Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ilwaco, WA
Thinking about moving to Ilwaco, WA? This charming coastal town of around 990 residents offers affordable housing with median home prices at $325,000 and rents averaging $1,100. Ilwaco boasts a relaxed lifestyle, short 14-minute average commutes, and beautiful Pacific Northwest weather—though expect more rain and fewer sunny days than average. Crime rates are low, and while educational attainment is modest, local schools have small class sizes. Enjoy scenic natural surroundings, access to local healthcare, and a peaceful pace of life perfect for those seeking a close-knit community.
Demographics - Ilwaco, WA
Demographics - Ilwaco, WA
Ilwaco is a small coastal town with a population of about 990, offering a close-knit community feel. The median age is 54, reflecting a mature population, and the town is predominantly White with some diversity. Most residents speak English at home, with a small percentage of non-English speakers.
Population:
990
Density:
800 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
9.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ilwaco, WA?
Ilwaco has a moderate cost of living, with median home values around $325,000 and average rents at $1,100. Utilities and groceries are slightly above the national average, but residents benefit from no state income tax. Overall, living costs are manageable, particularly for homeowners.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
110.4
Grocery:
106.5
Housing:
120.3
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
105.1
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Ilwaco, WA a safe place to live?
Ilwaco experiences low crime rates, with violent crimes being rare and property crime risks below national averages. Residents enjoy a relatively safe environment, with a 1 in 633 chance of experiencing violent crime. The town's peaceful atmosphere adds to its appeal for those seeking safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
158
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,578
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 633
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Ilwaco, WA year-round?
Ilwaco's weather is mild year-round, featuring cool summers with highs in the upper 60s and mild winters with lows just above freezing. The area receives significant rainfall—about 84 inches annually—and enjoys fewer sunny days compared to many U.S. cities. This climate supports lush scenery and a true Pacific Northwest experience.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
84.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
The community in Ilwaco has a median household income of about $49,200, with a notable portion of residents living on modest means. Most neighbors have completed high school, and daily life features short average commutes of around 14 minutes. The overall vibe is relaxed, with a higher-than-average poverty rate and low reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$49,200
Family Income:
$59,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$33,200
Income Female:
$25,600
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
14.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ilwaco, WA?
Ilwaco's local schools offer small class sizes, with Ilwaco High School and Hilltop School serving the community and student-teacher ratios around 15:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Grays Harbor College, about 49 miles away. Educational attainment is solid, with most adults having completed high school and nearly one in five holding a bachelor’s degree.
Public Schools
Name:
Ilwaco High School
Street:
404 School Rd
Phone:
360-642-3731
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Hilltop School
Street:
404 School Rd
Phone:
360-642-3242
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Colleges
Name:
Grays Harbor College
City:
Aberdeen
State:
WA
Distance:
49 miles
Students:
1,950
Healthcare
Ilwaco is served by Ocean Beach Hospital, a critical access facility offering emergency services right in town. Healthcare coverage is strong, with over 91% of residents insured, and there are 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Residents have convenient access to essential medical care within their community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ocean Beach Hospital
Address:
174 1st Ave N, Ilwaco, WA 98624
Phone:
(360) 642-3181
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ilwaco, WA?
The housing market in Ilwaco is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $325,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,100. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area has experienced steady appreciation at just over 6% in the past year. Rental options are available with a moderate vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Ilwaco residents handle licensing and registration through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia, with easy access to online services. The DMV provides comprehensive support for vehicle and driver needs. Residents benefit from streamlined processes and statewide resources.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
400 Union Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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.