Everything You Should Know Before Moving to American Lake, WA
Considering a move to American Lake, WA? This lakeside community of about 19,100 residents offers scenic beauty, a median home price of $515,000, and rents around $1,740. Enjoy a moderate cost of living, quick average commutes of 28.5 minutes, and access to reputable schools and major hospitals. While property crime rates are higher than average, the area boasts abundant outdoor recreation, mild summers, and a strong sense of community—making it a welcoming spot for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - American Lake, WA
Demographics - American Lake, WA
American Lake, WA is home to around 19,100 residents, with a population density that creates a suburban feel and a median age of 40.2 years. The community is diverse, with nearly 15% speaking languages other than English at home, and a balanced gender ratio. The area is predominantly White, but also features significant Black, Asian, and other minority populations, contributing to its vibrant local culture.
Population:
19,100
Density:
2,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.7%
Black:
8.2%
Asian:
7.4%
Others:
15.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in American Lake, WA?
Living in American Lake comes with a cost of living index of 124.0, making it higher than the national average. The median home value stands at $515,000 and average rents are about $1,740, reflecting strong demand for housing. Residents benefit from no state income tax, but should expect higher-than-average housing and grocery expenses.
Median House Value:
$515,000
Gross Rent:
$1,740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$640
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.0
Grocery:
110.5
Housing:
135.3
Utilities:
101.8
Transportation:
116.2
Health Care:
107.6
Miscellaneous:
104.5
Crime
Is American Lake, WA a safe place to live?
American Lake experiences a higher property crime rate, with about 2,200 incidents per 100,000 people annually and a chance of 1 in 45 for property crime. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 275 per 100,000 and a 1 in 364 chance. While overall crime is above average, many neighborhoods remain safe and community-oriented.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
275
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,475
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 364
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in American Lake, WA year-round?
The area enjoys mild summers with temperatures peaking around 78°F and cool, wet winters averaging lows of 35°F. Annual rainfall is about 40.5 inches, and residents can expect sunshine nearly half the year. The region’s moderate climate supports outdoor recreation and lush green landscapes.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
American Lake’s households have a median income of $87,200, with a poverty rate of 8.3% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most residents have completed high school, and over a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average 28.5 minutes, and the community is both family-friendly and diverse.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$87,200
Family Income:
$97,900
Per Capita Income:
$38,600
Income Male:
$50,300
Income Female:
$42,800
Poverty Rate:
8.3%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$1,740
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.2%
Commute Time:
28.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
36.2%
Education
How are the schools in American Lake, WA?
Families in American Lake benefit from reputable public and private schools, including Lakewood High School and Idlewild Elementary, with student-teacher ratios that support personalized learning. Higher education is easily accessible, with Pierce College Fort Steilacoom just 3 miles away and the University of Washington Tacoma nearby. The area’s schools and colleges make it appealing for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Lakewood High School
Street:
9331 Lathrop Rd SW
Phone:
253-583-5550
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1
Name:
Idlewild Elementary School
Street:
10806 Idlewild Rd SW
Phone:
253-583-5320
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Frances Cabrini School
Street:
5010 112th St SW
Phone:
253-584-3850
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
City:
Lakewood
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
University of Washington Tacoma
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Madigan Army Medical Center and MultiCare Allenmore Hospital nearby. The area boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.1% and 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are comprehensive, catering to both general and emergency needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Madigan Army Medical Center
Address:
9040 Fitzsimmons Dr, Tacoma, WA 98431
Phone:
(253) 968-1110
Type:
General & Military
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MultiCare Allenmore Hospital
Address:
1901 S Union Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone:
(253) 838-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in American Lake, WA?
The housing market in American Lake is robust, with a median home price of $515,000 and a 67.8% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,740 and a rental vacancy rate of 5.1%. The area has seen steady home appreciation, making it attractive for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$515,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,740
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia and accessible online or by phone. The DMV provides essential services such as driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and title transfers. Appointments and comprehensive information are available through the official state website.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone:
360-902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.