Question 1

Is 98003 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98003 in Federal Way has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Federal Way city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 98003 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 98003?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98003 has a school score of 100/100, based on NCES EdFacts math and reading proficiency data for public schools in and near ZIP 98003. Schools in this area perform significantly above state averages — proficiency rates consistently outpace both the city and national benchmarks. For families prioritizing public school quality, 98003 ranks among the stronger ZIP codes in Federal Way. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts assessment data; individual school performance may vary, and reviewing each school's most recent state report card is recommended.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 98003?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 98003 is approximately $571K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 98003 near the metro median for comparable neighborhoods. Median rent in 98003 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 98003 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 98003 has an overall NeighborScore of 67/100, placing it in the moderate range for Federal Way. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 67/100, 98003 scores similarly to the middle tier of Federal Way neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

Federal Way — ZIP 98003

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
Federal Way High School	09–12	—	—	—
Illahee Middle School	05–08	—	—	—
Mirror Lake Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Nautilus K-8 School	KG–08	—	—	—
Sacajawea Middle School	06–08	—	—	—
Wildwood Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Panther Lake Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Mark Twain Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Rainier View Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Federal Way Public Academy	06–10	—	—	—
Support School	PK–12	—	—	—
Todd Beamer High School	09–12	—	—	—
Federal Way Running Start Home School	11–12	—	—	—
Federal Way Public Schools Headstart	PK–PK	—	—	—
Federal Way Public School ECEAP	PK–PK	—	—	—
Gateway to College	09–12	—	—	—