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Where Kent Prices Sit Right Now
Kent is my market, and I get a lot of calls from people moving here from out of state or from Seattle. The first question is always price. Here is the honest picture, with single-family homes and condos kept apart.
| Kent | Single-family | Condo |
|---|---|---|
| Median price, 12 months through September | $691,500 (down 1.0%) | $376,250 (down 3.3%) |
| King County median, same period | $950,000 | $529,500 |
| Homes for sale, September | 284 (up 17% from last year) | 104 (up 65%) |
| Months of supply | 3.8 | 5.8 |
| Median days on market, September | 30 | 35 |
| Sold price vs. original list price | 95.2% | 95.1% |
Source: NWMLS monthly data through September 2026. Kent condo sales are a small sample: 16 closed in September.
So a Kent house costs about 27% less than the county median house. That gap is the main reason people land here. Buyers are still active, too. Single-family pending sales rose 23% from August to September and were 11% above last year.
The last four weeks show a mixed market. Of 73 Kent single-family sales, about 23% sold over list price, and about 45% included seller concessions. Some homes draw competition. Others need a price cut or a credit to sell. Those are four-week counts, so treat them as direction.
The 30-year fixed rate was 7.43% on October 19, per Mortgage News Daily. At that rate, a loan on the 12-month median Kent house with 20% down runs about $3,842 a month in principal and interest. The median condo comes to about $2,090. Taxes, insurance, and any HOA dues are extra.
Getting Around From Kent
Kent sits in the middle of the south end. That is a big part of its appeal.
Kent Station, downtown, is a stop on Sound Transit’s Sounder S Line, which runs weekday trains north to Seattle’s King Street Station. Light rail came to western Kent in December 2025, when the Kent Des Moines station opened next to Highline College as part of the Federal Way Link extension. It has a 500-stall parking garage. By car, I-5, SR-167, and SR-516 all run through or along the city.
Your commute depends on where you live in Kent and where you are going. A home on West Hill near light rail and a home near Lake Meridian are very different trips. Drive your commute at rush hour before you pick a neighborhood.
How Kent Is Laid Out
Kent has three main parts. The valley floor holds downtown, Kent Station, the ShoWare Center, and a large industrial and warehouse area. East Hill, above the valley, holds a large share of Kent’s neighborhoods. West Hill sits closer to I-5, SeaTac, and the new light rail station.
I have neighborhood guides for most of them: East Hill, West Hill, Lake Meridian, and Kent Station and Midway. Start with my Living in Kent guide for the big picture.
Schools: Check Every Address
Most of Kent is in the Kent School District. It is not the only one. Federal Way Public Schools also serves part of Kent, and other districts reach the city’s edges. A neighborhood name will not tell you which district a home is in. My post on Kent school boundaries shows how to look up any address. Do it before you make an offer.
Buying From Out of State
Most of my relocation buyers start before they move. Here is the order that works.
Get pre-approved with a lender who works in Washington first. A pre-approval tells you your real price range and makes your offer stronger. My post on pre-approval vs. pre-qualification explains the difference sellers care about. Then tour on video or in one focused trip, and plan on about a month from accepted offer to closing.
Washington has no state income tax, which helps many people who move here. Property tax is the trade-off. In Kent, the median effective rate is about 1% of value a year. My property tax post breaks it down by city.
Not sure you want to buy right away? Renting first is a fair choice while you learn the area. My rent vs. buy in Kent post runs that math. If you are buying your first home, my first-time buyer guide for Kent covers the steps. Comparing nearby cities? Read Kent vs. Renton, and my county guide to relocating to King County from out of state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a house cost in Kent, WA?
The 12-month median single-family price in Kent is $691,500, through September 2026. The condo median is $376,250. King County’s single-family median is $950,000.
Does Kent, WA have light rail?
Yes. The Kent Des Moines light rail station opened in December 2025, next to Highline College. Kent Station downtown also has Sounder commuter train service on weekdays.
What school district is Kent, WA in?
Most of Kent is in the Kent School District, but Federal Way Public Schools and other districts serve parts of the city. Look up the exact address before you make an offer.
Can I buy a home in Kent before I move to Washington?
Yes. Get pre-approved with a Washington lender, tour by video or in one trip, and plan on about a month from accepted offer to closing.
Your guide to life outside Seattle.
253-350-0045 · greg@livingoutsideseattle.com · www.livingoutsideseattle.com
Market data from NWMLS, monthly data through September 2026 (12-month medians, inventory, supply, days on market, pending sales) and NWMLS, week of October 19, 2026 (trailing 4-week sold counts). Rate from Mortgage News Daily, 30-year fixed, October 19, 2026. Payments are principal and interest only, with 20% down. Transit facts from Sound Transit and public reporting on the Federal Way Link extension. This post is for information only.
