Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bremerton, WA
Thinking of moving to Bremerton, WA? This waterfront city of 44,150 offers affordable living with a median home price of $390,000 and average rents around $1,540. Residents enjoy mild summers, lush scenery, and a manageable 28-minute average commute—plus access to local colleges and hospitals. While property crime rates are higher than average, Bremerton’s vibrant community, walkable downtown, and proximity to Seattle via ferry make it appealing for newcomers seeking Pacific Northwest living with a small-city feel.
Demographics - Bremerton, WA
Demographics - Bremerton, WA
Bremerton is home to approximately 44,150 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 34.2 and a population density of 1,500 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (71.8%), with notable Black (6.0%) and Asian (6.2%) communities, while about 10.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and diverse makeup contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for new arrivals.
Population:
44,150
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
71.8%
Black:
6.0%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
16.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bremerton, WA?
Living in Bremerton is moderately more expensive than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116. Housing is the biggest factor, as the median home value is $390,000 and average rent is $1,540, but utilities and groceries remain relatively affordable. State taxes range from 0% to 9%, making budgeting important for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$390,000
Gross Rent:
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,410
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
108.5
Housing:
127.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
110.5
Health Care:
109.5
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Bremerton, WA a safe place to live?
Bremerton experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a rate of 3,114 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 32 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 349 per 100,000 and a 1 in 287 chance, but residents should remain vigilant and take standard safety precautions. The overall crime index reflects a need for awareness, particularly regarding property protection.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
349
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,114
Crime Index:
3,463
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 287
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Bremerton, WA year-round?
Bremerton enjoys a mild climate, with summer highs averaging 77°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 35°F. The area receives about 50.7 inches of rainfall annually, resulting in lush greenery, though only 43% of days are sunny. Residents benefit from comfortable temperatures year-round, perfect for outdoor activities despite frequent rain.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Typical households in Bremerton earn around $66,200 annually, and the city has a poverty rate of 13.8%. Most residents have at least a high school education, with 23.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the average commute is about 28 minutes. The community is diverse, with a small but active percentage relying on public transportation.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$66,200
Family Income:
$81,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$37,000
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
10.8%
Rent:
$1,540
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
6.1%
Commute Time:
27.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Bremerton, WA?
Bremerton boasts a variety of educational options, including public schools like Bremerton High School and Armin Jahr Elementary, as well as private institutions and nearby colleges such as Olympic College. With a student-to-teacher ratio around 18:1 and over 92% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher, the city is well-equipped to support learners of all ages. Access to higher education is convenient, with Olympic College located within city limits.
Public Schools
Name:
Bremerton High School
Street:
1500 13th St
Phone:
360-473-0800
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.0
Name:
Armin Jahr Elementary School
Street:
800 Dibb St
Phone:
360-473-4100
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady Star of the Sea School
Street:
1516 5th St
Phone:
360-373-5162
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Olympic College
City:
Bremerton
State:
WA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
University of Washington Tacoma
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Bremerton offers strong healthcare access, anchored by St. Michael Medical Center and the Naval Hospital Bremerton, both providing emergency services. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and 92.7% health insurance coverage, the city ensures quality medical care for its population. Healthcare services are comprehensive and support the city's overall well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Michael Medical Center
Address:
2520 Cherry Ave, Bremerton, WA 98310
Phone:
(360) 744-8800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Naval Hospital Bremerton
Address:
1 Boone Rd, Bremerton, WA 98312
Phone:
(360) 475-4000
Type:
Military/General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bremerton, WA?
The Bremerton housing market is moderately priced for the region, with a median home price of $390,000 and a 2-bedroom average rent of $1,540. Owner occupancy stands at 45.2%, and the rental vacancy rate is 6.7%, offering a mix of rental and ownership opportunities. Home values have appreciated by 2.5% over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,540
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located at 1301 S. Colby St in Bremerton. Services are accessible both in-person and online, streamlining the process for newcomers and long-term residents alike. The DMV provides support for all standard driver and vehicle needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1301 S. Colby St, Bremerton, WA 98312
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.