What Should I Know Before Moving to Cle Elum?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Cle Elum. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Cle Elum climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in Cle Elum?

Moving within Cle Elum usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Cle Elum?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Cle Elum. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in Cle Elum Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Cle Elum offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Cle Elum, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Cle Elum at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

Moving to Cle Elum, WA | Find Trusted Movers & Services

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cle Elum, WA

Cle Elum, WA is a welcoming small town of about 2,180 residents, nestled in the Cascade foothills. With a median home price around $439,000 and average 2-bedroom rents near $1,350, housing is relatively affordable compared to major metro areas. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 23.5 minutes, low violent crime rates (85 per 100k), and access to good local schools and healthcare. The area is known for its scenic beauty, four-season climate with mild summers, and abundant outdoor recreation—making Cle Elum a great choice for those seeking a relaxed, close-knit community.

Demographics - Cle Elum, WA

Cle Elum is a small, close-knit town with a population of 2,180 and a median age of 46.2, reflecting a mature and settled community. The city is predominantly White (over 93%), with a nearly balanced gender ratio and just under 5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.

Population:

2,180

Density:

971 per sq mi

Median Age:

46.2

Gender Ratio:

98 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

4.7%

Ethnic Composition

White:

93.2%

Black:

0.4%

Asian:

0.6%

Others:

5.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Cle Elum, WA?

Cle Elum's cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 114, driven by a median home value of $439,000 and average monthly rent of $1,350 for a two-bedroom. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are modestly higher than average, but state income taxes are not imposed, which can benefit residents financially.

Median House Value:

$439,000

Gross Rent:

$1,350

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$110

Auto Insurance:

$1,180

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$1,650

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$540

State Taxes:

Low:

High:

Cost Of Living Index:

114.0

Grocery:

108.0

Housing:

124.0

Utilities:

102.0

Transportation:

115.0

Health Care:

109.0

Miscellaneous:

107.0

Crime

Is Cle Elum, WA a safe place to live?

Cle Elum experiences very low violent crime, with just 85 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it safer than many communities its size. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city maintains a crime index that supports a sense of safety and security for families and individuals.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

Property Crimes Per 100k:

1,340

Crime Index:

1,425

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 1,175

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 75

Weather

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

Cle Elum enjoys distinct seasons with warm, dry summers averaging highs around 85°F and cold winters with lows near 18°F. The area receives about 23.5 inches of rainfall annually and has 52% sunny days, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter

Min:

18°F

Max:

37°F

Spring

Min:

35°F

Max:

60°F

Summer

Min:

48°F

Max:

85°F

Fall

Min:

32°F

Max:

62°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

23.5 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

52%

Neighbors

Residents of Cle Elum typically earn a median household income of $59,200, with educational attainment above 90% for high school graduates. The poverty rate is 13.2%, and most people commute around 23.5 minutes, reflecting a stable workforce and community.

Median Income:

$41,800

Household Income:

$59,200

Family Income:

$71,500

Per Capita Income:

$31,200

Income Male:

$42,800

Income Female:

$37,400

Poverty Rate:

13.2%

Non English Speakers:

4.7%

Rent:

$1,350

Unemployment Rate:

5.1%

Public Transport Usage:

0.6%

Commute Time:

23.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

92.3%

Bachelors or More:

27.1%

Education

How are the schools in Cle Elum, WA?

Cle Elum offers quality public education with elementary, middle, and high schools featuring student-teacher ratios around 15–16 to 1. While there are no private schools locally, Central Washington University is just 27 miles away, providing higher education opportunities.

Public Schools

Name:

Cle Elum-Roslyn Elementary School

Street:

2696 SR 903, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Phone:

509-674-2340

Students:

370

Student Teacher Ratio:

16.2

Name:

Walter Strom Middle School

Street:

2694 SR 903, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Phone:

509-674-5315

Students:

260

Student Teacher Ratio:

15.5

Name:

Cle Elum-Roslyn High School

Street:

2690 SR 903, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Phone:

509-674-5531

Students:

290

Student Teacher Ratio:

15.0

Colleges

Name:

Central Washington University

City:

Ellensburg

State:

Distance:

27 miles

Students:

11,800

Healthcare

Healthcare in Cle Elum is anchored by a local primary care clinic and supported by a general hospital with emergency services just 27 miles away in Ellensburg. About 92% of residents have health insurance, and physician availability is comparable to similar rural communities.

Major Hospitals

Name:

KVH Family Medicine - Cle Elum

Address:

201 Alpha Way, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Phone:

(509) 674-5215

Type:

Primary Care Clinic

Emergency Services:

Name:

Kittitas Valley Healthcare Hospital

Address:

603 S Chestnut St, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Phone:

(509) 962-9841

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

1.5

Health Insurance Coverage:

92.1%

Health Care Index:

77.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Cle Elum, WA?

The housing market in Cle Elum is healthy, with a median home price of $439,000 and owner-occupancy at 62%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, while rental options remain available with a vacancy rate of 6.1%.

Median Home Price:

$439,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$1,350

Owner Occupied Rate:

62.3%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

6.1%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

7.4%

New Construction Rate:

2.1%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.4%

DMV Information

Cle Elum residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing office in nearby Ellensburg, offering a full range of DMV services. Information and online resources are easily accessible through the state’s official website.

State:

Washington

Department:

Washington State Department of Licensing

Address:

101 W 3rd St, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Phone:

1-360-902-3900

Website:

https://www.dol.wa.gov

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.