Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fords Prairie, WA
Thinking about moving to Fords Prairie, WA? With a small-town feel and a population of around 2,400, Fords Prairie offers affordable living, with median home values at $355,000 and rents averaging $1,280. Residents enjoy short commutes of about 22 minutes and access to local schools and healthcare, including Providence Centralia Hospital. Crime rates are moderate, and the area features a mild climate with cool, wet winters and pleasant summers—perfect for those who appreciate a close-knit community and the charm of the Pacific Northwest.
Demographics - Fords Prairie, WA
Demographics - Fords Prairie, WA
Fords Prairie is a close-knit community of about 2,400 residents, with a median age of just over 40 and a population density that supports a small-town atmosphere. The area is predominantly White, with a modest proportion of non-English speakers and a gender ratio that is nearly balanced. Residents can expect a friendly, stable environment reflective of classic Pacific Northwest values.
Population:
2,400
Density:
670 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
11.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fords Prairie, WA?
The cost of living in Fords Prairie is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 102.7 and median home values at $355,000. Monthly rents average $1,280, and other expenses like utilities and groceries are generally in line with statewide figures, making it an affordable option for families and retirees alike. Washington's state tax rates range from 0% to 9%, providing residents with some tax flexibility.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$560
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.7
Grocery:
103.5
Housing:
98.3
Utilities:
99.7
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
104.1
Miscellaneous:
100.2
Crime
Is Fords Prairie, WA a safe place to live?
Fords Prairie experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of property crime at about 1 in 46 and violent crime at 1 in 488, which is typical for small towns in the region. The overall crime index suggests that, while residents should remain cautious, the area maintains a generally safe environment. Most residents feel secure benefiting from the community-oriented nature of the town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,385
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 488
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Fords Prairie, WA year-round?
The climate in Fords Prairie features cool, wet winters with lows around 33°F and mild, pleasant summers reaching up to 77°F. The area receives nearly 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 42% of the year. This weather supports lush, green surroundings and is ideal for those who appreciate distinct seasons in the Pacific Northwest.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
Local residents enjoy a median household income of $68,000 and a family income of $77,000, with most adults having completed high school and a modest percentage holding a bachelor's degree. The community has a 12.7% poverty rate and an unemployment rate of 5.6%, reflecting a stable yet diverse socioeconomic profile. Commutes are short, averaging around 21.5 minutes, and public transportation usage remains low.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$68,000
Family Income:
$77,000
Per Capita Income:
$30,800
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
12.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,280
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.1%
Bachelors or More:
18.3%
Education
How are the schools in Fords Prairie, WA?
Families in Fords Prairie benefit from well-rated local schools, including Fords Prairie Elementary and Centralia Middle School, both offering supportive class sizes. Private education is available at St. Joseph School, while Centralia College provides higher education opportunities just two miles away. The community values lifelong learning, making it a great place for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Fords Prairie Elementary School
Street:
2640 Reynolds Ave, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone:
360-330-7633
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Centralia Middle School
Street:
901 Johnson Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone:
360-330-7619
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph School
Street:
123 S Gold St, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone:
360-736-7812
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Centralia College
City:
Centralia
State:
WA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Fords Prairie is anchored by Providence Centralia Hospital, offering general and emergency services just a short drive away. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and 92% health insurance coverage, locals have reliable access to medical care. The healthcare index of 77.8 suggests services are both accessible and affordable for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence Centralia Hospital
Address:
914 S Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone:
(360) 736-2803
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fords Prairie, WA?
The Fords Prairie housing market is characterized by a median home price of $355,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,280, making homeownership attainable for many. With 68.1% of homes owner-occupied and a 2.7% annual appreciation rate, the area offers stable investment potential. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, pointing to a balanced and healthy market.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Fords Prairie are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, with the main office located in nearby Olympia. Essential vehicle and licensing services are easily accessible both in person and online. The department provides convenient resources for registration, licensing, and driving needs.
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.