Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ephrata, WA
Considering a move to Ephrata, WA? With a close-knit population of about 9,000, Ephrata offers affordable living—median home prices are around $268,000 and rents average $1,080. Enjoy short commute times (16 minutes on average), a lower-than-average violent crime rate (138 per 100K), and over 74% sunny days each year. The city is family-friendly with good local schools and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it a great spot for those seeking value and a relaxed pace in central Washington.
Demographics - Ephrata, WA
Demographics - Ephrata, WA
Ephrata is a small city of nearly 9,000 residents with a median age of 35, offering a balanced gender ratio and a diverse community where over 14% speak a language other than English at home. The city's population density provides a suburban feel, making it appealing for families and individuals seeking a close-knit environment.
Population:
8,950
Density:
1,140 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
73.8%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
24.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ephrata, WA?
Ephrata boasts an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $268,000 and average rents at $1,080 per month. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$268,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$112
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,475
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.5
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
89.2
Utilities:
104.8
Transportation:
98.7
Health Care:
99.6
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Ephrata, WA a safe place to live?
Ephrata experiences a relatively low violent crime rate, with about 138 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 724 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city maintains a sense of safety compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
138
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,290
Crime Index:
1,428
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 724
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Ephrata, WA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm, dry summers reaching highs near 89°F and mild winters averaging lows around 22°F. Ephrata receives about 8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 74% of the year, perfect for those who value outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
35°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
8.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $58,800, with a family income around $67,200 and a poverty rate of 13.4%. Most residents have short commutes of about 16 minutes, and the community is primarily car-dependent, with minimal use of public transportation.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$58,800
Family Income:
$67,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,100
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
14.1%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.8%
Bachelors or More:
22.6%
Education
How are the schools in Ephrata, WA?
Ephrata offers quality public education with schools like Ephrata High School and Columbia Ridge Elementary, maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Big Bend Community College is located just 18 miles away in Moses Lake, expanding educational opportunities for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Ephrata High School
Street:
333 4th Ave NW
Phone:
509-754-5282
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Columbia Ridge Elementary School
Street:
995 D Street SE
Phone:
509-754-2882
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.7

Colleges
Name:
Big Bend Community College
City:
Moses Lake
State:
WA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Ephrata residents have access to medical care at nearby Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, and about 91% of locals are insured. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare is accessible, supporting the needs of this small community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Samaritan Hospital
Address:
801 E Wheeler Rd, Moses Lake, WA 98837
Phone:
(509) 765-5606
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ephrata, WA?
The housing market in Ephrata is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $268,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 69%. Home values have appreciated modestly in recent years, and rental vacancies remain low, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$268,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Ephrata residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, with full services available at the Kennewick office and convenient access to online resources. This makes vehicle registration and licensing straightforward for newcomers.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
3311 W Clearwater Ave #200, Kennewick, WA 99336
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.