Snohomish County Sees Rising Buyer Demand, While King County Falls

Is the Snohomish County housing market outperforming the rest of the region?

Yes. Snohomish County was the only area in our entire June 2026 Greater Seattle report with rising pending home sales, up 20.8% year over year, while Seattle, King County, and Renton all posted declines. New listings in Snohomish also rose 19%, meaning the gain reflects genuine new buyer activity, not just less competition among sellers.

Most of this year’s market conversation has centered on slowdown: rising inventory, longer days on market, and cooling prices across nearly every city we track. Snohomish County is the exception, and it’s worth understanding why, especially if you own property there or are considering a move north.

The numbers that set Snohomish apart

Across the Greater Seattle report, pending sales fell in Seattle (-4.2%), King County (-2.1%), and Renton (-20.6%). In the regions we examined, Snohomish County was the lone exception, up 20.8%. Closed sales followed a similar pattern, Snohomish rose 3.4% while Seattle, King County, and Renton all declined. Median price did soften slightly, down 3.9% to $768,750, but that’s the smallest price decline of any area in the regional comparison, and it’s happening alongside rising demand rather than falling demand… a meaningfully different story than a market in retreat.

Wondering what rising demand in Snohomish County means for your home’s value? Text HOME to 206-245-8813 and Emily will reach out to help.

Why demand is building here while it cools elsewhere

Snohomish County has increasingly absorbed buyers priced out of King County, and this year’s data suggests that pattern is accelerating rather than slowing. At a median of $768,750, Snohomish remains meaningfully more affordable than Seattle ($999,000) or King County overall ($995,000), while still offering commuter access into the region. As mortgage rates hover in the low-to-mid 6% range according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, affordability gaps like this one tend to pull more buyer attention toward the county on the right side of the price line.

What this means if you’re selling in Snohomish County

If you own a home in Snohomish County, this is genuinely good news: rising pending sales and rising new listings together suggest a healthy, active market rather than one being propped up by low competition. That said, price is still down modestly year over year, so pricing strategy matters. This is an active market, not necessarily a booming one. If you’ve been on the fence about listing, the demand data suggests now is a reasonable time to have that conversation. For a closer look at what the numbers say specifically for one Snohomish community, see our post on what the data says about selling in Snohomish, WA 98296, and if you’re weighing a larger property, check out our guide to buying land or acreage in Snohomish County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Snohomish County a seller’s market right now?

Snohomish County shows the strongest demand signals in the Greater Seattle region right now, with pending sales up 20.8% year over year, the only area in the regional report with rising demand. Price is down modestly (-3.9%), so it’s an active market rather than a runaway one, but conditions favor sellers more than most nearby areas.

Why is buyer demand rising in Snohomish County?

Snohomish County’s relative affordability compared to Seattle and King County appears to be a key driver, along with commuter access into the metro. As prices in the county core soften, more buyers priced out of King County are shifting their search north.

How does Snohomish County compare to King County on price?

Snohomish County’s median sale price was $768,750 in June 2026, compared to $995,000 in King County, a gap of over $225,000 that continues to draw budget-conscious buyers north.

Is it a good time to buy land or acreage in Snohomish County?

Rising demand across Snohomish County generally extends to rural and acreage properties as well, though land purchases involve different considerations than a standard home purchase, including septic, well, and zoning review. Talk to a local agent familiar with rural transactions before making an offer.

Ready to talk through what selling in Snohomish County looks like for your situation? Text HOME to 206-245-8813 and I’ll reach out to set up a conversation, no pressure, just a straightforward look at your options.

Or visit HomeProHouses.com to browse listings and learn more.

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Related reading: Renton vs. Lynnwood: Two Ends of Lake Washington, Two Different Slowdowns