Washington / King County

Moving to Burien, WA

Thinking of making a move to Burien, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Burien, WA

Considering a move to Burien, WA? This welcoming community of 52,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $585,000 and average rents near $1,750. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Burien's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Burien, WA

Burien has a population of 52,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 49% White, 8% Black, and 14% Asian residents, and over 24% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
52,000
Density
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age
38.1
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
23.7%

Ethnic Composition

White
48.6%
Black
8.3%
Asian
13.5%
Others
29.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Burien, WA?

The cost of living in Burien is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 138.6. Median home values are around $585,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,750. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$585,000
Gross Rent
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$700
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
138.6
Grocery
117.1
Housing
168.4
Utilities
97.2
Transportation
124.5
Health Care
109.8
Miscellaneous
110.3

Crime

Is Burien, WA a safe place to live?

Burien is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 298 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
298
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,120
Crime Index
3,418
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 335
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

What is the weather like in Burien, WA year-round?

Burien experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 37°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
37°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $78,500 and a low poverty rate of 12.1%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,200
Household Income
$78,500
Family Income
$88,200
Per Capita Income
$37,800
Income Male
$48,000
Income Female
$41,000
Poverty Rate
12.1%
Non English Speakers
23.7%
Rent
$1,750
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Public Transport Usage
9.6%
Commute Time
32.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
87.4%
Bachelors or More
30.2%

Education

How are the schools in Burien, WA?

Burien offers quality education options, with public schools like Highline High School and Sylvester Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Highline College and South Seattle College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Highline High School
Street
225 S 152nd St
Phone
206-631-6700
Students
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1
Name
Sylvester Middle School
Street
16222 Sylvester Rd SW
Phone
206-631-6000
Students
920
Student Teacher Ratio
17.2

Private Schools

Name
St. Francis of Assisi School
Street
15216 21st Ave SW
Phone
206-243-5690
Students
520

Colleges

Name
Highline College
City
Des Moines
State
WA
Distance
4 miles
Students
16,000
Name
South Seattle College
City
Seattle
State
WA
Distance
8 miles
Students
6,000

Healthcare

Burien residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Anne Hospital and Highline Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 91.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
St. Anne Hospital
Address
16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166
Phone
(206) 244-9970
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Highline Medical Center
Address
16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166
Phone
(206) 244-9970
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
91.5%
Health Care Index
77.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Burien, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $585,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 53%. The market has seen a 4.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.6%. Burien offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$585,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate
52.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.7%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Burien handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Tukwila. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
331 Andover Park E, Tukwila, WA 98188
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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.

FAQs About Moving to Burien, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Burien, review the core fields on this page: population 52,000, median home value $585,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,750, commute time 32.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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