Washington / County

Moving to Fort Lewis, WA

Thinking of making a move to Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, WA

Considering a move to Fort Lewis, WA? This welcoming community of 21,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $410,000 and average rents near $1,725. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (45% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Fort Lewis's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Fort Lewis, WA

Fort Lewis has a population of 21,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 24 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 58% White, 18% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
21,200
Density
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age
23.5
Gender Ratio
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
58.0%
Black
18.0%
Asian
5.5%
Others
18.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Fort Lewis, WA?

The cost of living in Fort Lewis is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 114.0. Median home values are around $410,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,725. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$410,000
Gross Rent
$1,725
Monthly Electricity Charges
$99
Auto Insurance
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
114.0
Grocery
108.5
Housing
120.3
Utilities
92.2
Transportation
104.7
Health Care
108.1
Miscellaneous
103.0

Crime

Is Fort Lewis, WA a safe place to live?

Fort Lewis is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 280 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. 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
280
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,420
Crime Index
1,700
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 357
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 70

Weather

What is the weather like in Fort Lewis, WA year-round?

Fort Lewis experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 45% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
62°F

Fall

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

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $62,500 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,000
Household Income
$62,500
Family Income
$68,200
Per Capita Income
$27,600
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$30,000
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
14.0%
Rent
$1,725
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
Public Transport Usage
2.5%
Commute Time
26.3 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.5%
Bachelors or More
22.3%

Education

How are the schools in Fort Lewis, WA?

Fort Lewis offers quality education options, with public schools like Evergreen Elementary School and Carter Lake Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and University of Washington Tacoma. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Evergreen Elementary School
Street
9010 Blaine Ave, Fort Lewis, WA 98433
Phone
253-583-5200
Students
670
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Carter Lake Elementary School
Street
3420 Lincoln Blvd SW, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98439
Phone
253-583-5220
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
15.7

Private Schools

Name
Saint John Bosco Catholic School
Street
11220 S. 86th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Phone
253-582-9161
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
City
Lakewood
State
WA
Distance
7 miles
Students
8,900
Name
University of Washington Tacoma
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
14 miles
Students
5,300

Healthcare

Fort Lewis residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Madigan Army Medical Center and St. Clare Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 91.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Madigan Army Medical Center
Address
9040 Fitzsimmons Dr, Fort Lewis, WA 98431
Phone
(253) 968-1110
Type
Military & General
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
St. Clare Hospital
Address
11315 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone
(253) 985-1711
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
91.5%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Fort Lewis, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $410,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 35%. The market has seen a 3.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Fort Lewis offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,725
Owner Occupied Rate
35.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.7%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Fort Lewis 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 98501
Phone
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 Fort Lewis, WA

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

Before moving to Fort Lewis, review the core fields on this page: population 21,200, median home value $410,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,725, commute time 26.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 45%.

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