Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bay Center, WA
Considering a move to Bay Center, WA? This tranquil coastal town of 276 residents offers affordable housing with a median home price of $236,000 and average rents around $950. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, short 26-minute commutes, and access to beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery. While the cost of living is below the national average, Bay Center's crime rates are moderate, and education options include nearby schools and community colleges. Expect mild, rainy winters, cool summers, and a close-knit, welcoming community.
Demographics - Bay Center, WA
Demographics - Bay Center, WA
Bay Center is a small coastal town with a population of 276, a median age of 51.8, and a diverse community that includes a significant Native American presence. The area has a slightly higher number of males than females and about 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its relaxed, close-knit atmosphere makes it attractive to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
276
Density:
210 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.8
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bay Center, WA?
Bay Center offers a cost of living below the national average, with a cost of living index of 92 and a median home value of $236,000. Monthly rent averages $950, making housing relatively affordable, while utilities and transportation costs remain manageable. State taxes range from 0% to 9%, providing a reasonable tax environment for residents.
Median House Value:
$236,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
99.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Bay Center, WA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Bay Center are moderate for a small town, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,660 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 476 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 60 chance of property crime. The community maintains a generally safe environment, but property crime is something to be aware of.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,660
Crime Index:
1,870
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Bay Center, WA year-round?
Bay Center experiences mild and damp weather throughout the year, with summer highs around 69°F and winter lows near 35°F. The area receives over 80 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 40% of the days. Residents can expect cool, comfortable summers and rainy winters typical of the Pacific Northwest.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
49°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
69°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
80.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
40%
Neighbors
Bay Center’s households have a median income of $45,200, with a per capita income of $20,600 and a poverty rate of 16.8%. Most residents commute about 26 minutes to work, and unemployment stands at 7.8%. The community is largely owner-occupied and features a blend of working professionals and retirees.
Median Income:
$28,600
Household Income:
$45,200
Family Income:
$49,600
Per Capita Income:
$20,600
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
16.8%
Non English Speakers:
12.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
26.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.0%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Bay Center, WA?
Local education options include South Bend Elementary School with a student-teacher ratio of 16.7, and Grays Harbor College just 38 miles away for higher education needs. While there are no private schools in Bay Center, the nearby public schools serve the community’s families well. The majority of adults in the area have completed high school, and a smaller percentage hold bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
South Bend Elementary School
Street:
409 E 1st St
Phone:
360-875-6041
Students:
335
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Colleges
Name:
Grays Harbor College
City:
Aberdeen
State:
WA
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents of Bay Center have access to Willapa Harbor Hospital, a critical access facility with emergency services located nearby in South Bend. The area has 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 90% of locals have health insurance. Healthcare is accessible, with a health care index of 72, providing peace of mind for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Willapa Harbor Hospital
Address:
800 Aldrich Rd, South Bend, WA 98586
Phone:
(360) 875-5526
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bay Center, WA?
The Bay Center housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $236,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 81%. Rental vacancy rates are moderate at 7.5%, and the area has experienced steady home appreciation of 3.1% over the past year. New construction and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting stability in the local market.
Median Home Price:
$236,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia. The DMV offers comprehensive services both in-person and online, making it easy for new arrivals to get settled. Helpful resources and contact information are available on the official website.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.