Living in Kirkland, WA
Kirkland is the 354th-largest city in the US, home to about 97,000 people in 2025. It has grown 5.7% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (111.1 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 97,410+5.7% since 2020
- Median home value
- $1,115,4007.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,401/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $150,414median, per year
- Price level
- 111.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 47° / 77°lows 37° / 57°
- Average commute
- 24 min34% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: King County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 154 ft
Metro area: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Cost of living in Kirkland
The median home in Kirkland is worth $1,115,400 and the median household earns $150,414 a year, so a typical home costs about 7.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,401 a month, about 19% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area at 111.1, with housing at 151.3 and goods at 104.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $83,300 here. Washington has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Washington is 9.57%.
What would my salary be worth in Kirkland?
Kirkland weather
Average highs run from 47°F in January to 76°F in July, and January nights average 37°F. It gets 38 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 4 inches of snow. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Kirkland
People and work
The median resident is 38.3 years old, and 66% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 61% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 34% of workers work from home and 4% take public transit.
- Median age
- 38.3385th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 66%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 61%of households
- People per sq mile
- 5,47117.8 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 4%3% walk, 0.5% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 6.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1984median year
Who moves to Kirkland, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Jose (Santa Clara County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and San Jose (Santa Clara County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for King County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, earthquake, avalanche, heat wave.
Home prices
+0.3% in a year
Up 25% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Seattle-Bellevue-Kent, WA (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
56% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Kirkland
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- T-Mobile Park 9 miles
- Bellevue College 7 miles
- Everett Community College 22 miles
- Green River College 25 miles
- Tacoma Community College 34 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Kirkland
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing Field Airport BFI | 12 mi | 28,769 |
| Paine Field Airport PAE | 16 mi | 275,996 |
| Seattle-Tacoma International Airport SEA | 17 mi | 25,414,592 |
| Bellingham International Airport BLI | 78 mi | 266,703 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Kirkland
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | 5 mi | 31,942 | $13,663 | 85% |
| Bellevue College | 7 mi | 7,364 | $18,271 | n/a |
| Everett Community College | 22 mi | 4,709 | $18,421 | n/a |
| Seattle University | 8 mi | 4,062 | $34,324 | 71% |
| Seattle Central College | 7 mi | 3,953 | $21,132 | n/a |
| Highline College | 21 mi | 3,838 | $18,053 | n/a |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Kirkland
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 8, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 5 and the first frost comes around November 23.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Seattle Sand Pt WSFO, WA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Kirkland.
Wildfire smoke in Kirkland
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Kirkland on about 65 days a year, including about 22 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Kirkland
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 38,771 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Kirkland
Downtown Kirkland is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Washington School District | Pre-K to 12 | 30,986 | 57 | 17.9 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Seattle Public Schools (50,773 students), Northshore School District (22,735 students), Edmonds School District (20,955 students), Everett School District (20,489 students), Bellevue School District (20,339 students), Issaquah School District (19,098 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Kirkland's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Kirkland's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Bethesda, MD55% matchCompare
- Alameda, CA54% matchCompare
- Newton, MA53% matchCompare
- Cambridge, MA53% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Kirkland
- Alpental 39 miles
- The Summit at Snoqualmie 41 miles
- Big Four Ski Area 41 miles
- Milwaukee Ski Bowl 43 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Kirkland
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Washington has no state income tax on wages.
- Data A highly educated city: 66% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 7.4 years of median household income.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 11% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.57% on average with local taxes.
- Data High natural hazard risk in King County (FEMA rates it very high), led by inland flooding, earthquake and avalanche.
Kirkland report card from locals
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Kirkland through locals' eyes
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Cities near Kirkland
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WA | 4 mi | 82,506 | $1,167,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Bellevue, WA | 5 mi | 154,193 | $1,340,300 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Seattle, WA | 8 mi | 784,777 | $938,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Renton, WA | 15 mi | 104,975 | $672,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Everett, WA | 18 mi | 113,567 | $565,300 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Kent, WA | 21 mi | 134,871 | $587,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Kirkland ranks 33rd of 73 in our best suburbs of Seattle ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Kirkland with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Kirkland a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population, no state income tax on wages; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare Kirkland side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Kirkland?
The Census Bureau estimates Kirkland had 97,410 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 92,171 in April 2020 (+5.7%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Kirkland?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $83,300 in the Kirkland area. The median household here earns $150,414.
When is the best time to visit Kirkland?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 76°F and January 47°F for daytime highs.
What county is Kirkland in?
Kirkland is in King County, Washington. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Kirkland in?
Kirkland is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Kirkland?
About 154 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No. Washington does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Kirkland. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Seattle Sand Pt WSFO, WA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.