Is Ethel, WA 98542 a buyer’s or seller’s market?
Ethel is a buyer’s market. With about 9.6 months of supply, buyers usually have more time and more room to negotiate on price and terms.
The Ethel housing market right now
In the three months ending August 31, 2026, 0% of homes in Ethel, WA 98542 sold above their list price, the typical home went under contract in 28 days and there were 9.6 months of supply. More than six months of supply favors buyers, who usually have more time and more room to negotiate. With only 1 sale, these figures can swing a lot from month to month.
Compared with the same period a year earlier, the share selling over asking was about the same (0% then), homes sold faster (76 days then) and the median sale price fell 42% to $339,853. Overall, Ethel is more competitive than a year ago, so tougher for buyers.
Within Lewis County, homes here sell faster than in 53% of the county’s ZIP codes, and sell less often over asking than in any other ZIP code in the county.
Nearby, Winlock 98596 (25% sold over asking) and Packwood 98361 (22% sold over asking) are even more competitive.
Run the numbers for 98542
Nearby markets
Centralia 98531Seller’s market $250 /sq ftChehalis 98532Balanced $286 /sq ftCinebar 98533Buyer’s market $414 /sq ftCurtis 98538 — /sq ft Browse all markets →Where Ethel is
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Questions about Ethel real estate
Is Ethel a buyer’s or seller’s market?
A buyer’s market: there were 9.6 months of supply in Ethel, WA 98542 in the three months ending August 31, 2026. Under four months usually favors sellers, and more than six favors buyers.
How fast do homes sell in Ethel?
The typical home went under contract in 28 days in the latest three months.
Do homes in Ethel sell over asking?
0% of homes sold above their original list price, and the typical sale closed at 90.7% of the list price.
What are property taxes in Ethel?
About 0.67% of a home’s value a year in Lewis County, or roughly $2,680 on a $400,000 home.
What is the median home price in Ethel?
The median sale price was $339,853 in the three months ending August 31, 2026, about $348 per square foot.
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Market data describes housing activity only. Figures are rolling 3-month values from Redfin and may be revised. Methodology