Washington / Kittitas County

Moving to Ellensburg, WA

Thinking of making a move to Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg, WA

Considering a move to Ellensburg, WA? This welcoming community of 20,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $380,000 and average rents near $1,360. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (64% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ellensburg's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ellensburg, WA

Ellensburg has a population of 20,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 25 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 75% White, 2% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
20,200
Density
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age
25.3
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
74.5%
Black
2.0%
Asian
5.5%
Others
18.0%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Ellensburg is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 102.8. Median home values are around $380,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,360. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$380,000
Gross Rent
$1,360
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,560
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$610
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 7.0%
Cost Of Living Index
102.8
Grocery
101.5
Housing
108.4
Utilities
103.2
Transportation
98.7
Health Care
102.1
Miscellaneous
99.6

Crime

Is Ellensburg, WA a safe place to live?

Ellensburg is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 290 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 38. 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
290
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,650
Crime Index
2,940
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 38

Weather

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

Ellensburg experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 9 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 64% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
9.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
64%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.5%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 34% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,000
Household Income
$58,500
Family Income
$74,000
Per Capita Income
$28,200
Income Male
$39,000
Income Female
$32,500
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Non English Speakers
16.0%
Rent
$1,360
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Public Transport Usage
9.1%
Commute Time
16.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.4%
Bachelors or More
34.1%

Education

How are the schools in Ellensburg, WA?

Ellensburg offers quality education options, with public schools like Ellensburg High School and Morgan Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Central Washington University and Yakima Valley College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Ellensburg High School
Street
1203 E Capitol Ave
Phone
509-925-8300
Students
840
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0
Name
Morgan Middle School
Street
400 E Second Ave
Phone
509-925-8350
Students
560
Student Teacher Ratio
19.2

Private Schools

Name
Ellensburg Christian School
Street
321 E 3rd Ave
Phone
509-962-4040
Students
110

Colleges

Name
Central Washington University
City
Ellensburg
State
WA
Distance
0 miles
Students
9,500
Name
Yakima Valley College
City
Yakima
State
WA
Distance
44 miles
Students
6,500

Healthcare

Ellensburg residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Kittitas Valley Healthcare and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Kittitas Valley Healthcare
Address
603 S Chestnut St, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Phone
(509) 925-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital
Address
2811 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902
Phone
(509) 575-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ellensburg, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $380,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 46%. The market has seen a 3.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.4%. Ellensburg offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$380,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,360
Owner Occupied Rate
45.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.8%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Ellensburg handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. 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
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504
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 Ellensburg, WA

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

Before moving to Ellensburg, review the core fields on this page: population 20,200, median home value $380,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,360, commute time 16.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 64%.

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