Burien, Washington, is a city where the Puget Sound coastline meets the rhythm of everyday life. For anyone needing to send mail, schedule a visit, or verify an address, understanding the burien wa zip code is the first logical step. This specific numerical code acts as a geographic coordinate within the vast United States postal system, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
The Anatomy of the Burien ZIP Code
The primary zip code for Burien is 98166. This five-digit identifier is more than just a random string of numbers; it is a structured geographic signifier. The first digit, 9, indicates the Pacific Northwest region, while the subsequent digits narrow the location down to a specific sectional center facility. For residents and businesses, 98166 is the standard code used for all domestic mail delivery within the city limits.
Address Extensions and the +4 Code
While 98166 is the general delivery code, the United States Postal Service offers a more granular system known as the ZIP+4 code. This extended format appends four additional digits to the base code, creating a unique identifier for a specific block, apartment complex, or high-volume business. For example, a hyphenated address might look like 98166-1234. Using the +4 code ensures the fastest possible sorting and delivery, particularly in dense urban areas of Burien where multiple units share the same street address.
Geographic Context and Coverage
Located in King County, Burien is a suburban city situated roughly 15 miles south of downtown Seattle. The 98166 zip code primarily covers the incorporated city of Burien, but it is important to note that adjacent unincorporated areas might share this code or utilize neighboring codes. When looking at a burien wa zip code map, the boundaries typically align with the city limits, encompassing residential neighborhoods, commercial districts along Ambaum Boulevard, and the waterfront areas near the marina.
Time Zone and Location Data
Understanding the burien wa zip code also involves recognizing its place in the broader geographic and temporal landscape. Burien operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST) and observes Daylight Saving Time, shifting to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). The city is classified as part of the West Coast, influencing everything from shipping logistics to digital communication expectations. The coordinates for the city center are approximately 47.4492° N, 122.3621° W, placing the 98166 zip code firmly within the Salish Sea region.
Practical Applications and Usage
Whether you are a new resident setting up utilities, an online shopper entering billing information, or a business owner updating your customer database, using the correct burien wa zip code is critical. Incorrect codes can lead to delayed packages, returned mail, or billing errors. For official documents or navigation purposes, ensuring the zip code field reads "98166" prevents unnecessary complications and ensures a smooth transaction.
Online Purchases: Always double-check this code during checkout to avoid shipping delays.
Job Applications: Recruiters often use zip codes for regional talent pool filtering.
Emergency Services: Accurate zip codes help 911 operators dispatch assistance rapidly.
Real Estate: Property listings and tax records rely on precise zip code data.
