incomes well above the national median ($109,085). There are 3 private schools operations in ZIP 98118.
Area Profile
49,560
Population
$109,085
Median Income
+46% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
14.1/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 38.0 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 35.8% —
balanced market for quality & value.
Competition
Private Schools and related businesses in ZIP 98118.
3
Private Schools
Low competition — room to establish
0.6 per 10K residents
35
Child Care Centers
7.1 per 10K residents
What this means:
Private Schools are 7.9% of the relevant market in ZIP 98118 (3 vs. 35 related businesses).
Moderate presence with proven demand and room for new operators.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$2,610
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,831
Median Gross Rent
$750 K
Median Home Value
8
Bank Branches
$890 K 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 $109,085. 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
- 35
- Bank Branches
- 8
vs. National Average
Median Income
+46% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+3.6 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
98108
2.6 mi
Pop: 24,430
$90,806
Walk: 13.4
98040
3.0 mi
Pop: 25,282
$202,359
Walk: 11.4
98178
3.4 mi
Pop: 25,929
$93,786
Walk: 13.8
98144
3.4 mi
Pop: 33,048
$94,051
Walk: 16.1
98168
4.2 mi
Pop: 34,814
$84,937
Walk: 13.0
98122
5.0 mi
Pop: 42,001
$106,479
Walk: 16.2
98134
5.5 mi
Pop: 779
$66,119
Walk: 13.9
98106
5.6 mi
Pop: 28,889
$115,529
Walk: 12.4
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