Question 1

Is 98603 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98603 in Cougar has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Cougar city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 98603 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 98603?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98603 has a school score of 40/100, based on NCES EdFacts proficiency data. Schools in and near 98603 perform below state averages on math and reading assessments — proficiency rates trail both the Cougar district median and the national baseline. For families prioritizing school quality, comparing individual school ratings in the Full School Report and reviewing each school's state report card before making location decisions is strongly recommended. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts data.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 98603?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 98603 is approximately $562K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 98603 below the metro median — buyers may find more value here than in higher-scoring ZIP codes, though the lower scores reflect trade-offs in crime and school quality. Median rent in 98603 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 98603 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98603 has an overall NeighborScore of 46/100, which is below average for the Cougar metro. The score weights crime (40%), schools (35%), and relative property value (25%). A score below 60 typically reflects above-average crime rates, below-average school proficiency, or both — though the property value component may show strong relative value (more home per dollar). Reviewing the component scores and the Full Reports for crime, schools, and real estate separately will give a clearer picture than the composite alone.

Cougar — ZIP 98603

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods