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 $484,000 and average rents near $1,730. 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 (44% 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 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 39% White, 11% Black, and 17% Asian residents, and over 21% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
101,030
Density
3,300 per sq mi
Median Age
36.4
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
20.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
39.2%
Black
11.1%
Asian
17.3%
Others
32.4%

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 122.5. Median home values are around $484,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,730. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$484,000
Gross Rent
$1,730
Monthly Electricity Charges
$104
Auto Insurance
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$755
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
122.5
Grocery
117.7
Housing
140.9
Utilities
97.6
Transportation
108.2
Health Care
111.2
Miscellaneous
104.0

Crime

Is Federal Way, WA a safe place to live?

Federal Way is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 356 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. 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
356
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,160
Crime Index
3,516
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 281
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

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

Federal Way experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 44% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
44%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $77,200 and a low poverty rate of 9.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 6% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,300
Household Income
$77,200
Family Income
$88,000
Per Capita Income
$34,900
Income Male
$48,600
Income Female
$41,900
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Non English Speakers
31.6%
Rent
$1,730
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
5.6%
Commute Time
32.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.4%
Bachelors or More
28.6%

Education

How are the schools in Federal Way, WA?

Federal Way offers quality education options, with public schools like Federal Way High School and Lakota Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Highline College and Green River College. 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
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
20.7
Name
Lakota Middle School
Street
1415 S 314th St
Phone
253-945-4800
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
18.3

Private Schools

Name
St. Vincent de Paul School
Street
30527 8th Ave S
Phone
253-839-3532
Students
210

Colleges

Name
Highline College
City
Des Moines
State
WA
Distance
7 miles
Students
15,100
Name
Green River College
City
Auburn
State
WA
Distance
10 miles
Students
7,900

Healthcare

Federal Way residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Francis Hospital and MultiCare Auburn Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 91.8% 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) 944-4100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center
Address
202 N Division St, Auburn, WA 98001
Phone
(253) 833-7711
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
76.3

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $484,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 2.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Federal Way offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$484,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,730
Owner Occupied Rate
55.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
2.7%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

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
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
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 $484,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,730, commute time 32.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 44%.

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