Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gig Harbor, WA
Thinking of moving to Gig Harbor, WA? This picturesque waterfront city boasts a population of 12,411 and a median home price of $729,000, reflecting its high desirability and scenic surroundings. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, excellent schools with over 50% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a relatively low violent crime rate of 105 per 100K. With an average commute of 32 minutes, 43% sunny days, and access to top-tier healthcare, Gig Harbor offers a safe, vibrant lifestyle with Pacific Northwest charm.
Demographics - Gig Harbor, WA
Demographics - Gig Harbor, WA
Gig Harbor is home to around 12,400 residents, with a median age of 47.3, offering a mature, family-friendly environment. The population is predominantly White, and about 8.6% speak a language other than English, reflecting modest diversity in this small, close-knit community.
Population:
12,411
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.3
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gig Harbor, WA?
With a median home value of $729,000 and a cost of living index significantly above the national average, Gig Harbor is considered a relatively upscale area. Everyday expenses like rent, groceries, and healthcare are also higher than average, but state income tax rates remain competitive.
Median House Value:
$729,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,690
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.2
Grocery:
117.5
Housing:
192.3
Utilities:
91.7
Transportation:
128.0
Health Care:
129.1
Miscellaneous:
112.4
Crime
Is Gig Harbor, WA a safe place to live?
Gig Harbor boasts a low violent crime rate of 105 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crimes are more common, but overall, the city maintains a reputation for safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
105
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,982
Crime Index:
2,087
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 955
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Gig Harbor, WA year-round?
Residents experience mild Pacific Northwest weather, with summer highs averaging 76°F and winter lows around 36°F. The city sees about 42 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny days roughly 43% of the year, creating a lush, green landscape.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Gig Harbor’s households enjoy a median income of nearly $89,000, and over half the residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area has a low poverty rate of 7.1% and a strong sense of community, with most people commuting about 32 minutes to work.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$88,768
Family Income:
$110,200
Per Capita Income:
$54,300
Income Male:
$62,300
Income Female:
$46,200
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.6%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
32.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
50.9%
Education
How are the schools in Gig Harbor, WA?
Gig Harbor is known for its strong public and private schools, with favorable student-teacher ratios and a high level of educational attainment. Nearby higher education options include Tacoma Community College and the University of Washington Tacoma, both within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Purdy Elementary School
Street:
1320 36th St NW
Phone:
253-530-4600
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1
Name:
Gig Harbor High School
Street:
5101 Rosedale St NW
Phone:
253-530-1400
Students:
1,380
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1

Private Schools
Name:
Harbor Christian Schools
Street:
4819 Hunt St NW
Phone:
253-851-5722
Students:
170

Colleges
Name:
Tacoma Community College
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
6,200
Name:
University of Washington Tacoma
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Gig Harbor offers excellent healthcare access, anchored by St. Anthony Hospital and a high physician-to-population ratio. Nearly 95% of residents have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive medical support in the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Anthony Hospital
Address:
11567 Canterwood Blvd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Phone:
(253) 530-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
82.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gig Harbor, WA?
The housing market in Gig Harbor is robust, with a median home price of $729,000 and most homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $2,100, while home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$729,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents can conveniently access the Washington State Department of Licensing in Gig Harbor for all motor vehicle and licensing needs. The office provides a full range of DMV services at a central location in the city.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
Gig Harbor Licensing Agency, 5114 Point Fosdick Dr NW Suite F, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.