In Snohomish County, schools play a defining role in homebuying decisions. Families often weigh academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, and community feel as heavily as price and commute time. In 2025, several districts stand out for their strong reputations and impact on the local real estate market.
Why School Districts Influence Real Estate
School quality directly correlates with property demand and home values. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 53% of buyers with children under 18 say school district quality influences their neighborhood choice. Families in Snohomish County are no exception, with top-performing districts consistently drawing higher competition for homes.
1. Northshore School District
The Northshore School District, spanning parts of both Snohomish and King counties, remains one of the highest-performing in Washington.
- Enrollment: 23,227 students (Northshore SD Annual Report 2024).
- Graduation rate: 94.8% (Northshore SD Annual Report 2024).
- Homes: Properties within the district often sell for $850,000–$950,000+ (Zillow Snohomish County Data).
2. Lake Stevens School District
Lake Stevens has become one of the fastest-growing areas in the county, and its schools are a major factor in that trend.
- Enrollment: 10,205 students (Lake Stevens SD Annual Report 2024).
- Graduation rate: 89.4% (Lake Stevens SD Annual Report 2024).
- Homes: Median home price in Lake Stevens is about $704,900 (Zillow Lake Stevens Data).
3. Mukilteo School District
The Mukilteo School District consistently ranks among Washington’s best, serving around 15,000 students across 21 schools.
- Enrollment: 15,195 students (Washington OSPI Report Card 2024).
- Graduation rate: 81.5% (Washington OSPI Report Card 2024).
- Homes: Median price about $914,000 (Zillow Mukilteo Data).
4. Everett Public Schools
As the county’s largest city, Everett Public Schools offers a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Enrollment: 20,602 students (Everett Public Schools Annual Data 2024).
- Graduation rate: 95.2% (Everett Public Schools Annual Data 2024).
- Homes: Median price in Everett is about $648,000 (Zillow Everett Data).
5. Edmonds School District
Covering southern Snohomish County, including Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Edmonds, this district is well-regarded for both academics and community engagement.
- Enrollment: 21,090 students (Washington OSPI Report Card 2024).
- Graduation rate: 84.5% (Washington OSPI Report Card 2024).
- Homes: Median home price in Edmonds is about $910,000 (Zillow Edmonds Data).
How Schools Shape Housing Demand
Strong school districts in Snohomish County consistently create higher buyer demand. Families often adjust their budgets or accept smaller homes to access the right district. Zillow reports that homes in top-performing districts typically sell faster and closer to list price than those in less competitive areas.
At the same time, families looking for affordability often target Everett or Lake Stevens, where prices remain lower than in Mukilteo or Bothell but schools are still well-rated.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Family
For families, choosing a home in Snohomish County often begins with evaluating school districts. From the high-performing Northshore District to the affordable and growing Everett and Lake Stevens districts, each offers distinct advantages.
The right choice depends on balancing budget, location, and educational priorities.
At The Robinett Group, we help families navigate these decisions by combining local market expertise with a deep understanding of community dynamics. Whether you’re seeking top-ranked schools, affordable options, or a balance of both, our team is here to guide your search.
Contact us today to explore homes in Snohomish County’s best school districts and find the right fit for your family.
FAQs About Snohomish County School Districts
Snohomish County is home to more than a dozen districts, including Northshore, Lake Stevens, Mukilteo, Everett, Edmonds, Arlington, and Monroe. Each serves a unique region, so it’s important to check boundaries when buying a home.
Yes, boundaries can shift as populations grow. Families should always confirm school assignments with the district directly before purchasing a home, since online tools may not reflect the most current boundaries.
Lake Stevens, Arlington, and Marysville are experiencing rapid growth due to new construction and population increases. This has led to expansions and upgrades of local schools.
Yes. Districts like Northshore and Mukilteo are recognized for robust STEM, arts, and athletics programs. Everett Public Schools also offers International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs.
While King County schools (including Bellevue and Seattle) often dominate statewide rankings, Snohomish County districts like Northshore and Mukilteo consistently rank among Washington’s top-performing, often with more affordable housing options nearby.
