Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Lawton, WA
Considering a move to Fort Lawton, WA? This small, historic neighborhood of about 1,200 residents offers a scenic setting within Seattle, with median home prices around $930,000 and average rents near $2,350. Enjoy a moderate climate, highly rated schools, and easy access to parks and medical centers. The area boasts high educational attainment (57% with a bachelor’s or more), low unemployment, and a quick 30-minute average commute, though property crime rates run higher than average. Check out the details below to see if Fort Lawton is the right fit for your next chapter.
Demographics - Fort Lawton, WA
Demographics - Fort Lawton, WA
Fort Lawton is a close-knit Seattle neighborhood with an estimated population of 1,200 and a median age of 38.5. The community is ethnically diverse, with 65% White, 15% Asian, and 7% Black residents, and about 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density offer a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
Est. 1,200
Density:
Approx. 1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
65.0%
Black:
7.0%
Asian:
15.0%
Others:
13.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Lawton, WA?
Living in Fort Lawton comes with a high cost of living, reflected by a median home value of $930,000 and average rents around $2,350. Expenses for groceries, transportation, and healthcare are above the national average, though utilities remain relatively affordable. Washington's lack of a state income tax can offer some financial relief for residents.
Median House Value:
$930,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
168.0
Grocery:
120.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
90.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Fort Lawton, WA a safe place to live?
Fort Lawton experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 3,000 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains relatively low at 340 per 100,000. Residents should take standard precautions, but the overall sense of safety is enhanced by the neighborhood's small size and community feel. The chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 33.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
340
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,000
Crime Index:
3,340
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 295
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Lawton, WA year-round?
The area enjoys mild, damp winters with lows around 36°F and warm, comfortable summers with highs up to 76°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.5 inches, and about 47% of days are sunny, offering a balance of greenery and outdoor opportunities. The climate is ideal for those who appreciate moderate temperatures year-round.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Residents of Fort Lawton enjoy strong household incomes, averaging around $128,000, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. The community is highly educated, with 57% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Commute times average just under 30 minutes, with nearly one in five using public transportation.
Median Income:
$62,500
Household Income:
$128,000
Family Income:
$142,000
Per Capita Income:
$62,000
Income Male:
$71,000
Income Female:
$56,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
19.0%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.0%
Bachelors or More:
57.0%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Lawton, WA?
Families in Fort Lawton benefit from well-regarded public schools like Lawton Elementary and Catharine Blaine K-8, both offering supportive environments and favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education options and proximity to major higher education institutions, such as Seattle Pacific University and the University of Washington, enhance local learning opportunities. The community's strong educational attainment helps foster a culture of academic achievement.

Public Schools
Name:
Lawton Elementary School
Street:
4000 27th Ave W
Phone:
206-252-2130
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Catharine Blaine K-8
Street:
2550 34th Ave W
Phone:
206-252-1920
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Fatima School
Street:
3301 W Dravus St
Phone:
206-283-7031
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Seattle Pacific University
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,600
Name:
University of Washington
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
48,000
Healthcare
Fort Lawton residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like UW Medical Center – Northwest and Swedish Ballard Campus nearby. The area has about 3.1 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 95% of residents have health insurance. High-quality medical services and emergency care are readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UW Medical Center – Northwest
Address:
1550 N 115th St, Seattle, WA 98133
Phone:
(206) 668-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Swedish Ballard Campus
Address:
5300 Tallman Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone:
(206) 782-2700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Lawton, WA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $930,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $2,350. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady appreciation, with a 3.5% increase over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a stable and desirable community.
Median Home Price:
$930,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Fort Lawton residents can access the Washington State Department of Licensing in Olympia for driver's licenses and vehicle registration. The department provides comprehensive online resources and customer service at 360-902-3900. Washington offers convenient DMV services for both new and current residents.
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.