Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carnation, WA
Considering a move to Carnation, WA? This charming small city of 2,220 residents offers a scenic, quiet lifestyle with a high rate of homeownership and a median home price of $815,000. The community boasts excellent schools, high educational attainment (54.1% bachelor’s or higher), and very low violent crime (56 per 100K). Enjoy a mild Northwest climate, small-town feel, and convenient access to the Eastside and Seattle metro area—all with a typical commute of about 34 minutes.
Demographics - Carnation, WA
Demographics - Carnation, WA
Carnation is a close-knit community of 2,220 people with a median age of 39.2, predominantly White (85%) but with some cultural diversity. The area has a slightly higher number of males than females and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and family-friendly environment make it appealing for those seeking a small-town feel.
Population:
2,220
Density:
1,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.4%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
10.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carnation, WA?
Living in Carnation comes with a higher cost of living, with a median home value of $815,000 and average rents around $2,400 per month. The cost of living index is 151.2, reflecting especially high housing expenses. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, but overall costs are above the national average.
Median House Value:
$815,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
151.2
Grocery:
110.3
Housing:
192.4
Utilities:
91.7
Transportation:
120.8
Health Care:
127.5
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Carnation, WA a safe place to live?
Carnation enjoys a notably low violent crime rate of just 56 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place for families. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a 1 in 87 chance. Residents benefit from a generally secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
56
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,206
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,785
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Carnation, WA year-round?
The climate in Carnation is mild, with cool, wet winters averaging lows in the 30s and comfortable summers with highs in the upper 70s. The area receives about 48 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine around 43% of the year. These conditions create lush surroundings and a true Pacific Northwest experience.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Carnation residents are generally well-educated, with over half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the median household income is a robust $128,700. The poverty rate is low at 4.9%, and unemployment is below the national average. Most households own their homes, and the community has a suburban, family-oriented character.
Median Income:
$60,000
Household Income:
$128,700
Family Income:
$141,000
Per Capita Income:
$52,800
Income Male:
$70,500
Income Female:
$54,300
Poverty Rate:
4.9%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
33.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
54.1%
Education
How are the schools in Carnation, WA?
Carnation boasts excellent public schools with strong student-teacher ratios, such as Carnation Elementary and Tolt Middle School, supporting a high rate of educational attainment. Although there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are accessible nearby at Bellevue College and the University of Washington. Families benefit from a supportive learning environment and proximity to top academic institutions.

Public Schools
Name:
Carnation Elementary School
Street:
32239 E Morrison St
Phone:
425-844-4550
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Tolt Middle School
Street:
3740 Tolt Ave
Phone:
425-844-4600
Students:
740
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2

Colleges
Name:
Bellevue College
City:
Bellevue
State:
WA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
27,000
Name:
University of Washington
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
47,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Carnation is strong, with 3.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% of the population covered by health insurance. Major hospitals such as Snoqualmie Valley Hospital and EvergreenHealth Medical Center are located nearby, offering emergency and general medical services. The area’s healthcare index indicates reliable and accessible care for residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Snoqualmie Valley Hospital
Address:
9801 Frontier Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Phone:
(425) 831-2300
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
EvergreenHealth Medical Center
Address:
12040 NE 128th St, Kirkland, WA 98034
Phone:
(425) 899-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carnation, WA?
Carnation's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $815,000 and an owner-occupied rate exceeding 80%. Rental options are limited, reflected in a low 3.1% vacancy rate and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,400. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, showcasing the area’s desirability.
Median Home Price:
$815,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Carnation access driver and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, headquartered in Olympia. The DMV offers comprehensive services including licensing, registration, and title transfers, with online resources available for convenience. Local offices and the state website provide up-to-date information and assistance.
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.