Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kelso, WA
Considering a move to Kelso, WA? This small city of 12,670 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents at $1,130. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 20.7 minutes and easy access to outdoor recreation, though property crime rates are higher than average. Kelso features mild Pacific Northwest weather, a supportive community, and proximity to local schools and healthcare, making it a practical base for families and individuals seeking value.
Demographics - Kelso, WA
Kelso, WA is home to approximately 12,670 residents, with a median age of 35.2 years and a gender balance close to even. The city is predominantly White, but also includes a mix of other ethnic groups and about 8.5% non-English speakers, reflecting some cultural diversity. Its moderate population density offers a small-town atmosphere with urban conveniences.
Population:
12,670
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
15.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kelso, WA?
Kelso offers a cost of living below the national average, with median home values at $285,000 and average rents around $1,130. Residents benefit from relatively low housing costs and state taxes that range from 0% to 9%. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation generally remain affordable, making Kelso a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,520
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.4
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
87.0
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
99.0
Health Care:
102.5
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Kelso, WA a safe place to live?
While Kelso maintains a moderate violent crime rate with a 1 in 290 chance, property crime occurs more frequently, with a 1 in 31 chance for residents. The overall crime index is higher than the national average, so newcomers should consider neighborhood safety when choosing a place to live. Community policing and awareness programs are important to the local area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
345
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,220
Crime Index:
3,565
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 290
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Kelso, WA year-round?
Kelso experiences classic Pacific Northwest weather, with mild summers reaching highs around 78°F and cool, wet winters averaging 45°F. The city receives about 50.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 46% of the year. This climate supports lush greenery and offers comfortable conditions for outdoor activities most months.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Kelso reflect a median household income of $54,900 and a family income of $62,300, with about 18.8% of residents living below the poverty line. Commute times are short, averaging just over 20 minutes, and most locals drive rather than use public transportation. The community is predominantly high school-educated, with a smaller percentage holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$54,900
Family Income:
$62,300
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$35,100
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
18.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
20.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Kelso, WA?
Kelso boasts a range of educational options, including public schools like Kelso High School and Beacon Hill Elementary, as well as private institutions such as Three Rivers Christian School. Higher education is nearby, with Lower Columbia College in Longview offering accessible programs just two miles away. These educational resources provide families with solid choices for K-12 and college-level learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Kelso High School
Street:
1904 Allen St
Phone:
360-501-1800
Students:
1,420
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Beacon Hill Elementary School
Street:
600 Roake Ave
Phone:
360-501-1500
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Private Schools
Name:
Three Rivers Christian School
Street:
2610 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview
Phone:
360-423-4510
Students:
390
Colleges
Name:
Lower Columbia College
City:
Longview
State:
WA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Kelso residents have convenient access to healthcare, primarily through PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in nearby Longview, which provides emergency and general services. The city boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91.5% and a physician availability of 1.7 per 1,000 people. Local healthcare is considered accessible and reliable for families and individuals.
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:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kelso, WA?
Kelso’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $285,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,130. About 48.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate and modest home appreciation. These factors make Kelso an attractive choice for both homebuyers and renters seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
The Washington State Department of Licensing serves Kelso residents, with the nearest office located in Vancouver. Residents can access driver and vehicle services both in-person and online via the official state website. The DMV provides essential support for licensing, vehicle registration, and related needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
11018 NE 51st Circle, 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.