Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ballard, WA
Considering a move to Ballard, WA? This vibrant Seattle neighborhood has about 25,000 residents and offers a lively mix of urban convenience and neighborhood charm. Median home prices are around $820,000, with typical 2-bedroom rents near $2,200. Ballard is known for its strong educational attainment (over 61% hold bachelor’s degrees), a short average commute of 29 minutes, and easy access to public transit. While property crime is higher than national averages, Ballard’s active community, excellent schools, and temperate climate make it a popular choice for newcomers.
Demographics - Ballard, WA
Demographics - Ballard, WA
Ballard, Washington is a vibrant neighborhood of about 25,000 people, featuring a young median age of 35.6 and a high population density. The community is predominantly White, with a growing Asian presence and nearly 15% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting increasing diversity.
Population:
25,000
Density:
9,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
8.0%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ballard, WA?
Living in Ballard comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $820,000 and typical rent around $2,200 for a two-bedroom apartment. Groceries, transportation, and especially housing costs are well above national averages, though utilities remain relatively affordable.
Median House Value:
$820,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
167.3
Grocery:
122.8
Housing:
221.1
Utilities:
89.6
Transportation:
130.7
Health Care:
113.2
Miscellaneous:
111.9
Crime
Is Ballard, WA a safe place to live?
Ballard experiences a moderate level of violent crime and a higher rate of property crime, with residents facing about a 1 in 30 chance of property crime annually. Community awareness and local initiatives continue to address safety concerns, making it important for newcomers to stay informed.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
280
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,350
Crime Index:
3,630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 360
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in Ballard, WA year-round?
Ballard enjoys mild, temperate weather all year, with winter lows rarely dipping below 37°F and summer highs averaging around 76°F. The area receives about 37.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 43% of the year, contributing to its lush, green landscape.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Ballard's residents are well-educated and relatively affluent, with a median household income of $110,000 and over 61% holding at least a bachelor’s degree. The community has a low unemployment rate and a moderate poverty level, making it a desirable place for professionals and families alike.
Median Income:
$57,500
Household Income:
$110,000
Family Income:
$125,000
Per Capita Income:
$63,000
Income Male:
$70,000
Income Female:
$56,000
Poverty Rate:
8.2%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
16.2%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.3%
Bachelors or More:
61.7%
Education
How are the schools in Ballard, WA?
Ballard offers strong educational opportunities, with reputable public schools like Ballard High School and proximity to higher education institutions such as the University of Washington just five miles away. The area’s schools are known for solid academic performance and a diverse range of programs for students.
Public Schools
Name:
Ballard High School
Street:
1418 NW 65th St
Phone:
206-252-1000
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Salmon Bay School
Street:
1810 NW 65th St
Phone:
206-252-1720
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Alphonsus Parish School
Street:
5816 15th Ave NW
Phone:
206-782-4363
Students:
270
Colleges
Name:
Seattle Pacific University
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,700
Name:
University of Washington
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
48,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Ballard is excellent, with major hospitals like Swedish Medical Center Ballard Campus and UW Medicine nearby. The community boasts a high physician-to-resident ratio and over 94% of residents have health insurance, ensuring quality care is readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Swedish Medical Center Ballard Campus
Address:
5300 Tallman Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone:
(206) 782-2700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UW Medicine - Northwest Hospital & Medical Center
Address:
1550 N 115th St, Seattle, WA 98133
Phone:
(206) 668-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ballard, WA?
Ballard's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $820,000 and about 44% of residents owning their homes. Rental options are also sought-after, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,200 and a low vacancy rate, reflecting high demand in this desirable neighborhood.
Median Home Price:
$820,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
0.8%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services for Ballard residents are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in nearby downtown Seattle. The office provides all standard vehicle and licensing services, and information is readily accessible online.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
205 Spring St, Seattle, WA 98104
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.