Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elk Plain, WA
Thinking about moving to Elk Plain, WA? Home to around 15,000 residents, Elk Plain offers a blend of suburban space and affordability, with a median home price near $410,000 and average rents at $1,750. The area enjoys a moderate cost of living, commutes averaging 34 minutes, and access to quality local schools. While property crime is slightly above the national average, the area is family-oriented and surrounded by natural beauty typical of the Pacific Northwest. With mild summers, strong owner-occupancy, and nearby healthcare resources, Elk Plain is a great spot for families and outdoor lovers alike.
Demographics - Elk Plain, WA
Demographics - Elk Plain, WA
Elk Plain is a diverse community of approximately 15,000 residents, with a median age of 36 and a nearly even gender balance. The population reflects a blend of backgrounds, with around 10% non-English speakers and a majority identifying as White, alongside Black, Asian, and other groups. This suburban area offers a family-friendly atmosphere with moderate population density.
Population:
15,000
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.0%
Black:
6.0%
Asian:
5.5%
Others:
16.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elk Plain, WA?
Elk Plain's cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $410,000 and average rent at $1,750. Utilities and groceries are close to state norms, and Washington's lack of state income tax can help offset other expenses. Overall, residents enjoy reasonable living costs for the region, particularly in housing.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,030
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.5
Grocery:
106.0
Housing:
114.0
Utilities:
95.5
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Elk Plain, WA a safe place to live?
Elk Plain experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 230 violent crimes and 2,100 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 435, which is relatively low, while property crime is somewhat higher at 1 in 48. Prospective residents should consider these factors when choosing neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
230
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,330
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Elk Plain, WA year-round?
The climate in Elk Plain features mild, wet winters with average lows around 33°F and warm, pleasant summers peaking at 76°F. Rainfall is typical for the Pacific Northwest at 41 inches annually, and sunny days make up about 44% of the year. This weather supports year-round outdoor activities and lush natural scenery.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Households in Elk Plain tend to be comfortable, with median incomes around $88,000 and a poverty rate of just over 8%. Most residents are well-educated, with 91% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the average commute is about 34 minutes. The community has a low unemployment rate and a small percentage of public transit users, reflecting its suburban character.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$88,000
Family Income:
$94,000
Per Capita Income:
$33,000
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
8.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$1,750
Unemployment Rate:
5.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
34.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
24.5%
Education
How are the schools in Elk Plain, WA?
Elk Plain offers access to quality public and private schools, including the Elk Plain School of Choice and Bethel High School, both with manageable student-teacher ratios. The area is also close to higher education, with Pierce College and Pacific Lutheran University located within 15 miles. Families can expect a supportive educational environment from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Elk Plain School of Choice
Street:
22015 22nd Ave E
Phone:
253-683-7900
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.4
Name:
Bethel High School
Street:
22215 38th Ave E
Phone:
253-683-7000
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Private Schools
Name:
Bethel Baptist Christian School
Street:
524 176th St E
Phone:
253-537-2504
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Pierce College
City:
Puyallup
State:
WA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
7,900
Name:
Pacific Lutheran University
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Elk Plain residents have access to reputable healthcare, with major hospitals like MultiCare Good Samaritan and St. Clare Hospital nearby. The area benefits from above-average health insurance coverage at over 91% and a solid supply of physicians. This ensures families and individuals can find quality medical care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
401 15th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone:
(253) 697-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Clare Hospital
Address:
11315 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone:
(253) 985-1711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elk Plain, WA?
The housing market in Elk Plain is stable, with a median home price of $410,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74%. Rents average $1,750 for a two-bedroom, and the area sees modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates. This makes it a favorable environment for both homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing needs in Elk Plain are handled by the Washington State Department of Licensing in nearby Olympia, with convenient online and in-person services. Residents benefit from streamlined DMV processes and state-wide resources for all licensing requirements.
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.