Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Bellevue

Affordability

Bellevue has a median household income of $165,576 and a median gross rent of $2,572 per month, reflecting one of the higher-cost rental markets in the region, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). About 48% of Bellevue residents rent their homes, meaning nearly half the city's households may benefit from income-restricted housing options like those listed here.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer data reported by the Bellevue Police Department, Bellevue had a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies define and report crimes.

Getting Around Bellevue

The assisted properties in Bellevue score a 40 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 42 (Some Transit) for transit, and 40 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. Most daily errands and commutes will likely require a car.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 31 schools across 2 districts serve Bellevue, including 17 elementary, 5 middle, and 9 high schools. Ratings and quality vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for their specific address.

Cost of Living in Bellevue, WA

Bellevue is one of the more expensive rental markets in the Pacific Northwest. According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median household income is $165,576 annually, and the median asking rent is $2,572 per month -- well above what most affordable housing programs are designed to serve.

That gap is exactly why income-restricted housing matters here. The 150 income-restricted units across 5 HUD-assisted or LIHTC properties in Bellevue offer rents tied to area median income limits rather than the open market, which can mean significant savings for eligible renters.

• Median household income: $165,576/year (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Median market rent: $2,572/month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Share of households that rent: 48% (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 5 affordable housing properties in Bellevue have been mapped for flood risk. None of them fall within a high-risk flood zone, which is a positive indicator for renters concerned about flood exposure at these specific buildings.