Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buckley, WA
Considering a move to Buckley, WA? This small town of 5,340 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $487,000 and average rents near $1,650. Enjoy a friendly, close-knit community, scenic mountain views, and a moderate climate with mild summers. Commute times average 34 minutes, and local schools provide solid educational opportunities. With low violent crime rates (174 per 100k) and access to healthcare nearby, Buckley offers a peaceful lifestyle just a short drive from Tacoma and Seattle.
Demographics - Buckley, WA
Demographics - Buckley, WA
Buckley is a small city of about 5,340 residents, with a median age of 36.6 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, and over 7% speak a language other than English at home, reflecting modest diversity. Its comfortable population density of 1,540 per square mile offers a suburban, community-oriented atmosphere.
Population:
5,340
Density:
1,540 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Buckley, WA?
Living in Buckley is moderately more expensive than the national average, with a cost of living index of 126.4. Median home values are around $487,000, and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment stand at $1,650, making housing the primary driver of expenses. Utilities and healthcare remain relatively affordable, and state taxes range up to 9%.
Median House Value:
$487,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
126.4
Grocery:
109.2
Housing:
141.3
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
107.0
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
106.5
Crime
Is Buckley, WA a safe place to live?
Buckley enjoys a low violent crime rate of 174 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety for families and individuals. Property crime occurs more frequently, but the overall crime index remains well below that of larger urban areas. Residents have a 1 in 575 chance of being a victim of violent crime, underscoring the town’s secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
174
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,290
Crime Index:
1,464
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 575
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 78
Weather
What is the weather like in Buckley, WA year-round?
Buckley experiences a mild climate, with summer highs rarely exceeding 77°F and winter lows around 34°F. The area receives nearly 50 inches of annual rainfall and gets sunshine about 43% of the year, resulting in lush landscapes and comfortable outdoor temperatures. Seasonal changes are moderate, appealing to those who enjoy the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Residents of Buckley benefit from a median household income of $88,600 and a low poverty rate of 7.5%. The community is well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are about 34 minutes. The area maintains a low unemployment rate and a friendly, small-town feel.
Median Income:
$44,800
Household Income:
$88,600
Family Income:
$97,400
Per Capita Income:
$34,200
Income Male:
$55,500
Income Female:
$41,900
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
22.9%
Education
How are the schools in Buckley, WA?
Buckley offers quality education with public schools like Glacier Middle and Foothills Elementary, known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Private educational options and alternative programs are available locally, while nearby colleges such as Green River College and UW Tacoma provide accessible higher education opportunities. The city fosters a supportive learning environment from early childhood through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Glacier Middle School
Street:
240 Wawona St E
Phone:
360-829-3391
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
Foothills Elementary School
Street:
10621 234th Ave E
Phone:
360-829-3354
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Private Schools
Name:
White River Alternative Programs
Street:
27515 120th St E
Phone:
360-829-3361
Students:
80
Colleges
Name:
Green River College
City:
Auburn
State:
WA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
8,000
Name:
University of Washington Tacoma
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with major hospitals such as St. Elizabeth and MultiCare Good Samaritan located nearby. Buckley boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.6% and around 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. The area’s healthcare index of 79.4 indicates reliable services for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Elizabeth Hospital
Address:
1455 Battersby Ave, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Phone:
(360) 802-8800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
401 15th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone:
(253) 697-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
79.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Buckley, WA?
Buckley’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $487,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 74%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,650 and a low vacancy rate of 4.1%. Home appreciation has been steady, reflecting a healthy, growing community.
Median Home Price:
$487,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing in nearby Enumclaw. The local office provides essential DMV services, and information is available online for convenience. This accessible location simplifies new resident transitions and routine renewals.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Diamond Dr, Enumclaw, WA 98022
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.