Washington / Cowlitz County

Moving to Kelso, WA

Thinking of making a move to Kelso, 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 Kelso, WA

Considering a move to Kelso, WA? This welcoming community of 12,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $315,000 and average rents near $1,280. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kelso's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kelso, WA

Kelso has a population of 12,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 84% White, 1% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
12,000
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
37.8
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
84.0%
Black
1.0%
Asian
2.1%
Others
12.9%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Kelso is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.5. Median home values are around $315,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,280. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$315,000
Gross Rent
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 7.0%
Cost Of Living Index
98.5
Grocery
99.0
Housing
94.8
Utilities
104.2
Transportation
101.5
Health Care
96.8
Miscellaneous
97.2

Crime

Is Kelso, WA a safe place to live?

Kelso is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 320 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 36. 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
320
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,800
Crime Index
3,120
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 36

Weather

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

Kelso experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 35°F. The area receives about 55 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
35°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
81°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
55.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,000 and a low poverty rate of 14.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,500
Household Income
$63,000
Family Income
$72,000
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$43,000
Income Female
$34,500
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Non English Speakers
10.6%
Rent
$1,280
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.0%
Bachelors or More
17.8%

Education

How are the schools in Kelso, WA?

Kelso offers quality education options, with public schools like Coweeman Middle School and Kelso High 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
Coweeman Middle School
Street
2000 Allen St
Phone
360-501-1800
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
17.1
Name
Kelso High School
Street
1904 Allen St
Phone
360-501-1900
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0

Private Schools

Name
Assumption Catholic School
Street
216 Chutney Rd
Phone
360-423-4540
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Lower Columbia College
City
Longview
State
WA
Distance
4 miles
Students
3,100
Name
Washington State University Vancouver
City
Vancouver
State
WA
Distance
47 miles
Students
3,100

Healthcare

Kelso residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Longview-Kelso Medical Office nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 92.4% 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
Kaiser Permanente Longview-Kelso Medical Office
Address
1261 14th Ave, Longview, WA 98632
Phone
(833) 698-6610
Type
Medical Clinic
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kelso, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $315,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Kelso offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Kelso 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
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
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 Kelso, WA

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

Before moving to Kelso, review the core fields on this page: population 12,000, median home value $315,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,280, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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