Where Is Lake Stevens, WA: Commute Times and Home Prices

Lake Stevens is a city in Snohomish County, Washington, about six miles east of Everett. The city takes its name from the lake at its center, with neighborhoods and commercial areas wrapping around the shoreline.

Most of the city sits just off the I-5 corridor, relying on state routes to reach surrounding job centers. Buyers compete for housing here, and single-family homes don't stay on the market long.

Key Takeaway

Single-family homes make up most of the market and sold for a median $717,214 in the 90 days ending September 30, 2026. Condos offer a lower-cost alternative, but few sell, and they cost roughly the same amount per square foot.

Who This Guide Is For

You're working out where Lake Stevens sits relative to Everett and Seattle, and deciding whether its prices belong on your home-search shortlist.

City Limits and Housing Competition

Lake Stevens sits east of Everett off the I-5 spine, and buyers still compete to be there. Single-family homes sold in a median 18 days, with 32.8% going above list. Condos priced space at nearly the same rate ($356 vs. $361 per square foot, on just 10 condo sales), so the cheaper way in buys you a smaller home, not a discount.

The city borders Marysville to the northwest and Snohomish to the south. About 80% of the lake's shoreline falls inside city limits, while the southeastern shore remains in unincorporated Snohomish County. Some properties carry a Lake Stevens mailing address but sit outside city limits, so confirm the exact status of any house on the county parcel viewer. The Lake Stevens zip codes page provides more details on these postal boundaries.

Commuting to Everett and Seattle

Lake Stevens is about eight miles from Everett by car via WA-204. A non-stop drive to downtown Everett takes around 15 to 17 minutes under typical conditions.

The road distance to downtown Seattle is about 37 miles, and a non-stop drive takes roughly 44 to 45 minutes. That number climbs during peak hours because of congestion on the US-2 trestle and I-5. Drive your actual route at your own commute hour before you make an offer.

State Route 9 forms the city's western boundary and US-2 forms the northern boundary. Paine Field is the closest commercial airport at roughly 16 to 17 miles away. You can compare transit options in our guide to getting around Lake Stevens.

How the Lake Shapes the City Map

The historic downtown centers on the lake's northeast corner, dating back to the 1960 incorporation. Housing spreads out from there, with location tied to distance from the water and proximity to major roads.

You'll find established subdivisions in West Lake Stevens, residential streets around Long Bay, and premium properties positioned directly as lakefront homes. The Lake Side vs. Lakeside Village comparison helps clarify which area you tour. You can also check the most expensive areas in Lake Stevens to see where prices run highest.

For any address near the water, check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, and ask the city about shoreline permit rules before you start planning a dock.

Buying a Home in Lake Stevens

Single-family homes dominate local inventory. If you want a detached house with a yard near the lake, start your search there and get your financing approved before you tour.

Condos offer the lowest entry price if less space works for you. The median condo price dropped 33.1% year over year, though 10 sales is a small sample, and a few outliers can move those numbers easily.

If you want more time to compare before you offer, condos took a median 32 days to sell. Always ask the HOA for current dues and what they cover before you commit. You can track broader pricing trends in our Lake Stevens housing market update.

Deciding If the Area Fits Your Plans

Is your commute to Everett or Seattle? Test the route at rush hour before committing.
Do you need a full house, or would a smaller condo do? The condo savings come from size, not a lower price per square foot.
Is being near the water a must? Read how the lake shapes the city map, then review the lakefront buying guide.

Confirm school assignment with the Lake Stevens School District boundary lookup. You can also review local schools, safety and crime data, cost of living, and the best neighborhoods overview.

Related guides: Lake Stevens Population.

At a Glance

All homes, 90 days ending Sept. 30, 2026: median sale price $674,679, down 2.2% year over year (155 sales)
All homes, same window: median 20 days on market, 100.1% sale-to-list, 31.4% sold above list
All homes, same window: 3 months of supply, 154 homes in inventory, $361 median price per sq ft
Single family, same window: median sale price $717,214, up 1.0% year over year (133 sales)
Single family, same window: median 18 days on market, 100% sale-to-list, 32.8% sold above list
Single family, same window: 2.8 months of supply, 123 homes in inventory, same median price per sq ft as all homes
Condo, same window, based on only 10 sales (treat with caution): median sale price $394,434, down 33.1% year over year
Condo, same window, based on only 10 sales: median 32 days on market, 99.6% sale-to-list, 20% sold above list
Condo, same window, based on only 10 sales: 3.8 months of supply, 13 homes in inventory, $356 median price per sq ft

Lake Stevens, WA Location FAQs

How deep is Lake Stevens lake?

The lake has a maximum depth of 150 feet and an average depth of about 62 to 63 feet, according to the City of Lake Stevens.

How big is Lake Stevens lake?

The lake covers a surface area of 1,040 acres. That figure comes from Washington Department of Ecology data in a county lake monitoring report.

Can you swim in Lake Stevens, WA?

Yes. The City of Lake Stevens operates several public waterfront parks with swimming access, including North Lakeshore Swim Beach, North Cove Park, and Davies Beach. Check current swim or water-quality advisories before going in the water.

What is the crime rate in Lake Stevens, WA?

You can check the local police department for reported offenses per 1,000 residents. Review the safety and crime data for a full breakdown of local reports.

What is the zip code for Lake Stevens, WA?

The primary zip code for Lake Stevens is 98258. Some addresses with that zip code sit outside city limits, so confirm the exact location on the county parcel viewer.

Is Lake Stevens a city?

Yes. Lake Stevens is an incorporated city established in 1960. The city continues to annex unincorporated Snohomish County land within its Urban Growth Area to expand its borders.

Does Lake Stevens flood?

Yes. Flood-prone areas around Lake Stevens and local creeks are mapped primarily as Zone A, meaning they carry a 1% annual chance of flooding. The city regulates development in these FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. For specific address risks, use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center linked above.

What is the sales tax rate in Lake Stevens, WA?

The combined sales tax rate for the City of Lake Stevens is 9.30%, effective during the first quarter of 2026. That breaks down as the 6.5% Washington state rate plus a 2.80% local rate.

Sources

Follow Me on Instagram

Follow Me

Where Is Lake Stevens, WA? Location, Commute, and Home Prices