Washington / Cowlitz County

Moving to Kalama, WA

Thinking of making a move to Kalama, 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 Kalama, WA

Considering a move to Kalama, WA? This welcoming community of 2,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $425,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (47% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kalama's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kalama, WA

Kalama has a population of 2,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 84% White, 1% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,700
Density
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age
41.2
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
84.0%
Black
0.8%
Asian
2.6%
Others
12.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Kalama, WA?

The cost of living in Kalama is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 110.2. Median home values are around $425,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$425,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$690
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
110.2
Grocery
104.5
Housing
116.8
Utilities
102.7
Transportation
107.4
Health Care
101.9
Miscellaneous
103.6

Crime

Is Kalama, WA a safe place to live?

Kalama is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 68. 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
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,480
Crime Index
1,690
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 68

Weather

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

Kalama experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 47% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
53°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
47%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $86,000 and a low poverty rate of 9.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,500
Household Income
$86,000
Family Income
$92,500
Per Capita Income
$35,900
Income Male
$51,000
Income Female
$41,500
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Non English Speakers
14.0%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
31.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.8%
Bachelors or More
18.6%

Education

How are the schools in Kalama, WA?

Kalama offers quality education options, with public schools like Kalama Elementary School and Kalama Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lower Columbia College and Washington State University Vancouver. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kalama Elementary School
Street
548 China Garden Rd
Phone
360-673-5125
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
16.0
Name
Kalama Middle School
Street
548 China Garden Rd
Phone
360-673-5125
Students
250
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2

Private Schools

Name
Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School
Street
9000 NE 64th Ave
Phone
360-253-7731
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Lower Columbia College
City
Longview
State
WA
Distance
11 miles
Students
2,300
Name
Washington State University Vancouver
City
Vancouver
State
WA
Distance
35 miles
Students
3,100

Healthcare

Kalama residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 91.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Name
Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center
Address
2211 NE 139th St, Vancouver, WA 98686
Phone
(360) 487-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
91.6%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kalama, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $425,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.4%. Kalama offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$425,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Kalama 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
PO Box 9048, Olympia, WA 98507-9048
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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 Kalama, WA

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

Before moving to Kalama, review the core fields on this page: population 2,700, median home value $425,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 31.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 47%.

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