Washington / County

Moving to Federal Way, WA

Thinking of making a move to Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, WA

Considering a move to Federal Way, WA? This welcoming community of 101,030 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $585,000 and average rents near $1,950. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Federal Way's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Federal Way, WA

Federal Way has a population of 101,030 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 38% White, 13% Black, and 22% Asian residents, and over 33% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
101,030
Density
4,500 per sq mi
Median Age
37.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
33.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
38.0%
Black
13.0%
Asian
21.5%
Others
27.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Federal Way, WA?

The cost of living in Federal Way is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 134.0. Median home values are around $585,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$585,000
Gross Rent
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 7.0%
Cost Of Living Index
134.0
Grocery
119.0
Housing
160.0
Utilities
103.5
Transportation
126.0
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
111.0

Crime

Is Federal Way, WA a safe place to live?

Federal Way 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 34. 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
2,950
Crime Index
3,240
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

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

Federal Way experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 37°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
37°F
Max
49°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $87,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.5%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 12% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,500
Household Income
$87,500
Family Income
$96,500
Per Capita Income
$35,500
Income Male
$49,500
Income Female
$40,500
Poverty Rate
11.5%
Non English Speakers
28.0%
Rent
$1,950
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
Public Transport Usage
11.5%
Commute Time
31.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
29.5%

Education

How are the schools in Federal Way, WA?

Federal Way offers quality education options, with public schools like Federal Way High School and Decatur High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Highline College and University of Washington Tacoma. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Federal Way High School
Street
30611 16th Ave S
Phone
253-945-5400
Students
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0
Name
Decatur High School
Street
2800 SW 320th St
Phone
253-945-5700
Students
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio
18.2

Private Schools

Name
Celebration Lutheran School
Street
2507 SW 320th St
Phone
253-839-4418
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Highline College
City
Des Moines
State
WA
Distance
8 miles
Students
17,000
Name
University of Washington Tacoma
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
15 miles
Students
5,500

Healthcare

Federal Way residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Francis Hospital and MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 92.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
St. Francis Hospital
Address
34515 9th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone
(253) 944-8100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Address
315 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone
(253) 403-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
92.8%
Health Care Index
78.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Federal Way, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $585,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Federal Way offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$585,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Federal Way 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 Federal Way, WA

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

Before moving to Federal Way, review the core fields on this page: population 101,030, median home value $585,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,950, commute time 31.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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