Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bitter Lake, WA
Considering a move to Bitter Lake, WA? This vibrant Seattle neighborhood of about 13,000 offers diverse communities, strong educational attainment (49% with bachelor’s degrees or higher), and easy transit access—16.5% commute by public transport. Median home values are around $625,000, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,900. While property crime is higher than average, the area boasts great schools, proximity to major hospitals, and a temperate climate with mild summers and lush green spaces—making Bitter Lake a popular urban choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Bitter Lake, WA
Demographics - Bitter Lake, WA
Bitter Lake is home to approximately 13,000 residents and features a diverse community, with 59% identifying as White, 20% as Asian, and 8.5% as Black. The median age is 39.2 years, and about 22% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting a vibrant multicultural atmosphere. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a relatively high population density, making it an energetic urban neighborhood.
Population:
13,000
Density:
7,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.0%
Black:
8.5%
Asian:
20.0%
Others:
12.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bitter Lake, WA?
Living in Bitter Lake comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $625,000 and typical rents around $1,830 per month. The cost of living index is 146, indicating expenses are notably above the national average, especially for housing. However, utilities and healthcare remain more affordable relative to other sectors.
Median House Value:
$625,000
Gross Rent:
$1,830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,475
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.0
Grocery:
120.5
Housing:
172.0
Utilities:
88.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
118.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Bitter Lake, WA a safe place to live?
Bitter Lake experiences a property crime rate higher than the national average, with a 1 in 31 chance of being affected, while violent crime is less common at a rate of 280 incidents per 100,000 residents. This means residents should remain vigilant, particularly concerning property safety. Overall, the community is proactive about maintaining neighborhood security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
280
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,200
Crime Index:
3,480
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 357
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Bitter Lake, WA year-round?
Bitter Lake enjoys a temperate climate, with mild summers averaging highs of 77°F and cool winters with lows around 36°F. The area receives about 37.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 47% of the year, supporting lush greenery and comfortable outdoor conditions. Seasonal transitions are gentle, making the weather appealing to those who prefer moderate temperatures.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
The neighborhood boasts a median household income of $77,500 and a family income of $93,000, indicating a stable economic base. Educational attainment is high, with nearly 49% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and unemployment sits at a low 3.7%. Commute times average just under 30 minutes, with notable use of public transportation by 16.5% of residents.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$77,500
Family Income:
$93,000
Per Capita Income:
$46,200
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$47,000
Poverty Rate:
11.3%
Non English Speakers:
22.0%
Rent:
$1,830
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
16.5%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
48.5%
Education
How are the schools in Bitter Lake, WA?
Bitter Lake offers quality educational opportunities, with public schools like Broadview-Thomson K-8 and Ingraham High School serving local families. The area is also close to respected higher education institutions such as North Seattle College (just 3 miles away) and the University of Washington (8 miles), making it convenient for lifelong learning. Private school options and a strong rate of degree attainment reflect a community invested in education.
Public Schools
Name:
Bitter Lake Elementary (Broadview-Thomson K-8)
Street:
13052 Greenwood Ave N
Phone:
206-252-4080
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Ingraham High School
Street:
1819 N 135th St
Phone:
206-252-3880
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.0
Private Schools
Name:
Seattle Lutheran High School
Street:
4100 SW Genesee St
Phone:
206-937-7722
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
North Seattle College
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
University of Washington
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
48,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major healthcare facilities such as UW Medicine Northwest Hospital, and there are nearly 3 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 94.2%, ensuring most residents can access medical care when needed. The area’s healthcare index of 79.1 highlights the availability of reliable medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UW Medicine Northwest Hospital & Medical Center
Address:
1550 N 115th St, Seattle, WA 98133
Phone:
(206) 364-0500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Swedish Edmonds Campus
Address:
21601 76th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026
Phone:
(425) 640-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
79.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bitter Lake, WA?
The Bitter Lake housing market features a median home price of $625,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,900. With an owner-occupied rate of 43% and a rental vacancy of 6.4%, there are options for both buyers and renters. The market is stable, with a 4.7% annual home appreciation rate and low foreclosure activity.
Median Home Price:
$625,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can manage vehicle registration, licensing, and other DMV needs through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia. The department provides a comprehensive range of online and in-person services to streamline administrative tasks. For more information, residents can visit the official website or call the main office.
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.