Private Schools Market: ZIP 98516
Opportunity Score
59
/ 100
Fair
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 98516 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 28,286 and household incomes above the national median ($92,191). There are 3 private schools operations in ZIP 98516.
Area Profile
28,286
Population
$92,191
Median Income
+24% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
11.3/20
Foot Traffic
Walkable
Median Age: 38.9 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 25.9% —
balanced market for quality & value.
Competition
Private Schools and related businesses in ZIP 98516.
3
Private Schools
Low competition — room to establish
1.1 per 10K residents
6
Child Care Centers
2.1 per 10K residents
What this means:
Private Schools are 33.3% of the relevant market in ZIP 98516 (3 vs. 6 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$2,190
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,948
Median Gross Rent
$530 K
Median Home Value
6
Bank Branches
$440 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.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Walkable
- Private Schools
- 3
- Related Businesses
- 6
- Bank Branches
- 6
vs. National Average
Median Income
+24% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+0.8 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
98503
5.2 mi
Pop: 42,189
$87,515
Walk: 12.2
98506
5.9 mi
Pop: 18,763
$93,968
Walk: 12.5
98351
7.0 mi
Pop: 1,832
$145,613
98303
8.0 mi
Pop: 1,341
$72,074
98513
8.1 mi
Pop: 37,953
$108,270
Walk: 10.7
98327
8.6 mi
Pop: 9,952
$114,423
98388
10.3 mi
Pop: 7,054
$97,634
Walk: 6.7
98501
10.4 mi
Pop: 46,937
$95,695
Walk: 10.6
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