Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Auburn, WA
Considering a move to Auburn, WA? Home to around 87,000 residents, Auburn offers a vibrant, diverse community and a moderate cost of living relative to the Seattle metro area. Median home prices are about $532,000 and average rents are $1,860. Expect commute times around 32 minutes and a property crime rate higher than average at 3,024 per 100K, but the city boasts good healthcare access and a range of schools and colleges. Auburn’s mild climate, proximity to outdoor recreation, and easy access to Seattle make it a convenient and appealing place to call home.
Demographics - Auburn, WA
Demographics - Auburn, WA
Auburn, WA is home to approximately 87,256 people, featuring a youthful median age of 35.3 and a balanced gender ratio. The city’s population is notably diverse, with significant White, Asian, Black, and other communities, and over a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity contributes to a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere throughout the city.
Population:
87,256
Density:
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.3
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
27.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
54.0%
Black:
7.3%
Asian:
16.5%
Others:
22.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Auburn, WA?
Auburn’s cost of living is moderately high, with a median home value of $532,000 and average rents around $1,860 per month. While housing costs are above national averages, utilities and groceries remain relatively reasonable. State tax rates range up to 9%, making budgeting an important consideration for new residents.
Median House Value:
$532,000
Gross Rent:
$1,860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
136.7
Grocery:
115.6
Housing:
163.4
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
128.2
Health Care:
118.0
Miscellaneous:
109.3
Crime
Is Auburn, WA a safe place to live?
Auburn experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 3,024 incidents per 100,000 people, and a 1 in 33 chance of property crime. Violent crime is less common, with a 1 in 307 chance, but residents should remain mindful of safety precautions. Overall, the city’s crime index suggests that while most neighborhoods are safe, some areas may require extra vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
326
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,024
Crime Index:
3,350
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 307
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Auburn, WA year-round?
Auburn enjoys a mild Pacific Northwest climate, with summer highs averaging 78°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 34°F. The city receives about 41.6 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 44% of the year. This weather supports lush greenery and offers comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Auburn’s residents have a median household income of $77,400 and a poverty rate of 10.8%, reflecting a mix of working and middle-class neighborhoods. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, with nearly 26% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average commute times are just over 32 minutes, and a small portion of the population uses public transportation.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$77,400
Family Income:
$86,500
Per Capita Income:
$34,200
Income Male:
$50,100
Income Female:
$43,800
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
27.8%
Rent:
$1,860
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
6.1%
Commute Time:
32.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.3%
Bachelors or More:
25.7%
Education
How are the schools in Auburn, WA?
Auburn offers diverse educational options, including public schools like Auburn High School and Rainier Middle School, as well as private institutions such as Auburn Adventist Academy. Higher education is accessible locally at Green River College, with larger colleges nearby. The city’s schools cater to a range of academic needs and support families with children of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Auburn High School
Street:
711 E Main St
Phone:
253-931-4880
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.4
Name:
Rainier Middle School
Street:
30620 116th Ave SE
Phone:
253-804-4555
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.7
Private Schools
Name:
Auburn Adventist Academy
Street:
5000 Auburn Way S
Phone:
253-939-5000
Students:
325
Colleges
Name:
Green River College
City:
Auburn
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
7,600
Name:
Highline College
City:
Des Moines
State:
WA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Auburn is well-served by major medical centers such as MultiCare Auburn Medical Center and UW Medicine Valley Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 93% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is strong. The city’s healthcare index indicates quality services are readily available for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center
Address:
202 N Division St, Auburn, WA 98001
Phone:
(253) 833-7711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UW Medicine Valley Medical Center
Address:
400 S 43rd St, Renton, WA 98055
Phone:
(425) 228-3450
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.9%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Auburn, WA?
The Auburn housing market features a median home price of $532,000 and an average rent of $1,860 for a two-bedroom unit. About 58% of homes are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate is 5.9%, indicating a stable but active market. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making Auburn an appealing choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$532,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,860
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents in Auburn handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia. Services are accessible online and in-person, with support available via phone. The DMV offers a comprehensive range of resources for drivers, vehicle registration, and state identification.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
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.