The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 98304 sells for about $384,149, or $215 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.1% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 48 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,674 a month.
ZIP 98304 — Ashford
The 98304 housing market is a stable, rural-focused area with limited inventory and moderate price growth. Market conditions are driven by its status as a gateway to Mount Rainier, attracting buyers seeking lifestyle properties rather than high-turnover investment assets.
This ZIP is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and those seeking a rural lifestyle who are comfortable with longer commutes to urban centers.
Median prices moved up 2.1% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 48 days on market with 5.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.5% · poverty 9.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 98304, Pierce County WA
Schools serving the area are primarily managed by the Eatonville School District, which generally maintains moderate performance ratings.
The area faces moderate wildfire risk due to its proximity to forested lands and mountainous terrain, necessitating careful insurance planning.
Economic momentum is largely driven by tourism related to Mount Rainier National Park and local forestry/agricultural sectors.
Property taxes are assessed by Pierce County based on local millage rates; there is no state personal income tax in Washington.
Commutes are primarily car-dependent, with long drive times to major employment hubs in Tacoma and the Seattle metro area.
The area is a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, offering extensive hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and steady demand, with limited multi-family options and a reliance on single-family rentals.
The economy is anchored by tourism, outdoor recreation, and small-scale local services, with many residents commuting to the broader Tacoma-Seattle labor market.
Public transit is extremely limited; residents rely almost exclusively on private vehicles for transportation.
Development is strictly managed to preserve the rural character and environmental integrity of the gateway to the national park.
Pierce County Assessor maintains property valuations based on annual market analysis and physical inspections.
Parcels are subject to Eatonville School District taxes and various local fire and emergency service district levies.
Insurance premiums are influenced by wildfire risk and the remote nature of the geography, requiring specialized coverage.
Washington is a deed-of-trust state, typically utilizing non-judicial foreclosure processes.
Sellers are required to provide a comprehensive real property transfer disclosure statement covering known defects.
Data retrieved from ZCTA 98304 census profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Mount Rainier National Park4.94.9 mi
- Myrtle Falls4.86.2 mi
- Reflection Lake4.77.5 mi
- Mount Fremont Lookout Trail4.98.3 mi
- Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout4.97.6 mi
- Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout4.97.6 mi
- Longmire Museum4.58.1 mi
- Christine Falls Bridge4.86 mi
- Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout4.97.2 mi
- Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park4.917.5 mi
- Mount Rainier National Park4.94.9 mi
- Myrtle Falls4.86.2 mi
- Reflection Lake4.77.5 mi
- Paradise Meadows & Skyline Trailhead4.96.4 mi
- Mount Fremont Lookout Trail4.98.3 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Major regional anchor providing world-class hiking and nature access.
Local hub for essential services and small-town dining.
Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the published ten-year series (2025) (within 12.5%).