Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cougar, WA
Thinking of moving to Cougar, WA? This small rural community of around 120 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices near $295,000 and average rents around $1,050. Residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, low violent crime rates (95 per 100K), and beautiful natural surroundings near Mount St. Helens. Expect a 34-minute average commute, access to local schools, and a climate with cool, wet winters and mild summers—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Demographics - Cougar, WA
Demographics - Cougar, WA
Cougar, WA is a small rural community with about 120 residents, a median age of 54, and a low population density of just 5 people per square mile. The population is predominantly White, with a slight male majority and a modest percentage of non-English speakers. This close-knit atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a quiet and slower-paced lifestyle.
Population:
120
Density:
5 per sq mi
Median Age:
54
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cougar, WA?
Living costs in Cougar are quite reasonable, with median home values at $295,000 and average rents around $1,050. The overall cost of living index slightly exceeds the national average, though housing, utilities, and groceries remain relatively affordable. Residents benefit from no state income tax, which helps offset everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,410
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.5
Grocery:
99.4
Housing:
98.0
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
104.0
Health Care:
98.1
Miscellaneous:
100.5
Crime
Is Cougar, WA a safe place to live?
Cougar experiences very low violent crime, with only 95 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crime rates are higher, but overall, the risk of encountering crime in this small community is modest compared to urban areas. The peaceful setting contributes to a strong sense of security among residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,215
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Cougar, WA year-round?
The climate in Cougar features cool, wet winters with lows around 30°F and mild summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives abundant rainfall—about 77 inches annually—while enjoying 44% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate lush, green landscapes and outdoor recreation. Seasonal shifts are distinct but rarely extreme.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
77 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Households in Cougar typically earn a median income of $54,000, with a poverty rate of 13.5%. The community enjoys a strong sense of neighborliness and a rural pace, with most residents commuting about 34 minutes to work. Educational attainment is above average for high school graduates, and public transport is rarely used.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$62,500
Per Capita Income:
$33,000
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
33.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cougar, WA?
Cougar families have access to public schools such as Woodland High School and private options like Three Rivers Christian School, both within a reasonable drive. For higher education, Lower Columbia College in Longview is about 36 miles away, serving over 3,600 students. The area offers solid educational opportunities for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Woodland High School
Street:
1500 Dike Access Rd
Phone:
360-841-2800
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Private Schools
Name:
Three Rivers Christian School
Street:
2610 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview, WA
Phone:
360-423-4510
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Lower Columbia College
City:
Longview
State:
WA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
3,650
Healthcare
Cougar residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center nearby and a physician density of 1.9 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 91%, and the healthcare index reflects reliable services for a small community. Emergency care and general medical needs are well supported.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
Address:
1615 Delaware St, Longview, WA 98632
Phone:
(360) 414-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cougar, WA?
The housing market in Cougar is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $295,000 and about 76% of homes owner-occupied. Rent for a two-bedroom averages $1,050, and the area sees modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates. Rental options are available, though most residents prefer homeownership.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle licensing and registration in Cougar are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, with resources available both online and at regional offices. Residents can easily access DMV services for licensing, vehicle registration, and state ID needs. The main DMV office is located in Olympia, providing comprehensive support for local drivers.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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.