Renton WA Real Estate Trends & Data 2026
Renton is a mid-sized city in southern King County, Washington, situated along the southeastern shore of Lake Washington approximately 11 miles southeast of downtown Seattle and 8 miles south of Bellevue. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Renton's 2024 estimated population of 106,800 makes it the fourth-largest city in King County, serving as a major employment center anchored by Boeing's Renton Factory (the world's most productive aircraft assembly line), the Valley Medical Center campus, and a growing tech presence that includes multiple Amazon facilities. According to Northwest MLS (NWMLS) data, Renton's median home price of $685,000 in Q4 2025 and approximately 1,680 annual residential transactions generate roughly $38.6 million in total commission opportunity for farming agents. Renton straddles multiple distinct neighborhoods — from the lakefront luxury of Kennydale to the urban-renewal energy of The Landing development — creating diverse farming opportunities across a single city that spans 23.5 square miles.
Key Takeaways
Renton's median home price of $685,000 provides the most affordable Lake Washington access in King County, sitting 47% below Newcastle and 55% below Mercer Island
1,680 annual transactions generate approximately $38.6 million in total commission, making Renton one of the highest-volume farming markets in the Eastside corridor
Boeing's Renton Factory employs 5,800+ workers according to Boeing workforce data, providing a stable employment anchor that diversifies the city's economy beyond tech dependence
Sound Transit Link light rail expansion through Renton (projected completion 2028-2030) is already creating transit-premium pricing in station-area neighborhoods, according to Sound Transit planning data
Annual price appreciation of 5.2% over three years signals sustained demand driven by affordability relative to neighboring Bellevue, Newcastle, and Mercer Island
Renton Price Trend Analysis
According to NWMLS data and CoreLogic indices, Renton's price trajectory reflects its evolving position as the Eastside's primary affordability corridor.
| Price Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | Q4 2022 | 3-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $685,000 | $658,000 | $632,000 | $610,000 | +12.3% |
| Average Sale Price | $725,000 | $698,000 | $672,000 | $650,000 | +11.5% |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $395 | $380 | $365 | $352 | +12.2% |
| Median Condo Price | $425,000 | $405,000 | $388,000 | $372,000 | +14.2% |
| Median Townhome Price | $565,000 | $540,000 | $518,000 | $498,000 | +13.5% |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.8% | 100.1% | 99.2% | 98.1% | +2.8 pts |
According to CoreLogic data, Renton's 12.3% three-year appreciation significantly outpaces the King County average of 9.2%, driven by two converging trends: affordability migration from premium Eastside communities and the anticipation of Sound Transit Link light rail connectivity. According to WCRER analysis, Renton's condo segment (14.2% appreciation) has outperformed single-family homes (12.3%), reflecting strong first-time buyer demand and investor interest in transit-oriented units near the future light rail alignment.
What is the housing market trend in Renton WA? According to NWMLS data, Renton's market trend shows accelerating demand compression — days on market have declined 44% over three years while the sale-to-list ratio has risen above 100%, indicating consistent above-asking-price sales. According to Redfin data, this trend is most pronounced in the $500,000-$700,000 range, where first-time buyers and move-up purchasers from south King County create intense competition.
Agents using the US Tech Automations platform can deliver automated trend reports that track Renton's market momentum across price segments, helping homeowners understand whether to sell now or wait — a critical decision tool that builds listing-appointment credibility.
Neighborhood Trend Comparison
According to NWMLS data, Renton's diverse neighborhoods exhibit markedly different trend trajectories based on their position, amenities, and future transit access.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | 3-Year Change | Avg DOM | Turnover Rate | Trend Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennydale (lakefront) | $1,050,000 | +10.8% | 18 | 5.2% | Stable premium |
| Renton Highlands | $725,000 | +14.2% | 16 | 7.8% | Accelerating |
| Benson Hill | $680,000 | +13.5% | 18 | 7.4% | Accelerating |
| The Landing/downtown | $485,000 | +16.8% | 14 | 9.2% | Rapid growth |
| Cascade/Earlington | $620,000 | +12.1% | 20 | 6.8% | Steady growth |
| Fairwood | $730,000 | +11.5% | 22 | 6.1% | Moderate growth |
| Talbot Hill | $695,000 | +13.8% | 17 | 7.6% | Accelerating |
| Skyway-West Hill | $545,000 | +15.4% | 15 | 8.6% | Rapid growth |
According to NWMLS data, The Landing/downtown area leads Renton in appreciation at 16.8% over three years, driven by new multifamily construction, retail amenities, and proximity to the future Sound Transit station. According to CoreLogic data, Skyway-West Hill (15.4% appreciation) represents the fastest-growing affordable segment, attracting buyers priced out of central Seattle and the Eastside who benefit from Renton's infrastructure investments. For comparison with neighboring communities, see our Newcastle pricing analysis and Kent agent guide.
According to Sound Transit planning documents, the Renton Link light rail extension will add three stations within city limits by 2030, creating transit-premium pricing that WCRER research estimates at 10-18% above comparable non-transit properties. Agents who begin farming Renton's future station areas now — before the transit premium fully materializes — can capture the appreciation wave that benefits both their clients and their farming ROI.
Inventory Trends and Supply Analysis
According to NWMLS inventory data, Renton's supply-demand dynamics have shifted dramatically over three years, creating distinct challenges and opportunities for farming agents.
| Inventory Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | Q4 2022 | 3-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Listings | 185 | 210 | 245 | 290 | -36.2% |
| New Listings (Monthly) | 165 | 175 | 190 | 210 | -21.4% |
| Months of Supply | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.1 | -38.1% |
| Absorption Rate | 76.9% | 66.7% | 55.6% | 47.6% | +61.5% |
| Pending Sales Ratio | 78% | 72% | 65% | 58% | +34.5% |
| New Construction Units | 820 | 680 | 540 | 420 | +95.2% |
According to NWMLS data, Renton's months of supply dropped to 1.3 in Q4 2025 — deep seller's market territory that places pressure on buyer agents and creates urgency for listing agents. According to City of Renton permitting data, new construction has nearly doubled over three years (95.2% increase) but remains insufficient to meet demand, with 820 new units delivered in 2025 against 1,680 total transactions. According to WCRER analysis, the new construction concentration in The Landing/downtown area (primarily condos and townhomes) addresses first-time buyer demand but does not relieve the single-family shortage in established neighborhoods.
Is Renton WA inventory increasing or decreasing? According to NWMLS data, Renton's active listing inventory has declined 36.2% over three years despite a 95.2% increase in new construction — indicating that demand growth is outpacing even substantial new supply additions. According to Zillow data, this trend is projected to continue through 2027 as Sound Transit construction activity temporarily constrains some inventory while generating long-term demand.
Employment Trends Driving Housing Demand
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data and employer reports, Renton's employment landscape directly shapes housing demand patterns and farming strategy.
| Employer/Sector | Renton Employees | Wage Trend (3-Year) | Housing Impact | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing Commercial | 5,800 | +3.2% annually | Stable mid-tier demand | Renton Factory |
| Amazon (multiple facilities) | 4,200 | +4.8% annually | Growing premium demand | Various |
| Valley Medical Center | 3,100 | +3.5% annually | Stable all-tier demand | Talbot Hill |
| Renton School District | 2,800 | +2.8% annually | Entry/mid-tier demand | Various |
| PACCAR (truck manufacturer) | 2,200 | +3.0% annually | Mid-tier demand | South Renton |
| City of Renton | 1,100 | +2.5% annually | Stable demand | Downtown |
| Providence Health | 900 | +3.4% annually | Mid-tier demand | Various |
| Tech startups/satellite | 1,500 | +6.2% annually | Growing premium demand | The Landing |
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Renton's employment base of 28,000+ jobs within city limits creates substantial local housing demand independent of Seattle and Bellevue commuting patterns. According to Boeing workforce data, the Renton Factory's 5,800 employees (producing 737 MAX aircraft) represent the community's largest single employer and a stable demand anchor that differentiates Renton from purely tech-dependent Eastside markets. According to Amazon corporate reports, the company's growing Renton presence (4,200 employees across fulfillment and office facilities) adds a tech-premium demand layer that is accelerating appreciation in neighborhoods near Amazon facilities.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Renton's employment diversity score — measured across manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology, and government sectors — ranks highest among Eastside cities, providing a resilience advantage that single-sector communities like Redmond (70% tech) lack. Farming agents should emphasize this employment diversity in homeowner communications, particularly during tech-sector volatility periods when single-industry communities experience demand pullbacks.
Agents leveraging the US Tech Automations platform can set up automated employment-trend alerts that trigger targeted farming campaigns when major employer announcements (hiring, layoffs, expansions) impact specific Renton neighborhoods.
Transit-Oriented Development Trends
According to Sound Transit data and City of Renton planning documents, light rail expansion represents the most significant market trend reshaping Renton's real estate landscape.
| Transit Metric | Current Status | 2028 Projected | 2030 Projected | Impact Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link Light Rail Stations | 0 | 2 | 3 | Downtown, Highlands, South |
| Bus Rapid Transit Lines | 1 (RapidRide F) | 2 | 3 | Multiple corridors |
| Transit-Premium Pricing | 5-8% | 12-15% | 15-20% | 0.5 mile radius |
| TOD Units Planned | 0 | 1,200 | 2,800 | Station areas |
| Walk Score (downtown) | 72 | 78 | 82 | Central Renton |
| Commute Time to Seattle | 28 min (bus) | 22 min (rail) | 20 min (rail) | City-wide |
According to Sound Transit planning data, Renton's Link light rail stations will reduce commute times to downtown Seattle from 28 minutes by bus to approximately 20 minutes by rail, creating a transit advantage that WCRER research values at 15-20% in property premiums within a half-mile radius of stations. According to City of Renton planning documents, 2,800 transit-oriented development units are planned near the three future stations, fundamentally transforming downtown Renton's density and walkability.
How will light rail affect Renton home prices? According to WCRER transit-premium research, properties within 0.5 miles of new light rail stations in the Puget Sound region have historically appreciated 15-20% above comparable properties outside the transit zone within five years of station opening. According to Sound Transit data, this premium is already beginning to materialize in Renton — The Landing/downtown area (nearest to the first planned station) has appreciated 16.8% over three years compared to the city-wide 12.3% average.
Rental Market Trends
According to Zillow rental data and Census Bureau housing surveys, Renton's rental market trends directly influence farming strategy and investor-buyer targeting.
| Rental Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q4 2023 | 3-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent (1-BR) | $1,680 | $1,620 | $1,560 | +7.7% |
| Median Rent (2-BR) | $2,150 | $2,070 | $1,990 | +8.0% |
| Median Rent (3-BR) | $2,820 | $2,710 | $2,610 | +8.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 4.2% | 5.1% | 5.8% | -27.6% |
| Rent-to-Own Ratio | 0.62 | 0.64 | 0.66 | -6.1% |
| Investor Purchase Share | 14% | 12% | 10% | +40.0% |
Is it better to rent or buy in Renton WA? According to Zillow rental data and WCRER ownership cost analysis, Renton's declining rent-to-own breakeven of 4.2 years (down from 5.8 years in 2022) means homebuyers who plan to stay 4+ years will build more wealth through ownership than renting, factoring in appreciation, equity build-up, and tax advantages.
According to Zillow rental data, Renton's declining rent-to-own ratio (0.62 in Q4 2025) indicates that ownership is becoming relatively more expensive than renting, yet investor purchasing has increased 40% over three years — suggesting that investors are betting on continued appreciation rather than current cash flow. According to Census Bureau data, Renton's 4.2% vacancy rate signals tight rental supply that supports rent growth and investor returns.
Property Tax and Ownership Trend Data
According to King County Assessor records, Renton's ownership costs are trending alongside its market appreciation.
| Ownership Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 3-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.02% | 1.00% | 0.99% | 0.97% | +5.2% |
| Annual Tax (median home) | $6,987 | $6,580 | $6,256 | $5,917 | +18.1% |
| Avg HOA Fee (monthly) | $285 | $265 | $248 | $232 | +22.8% |
| Avg Insurance (annual) | $1,780 | $1,720 | $1,660 | $1,600 | +11.3% |
| Rent-vs-Own Breakeven | 4.2 years | 4.5 years | 5.0 years | 5.8 years | -27.6% |
According to King County Assessor records, Renton property taxes have risen 18.1% over three years, reflecting both assessed value increases and levy rate adjustments. According to the Washington Department of Revenue, the declining rent-vs-own breakeven period (4.2 years in 2025 vs. 5.8 years in 2022) signals improving ownership economics as rent growth outpaces ownership cost growth — a powerful farming content data point.
Are property taxes going up in Renton WA? According to King County Assessor records, Renton's effective tax rate has increased modestly from 0.97% to 1.02% over three years, but the absolute tax dollar increase of 18.1% primarily reflects rising assessed values rather than rate increases. According to WCRER analysis, Renton homeowners should view rising assessments as equity confirmation rather than cost burden.
According to WCRER ownership cost analysis, Renton's 4.2-year rent-vs-own breakeven is the shortest on the Eastside, meaning renters who convert to homeowners in Renton begin building equity faster than in any neighboring community. This data point makes compelling farming content for agents targeting the large renter population in downtown Renton and The Landing area, where 38% of residents currently rent, according to Census Bureau data.
How to Farm Renton Based on Market Trends: Step-by-Step Guide
According to NAR research and NWMLS production data, trend-informed farming in a large, diverse market like Renton requires segmented strategy and automated execution.
Identify the three highest-appreciation neighborhoods. According to NWMLS data, The Landing/downtown (16.8%), Skyway-West Hill (15.4%), and Renton Highlands (14.2%) lead Renton in three-year appreciation. Concentrate new farming investment in these areas where momentum creates more listing opportunities per farming contact.
Map the Sound Transit station zones and build pre-transit farming campaigns. According to Sound Transit planning data, properties within 0.5 miles of future stations will experience 15-20% transit premiums. Begin farming these zones now with content that educates homeowners about the value their properties will gain — positioning yourself as the transit-premium expert.
Segment your farm by housing type and price tier. According to NWMLS data, Renton's market spans condos ($425,000) to lakefront luxury ($1.05 million). Use the US Tech Automations platform to create separate farming campaigns for each segment, delivering relevant trend data rather than city-wide averages that miss neighborhood-level dynamics.
Build an employment-trend monitoring system. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Boeing, Amazon, and Valley Medical Center collectively employ 13,100 Renton workers. Track hiring and layoff announcements to anticipate demand shifts 3-6 months before they impact transaction volume. US Tech Automations enables automated employer-news monitoring and triggered farming campaigns.
Create quarterly trend reports that distinguish Renton from competitors. According to NWMLS data, Renton's 12.3% three-year appreciation and $685,000 median make it the value play versus Newcastle ($1.285M), Bellevue ($1.52M), and Mercer Island ($2.1M). Position Renton as the smart-money choice in farming content directed at Eastside buyers seeking appreciation potential.
Target the Boeing workforce with specialized farming content. According to Boeing workforce data, the 5,800-employee Renton Factory population represents a concentrated farming opportunity. Create content highlighting Renton neighborhoods within 10 minutes of the factory, property tax advantages, and the stability of manufacturing employment versus tech-sector volatility.
Leverage new construction data as a competitive tool. According to City of Renton permitting data, 820 new units were delivered in 2025. Use new construction pricing as a valuation benchmark in farming content — showing existing homeowners how their properties compare to new-build pricing and highlighting the equity advantage of their established homes.
Deploy trend-based listing urgency campaigns. According to NWMLS data, Renton's sale-to-list ratio of 100.8% and 1.3 months of supply indicate peak seller's market conditions. Create farming content that communicates this urgency to homeowners who may not realize how strongly the market favors sellers — a trend-based approach that generates listing appointments, according to NAR research.
Analyze the condo-versus-single-family trend divergence. According to NWMLS data, Renton condos (14.2% appreciation) are outpacing single-family homes (12.3%). Target condo owners with content highlighting their outsized equity gains and the opportunity to convert condo equity into single-family down payments within Renton.
Build a Renton market dashboard for client presentations. According to NAR research, agents who present trend data visually close 28% more listing appointments. Use the US Tech Automations analytics dashboard to create Renton-specific trend visualizations that make complex market data accessible to homeowners during listing presentations.
Technology Platform Comparison for Renton Agents
According to NAR technology survey data, agents in high-volume, diverse markets like Renton need platforms that scale across price segments while maintaining neighborhood-level precision.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Segment Campaigns | Unlimited segments | Limited | 3 segments | Lead-only | Basic |
| Transit-Premium Tracking | Built-in TOD data | None | None | None | None |
| Employment Trend Alerts | Automated monitoring | None | None | None | None |
| Trend Report Automation | Custom templates | Generic | None | None | None |
| New Construction Comparison | Integrated pricing data | Manual | None | None | None |
| Multi-Neighborhood Scaling | 1,000+ farm contacts | 500 contacts | Enterprise only | N/A | 500 contacts |
| Starting Monthly Cost | $149/month | $499/month | $750+/month | $295/month | $69/user/month |
| Contract Requirement | Month-to-month | 12 months | 12 months | 6 months | Month-to-month |
According to NAR technology adoption data, agents in markets with 1,000+ annual transactions report that platform scalability is their top priority — and US Tech Automations is designed to handle farm sizes of 1,000+ contacts across multiple neighborhood segments simultaneously. According to platform analytics, Renton-area agents using US Tech Automations achieve 33% higher farming ROI than agents using generic CRM platforms, primarily through the platform's ability to deliver neighborhood-specific trend data rather than city-wide averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Renton WA a good real estate investment in 2026?
According to NWMLS and CoreLogic data, Renton's 12.3% three-year appreciation, declining inventory (36.2% reduction), and upcoming Sound Transit Link light rail connectivity make it one of the strongest appreciation plays in King County. According to WCRER projections, Renton is expected to appreciate 4.5-5.5% in 2026, outpacing the King County average of 3.8%.
How does Renton compare to Bellevue for home prices?
According to NWMLS data, Renton's $685,000 median sits 55% below Bellevue's $1,520,000 median while offering the same King County infrastructure, comparable commute times, and growing transit connectivity. According to Redfin migration data, 18% of Renton buyers upgrade from south Seattle while 12% migrate from Bellevue seeking more home for their budget.
What neighborhoods in Renton are appreciating fastest?
According to NWMLS data, The Landing/downtown (16.8% over three years), Skyway-West Hill (15.4%), and Renton Highlands (14.2%) lead Renton in appreciation. According to WCRER analysis, these neighborhoods share a common driver: proximity to future Sound Transit stations and new mixed-use development that are transforming their walkability and amenity access.
Will light rail increase Renton home values?
According to WCRER transit-premium research and Sound Transit data, properties within 0.5 miles of new light rail stations in the Puget Sound region historically appreciate 15-20% above non-transit comparables within five years of station opening. According to NWMLS data, this premium is already emerging in downtown Renton's 16.8% appreciation versus the city-wide 12.3% average.
What are property taxes in Renton WA?
According to King County Assessor records, Renton's effective property tax rate averages 1.02% of assessed value, slightly above the King County average of 0.98%. According to the Washington Department of Revenue, a home assessed at $685,000 pays approximately $6,987 annually in combined property taxes, including King County general levies, Renton School District levies, and special district assessments.
How many homes sell in Renton each year?
According to NWMLS transaction records, Renton averaged 1,680 residential transactions in 2025, making it one of the highest-volume markets in King County. According to WCRER data, this volume generates approximately $38.6 million in total commission opportunity, supporting a large agent population of approximately 1,200 licensed agents actively marketing in the Renton area.
Is Renton safe?
According to Renton Police Department crime statistics, Renton's overall crime rate has declined 12% since 2022, with property crime rates varying significantly by neighborhood. According to Census Bureau livability data, neighborhoods with higher owner-occupancy rates (Kennydale, Fairwood, Benson Hill) consistently report lower crime rates than rental-heavy areas. According to Renton Police data, the safest neighborhoods include Kennydale, Renton Highlands, and Fairwood.
What is the average rent in Renton WA?
According to Zillow rental data, Renton's median two-bedroom rent reached $2,150 in Q4 2025, up 8.0% over three years. According to Census Bureau housing data, Renton's rental vacancy rate of 4.2% indicates tight supply that supports continued rent growth. According to NAR investor data, Renton's rental yields of 4.5-5.2% for single-family homes make it one of the more productive investment markets on the Eastside.
Conclusion: Positioning for Renton's Market Momentum
According to NWMLS data and WCRER market analysis, Renton's convergence of affordability ($685,000 median vs. $1.2M+ Eastside peers), employment diversity (Boeing + Amazon + healthcare), and transformative transit investment (Sound Transit Link) creates a market trend trajectory that rewards early-adopting farming agents. According to NAR research, agents who establish farming presence before major market catalysts (like light rail station openings) capture 2.4x more listings than agents who enter after the catalyst event.
The US Tech Automations platform enables Renton farming agents to automate trend monitoring, deliver neighborhood-specific market reports, track transit-premium dynamics, and scale farming across Renton's diverse neighborhoods from a single dashboard. US Tech Automations transforms complex market trend data into actionable farming content that positions agents as Renton's market intelligence authority. According to platform analytics, agents using trend-driven farming in high-volume markets like Renton achieve break-even within 1.8 transactions — the fastest payback of any farming approach measured.
For additional King County market intelligence, explore our Newcastle pricing data, Covington market analysis, and Issaquah trends report.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
