Living in Renton, WA
Renton is the 319th-largest city in the US, home to about 105,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (111.1 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 104,975-1.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $672,6006.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,998/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $100,432median, per year
- Price level
- 111.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 48° / 77°lows 38° / 57°
- Average commute
- 30 min22% 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 39 ft
Metro area: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Cost of living in Renton
The median home in Renton is worth $672,600 and the median household earns $100,432 a year, so a typical home costs about 6.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,998 a month, about 24% 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 Renton?
Renton weather
Average highs run from 48°F in January to 77°F in July, and January nights average 38°F. It gets 39 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 6 inches of snow. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Renton
People and work
The median resident is 36.5 years old, and 40% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 54% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 30 minutes; 22% of workers work from home and 4% take public transit.
- Median age
- 36.5269th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 40%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 54%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,45923.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 4%2% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 8.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1988median year
Who moves to Renton, 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 Renton
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 11 miles
- Bellevue College 8 miles
- Pierce College District 28 miles
- Green River College 11 miles
- Tacoma Community College 22 miles
- Highline College 8 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Renton
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma International Airport SEA | 6 mi | 25,414,592 |
| Boeing Field Airport BFI | 7 mi | 28,769 |
| Paine Field Airport PAE | 30 mi | 275,996 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Renton
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | 14 mi | 31,942 | $13,663 | 85% |
| Bellevue College | 8 mi | 7,364 | $18,271 | n/a |
| Green River College | 11 mi | 4,965 | $18,821 | n/a |
| Tacoma Community College | 22 mi | 4,668 | $19,206 | n/a |
| Seattle University | 11 mi | 4,062 | $34,324 | 71% |
| Seattle Central College | 12 mi | 3,953 | $21,132 | 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 Renton
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 2, 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 7 and the first frost comes around November 23.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Seattle Tacoma Intl. Airport, WA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Renton.
Wildfire smoke in Renton
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Renton on about 65 days a year, including about 21 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 Renton
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 40,672 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Renton
Downtown Renton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renton School District | Pre-K to 12 | 14,873 | 31 | 18.5 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Seattle Public Schools (50,773 students), Lake Washington School District (30,986 students), Kent School District (25,358 students), Federal Way School District (22,250 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.
Renton's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Renton's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Reston, VA59% matchCompare
- Rialto, CA58% matchCompare
- New Rochelle, NY57% matchCompare
- Silver Spring, MD57% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Renton
- Alpental 35 miles
- The Summit at Snoqualmie 36 miles
- Milwaukee Ski Bowl 37 miles
- Martin Ski Dome 42 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Renton
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.
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 6.7 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.
Renton report card from locals
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Renton through locals' eyes
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Cities near Renton
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent, WA | 6 mi | 134,871 | $587,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Bellevue, WA | 10 mi | 154,193 | $1,340,300 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Auburn, WA | 11 mi | 86,301 | $547,900 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Seattle, WA | 12 mi | 784,777 | $938,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Federal Way, WA | 12 mi | 99,729 | $552,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Redmond, WA | 14 mi | 82,506 | $1,167,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Renton ranks 61st 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 Renton with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Renton a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no state income tax on wages; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare Renton side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Renton?
The Census Bureau estimates Renton had 104,975 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 106,846 in April 2020 (-1.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Renton?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $83,300 in the Renton area. The median household here earns $100,432.
When is the best time to visit Renton?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 77°F and January 48°F for daytime highs.
What county is Renton in?
Renton is in King County, Washington. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Renton in?
Renton is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Renton?
About 39 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 Renton. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Seattle Tacoma Intl. Airport, WA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.