Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Lewis, VA
Considering a move to Fort Lewis, VA? This friendly community of about 4,120 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $275,000 and average rents around $1,130. Enjoy a low crime rate (186 violent crimes per 100K), short 23-minute commutes, and access to reputable healthcare and schools. With 61% sunny days each year and a welcoming small-town feel, Fort Lewis is a great option for families and those seeking a relaxed Virginia lifestyle.
Demographics - Fort Lewis, VA
Demographics - Fort Lewis, VA
Fort Lewis has a close-knit community of around 4,120 residents, with a median age of 36.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White (82.5%), with a modest mix of other ethnicities and about 6.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The overall population density and youthful demographic make it appealing for both families and young professionals.
Population:
4,120
Density:
220 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
10.8%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Lewis, VA?
Living in Fort Lewis is quite affordable, with a median home value of $275,000 and average rent at $1,130. The cost of living index sits slightly below the national average, especially for housing and groceries, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious households. Utility and healthcare costs are just above national norms, but overall expenses remain manageable.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.2
Grocery:
94.8
Housing:
89.7
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
98.9
Health Care:
102.1
Miscellaneous:
99.3
Crime
Is Fort Lewis, VA a safe place to live?
Fort Lewis is a safe community, reporting only 186 violent crimes and 1,540 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a relatively low chance of encountering crime, with a 1 in 538 risk for violent crime. The overall crime rate supports a family-friendly and secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
186
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,726
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 538
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Lewis, VA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging 25°F to 43°F and warm summers reaching up to 87°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 61% sunny days, making it pleasant for outdoor activities throughout most of the year. Seasonal transitions are gentle, providing comfortable living conditions year-round.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in Fort Lewis typically earn a median income of $64,300, and the poverty rate is moderately low at 11.5%. Educational attainment is strong, with over 90% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. The average commute is just over 23 minutes, reflecting a convenient and accessible local lifestyle.
Median Income:
$39,500
Household Income:
$64,300
Family Income:
$73,000
Per Capita Income:
$30,100
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
27.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Lewis, VA?
Families benefit from reputable public schools like Fort Lewis Elementary and Glenvar Middle, both offering strong student-teacher ratios. The city is also near private school options and higher education institutions like Roanoke College and Virginia Western Community College within a short drive. This variety ensures quality educational opportunities for all ages in and around Fort Lewis.
Public Schools
Name:
Fort Lewis Elementary School
Street:
3115 W Main St
Phone:
540-387-6594
Students:
385
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Glenvar Middle School
Street:
4555 Malus Dr
Phone:
540-387-6322
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Roanoke Valley Christian Schools
Street:
6520 Williamson Rd
Phone:
540-366-2432
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Roanoke College
City:
Salem
State:
VA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,900
Name:
Virginia Western Community College
City:
Roanoke
State:
VA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
8,300
Healthcare
Fort Lewis residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like LewisGale Medical Center and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital nearby. The city has 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% of residents are covered by health insurance. Healthcare services are comprehensive and readily available to support community wellness.
Major Hospitals
Name:
LewisGale Medical Center
Address:
1900 Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153
Phone:
(540) 776-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Address:
1906 Belleview Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24014
Phone:
(540) 981-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Lewis, VA?
The housing market in Fort Lewis is stable, with a median home price of $275,000 and 72.5% of homes owner-occupied. Rent for a typical two-bedroom apartment averages $1,130, and the area enjoys a healthy home appreciation rate of 4.2% over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a robust and appealing market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Fort Lewis residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Richmond. DMV services can be accessed online, by phone, or at regional offices for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle needs. Convenient access to essential DMV services supports the transportation needs of the community.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone:
804-497-7100
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.