Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kalama, WA
Thinking of moving to Kalama, WA? This friendly riverside community of around 2,950 offers affordable living with a median home price of $382,000 and average rent near $1,350. Residents enjoy a peaceful, small-town feel, low violent crime rates (115 per 100k), and an average commute of under 28 minutes. Kalama boasts quality schools, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a mild, rainy climate—making it a great spot for those seeking a relaxed Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
Demographics - Kalama, WA
Demographics - Kalama, WA
Kalama is a small city with a population of about 2,950, characterized by a predominantly White community and a median age of 40.2 years. The population density is moderate at 630 people per square mile, and about 5.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is balanced, making Kalama a welcoming place for families and individuals alike.
Population:
2,950
Density:
630 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
7.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kalama, WA?
Living in Kalama is moderately affordable, with a median home value of $382,000 and average rent around $1,350 per month. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 105.8, and residents benefit from no state income tax in Washington. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are generally in line with regional expectations, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$382,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0% (No state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
105.8
Grocery:
102.0
Housing:
110.5
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
104.7
Health Care:
101.3
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Kalama, WA a safe place to live?
Kalama enjoys a low violent crime rate of 115 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a sense of safety in their daily lives. Property crime is more common at 1,250 per 100,000, but overall, the city is considered secure by regional standards. Residents have a 1 in 870 chance of experiencing violent crime, making Kalama a relatively safe community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
115
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,365
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 870
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Kalama, WA year-round?
Kalama experiences a mild, rainy climate with cool winters averaging between 34°F and 46°F and comfortable summers peaking at 81°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 42% of the year. This climate supports lush landscapes and a classic Pacific Northwest outdoor lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
Residents of Kalama have a median household income of $72,500 and a relatively low poverty rate of 10.1%. Most adults have completed high school, and about one in five hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is under 28 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the town’s small size and close-knit community.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$72,500
Family Income:
$84,000
Per Capita Income:
$33,500
Income Male:
$46,500
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
20.6%
Education
How are the schools in Kalama, WA?
Kalama offers quality public education through its elementary and high schools, both located centrally and featuring favorable student-to-teacher ratios. For higher education, Lower Columbia College is just 11 miles away, providing convenient access to college-level courses and continuing education. The community values learning, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Kalama High School
Street:
548 China Garden Rd
Phone:
360-673-5212
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Name:
Kalama Elementary School
Street:
548 China Garden Rd
Phone:
360-673-5207
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Colleges
Name:
Lower Columbia College
City:
Longview
State:
WA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Kalama residents have access to quality healthcare, with the nearby PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city benefits from a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.8% and 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people. These factors make healthcare accessible and reliable for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
Address:
1615 Delaware St, Longview, WA 98632
Phone:
(360) 414-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kalama, WA?
The housing market in Kalama features a median home price of $382,000 and an average rent of $1,350 for a two-bedroom unit. Homeownership is high at 71%, and the area has seen home values appreciate by 4.7% over the past year. With a low foreclosure rate and a moderate rental vacancy rate, Kalama offers stable options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$382,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Kalama residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, with the nearest office conveniently located in Vancouver. Services such as driver’s licensing, vehicle registration, and more can be accessed both in person and online. The department provides resources to help newcomers get settled with their transportation needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
11018 NE 51st Cir, Vancouver, WA 98682
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.