Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Center, WA
Considering a move to La Center, WA? With a friendly population of 3,560, this small city offers affordable living, a median home price around $525,000, and average rents near $1,750. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, low violent crime (only 78 per 100k), and a 29-minute average commute—many to nearby Vancouver or Portland. The local schools are well-regarded, and the area features mild, rainy winters and pleasant summers. If you value community, safety, and access to nature, La Center could be your ideal next home.
Demographics - La Center, WA
Demographics - La Center, WA
La Center is a small, close-knit city of 3,560 people, with a median age of 38.2 and a population density of about 1,120 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with about 7.5% non-English speakers, reflecting some cultural diversity. The gender balance is nearly even, which contributes to the city's welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
3,560
Density:
1,120 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
10.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Center, WA?
La Center's cost of living is moderately above the national average, driven by a median home value of $525,000 and average gross rent of $1,750. While housing costs are relatively high, utility and healthcare expenses remain close to or slightly below national levels, and state income tax rates range from 0% to 9%. Overall, residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with reasonable living expenses for the Pacific Northwest.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,310
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
115.0
Grocery:
109.0
Housing:
124.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
108.0
Health Care:
105.0
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is La Center, WA a safe place to live?
La Center is a safe place to live, with a low violent crime rate of just 78 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,020 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing violent crime are 1 in 1,282, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. Community involvement and a small-town environment contribute to the area's overall safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
78
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,098
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in La Center, WA year-round?
Residents of La Center experience mild, wet winters with lows around 33°F and pleasant, dry summers with highs averaging 81°F. The city receives roughly 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. This balanced climate supports a lush landscape and outdoor recreational opportunities year-round.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
La Center is a family-oriented community with a median household income of $99,100 and a low poverty rate of 4.9%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the unemployment rate stands at 4.2%. The average commute is about 29 minutes, reflecting the city's proximity to larger employment centers like Vancouver and Portland.
Median Income:
$50,250
Household Income:
$99,100
Family Income:
$105,500
Per Capita Income:
$41,900
Income Male:
$54,800
Income Female:
$45,300
Poverty Rate:
4.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,750
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in La Center, WA?
La Center offers quality education through its public schools, including La Center Elementary, Middle, and High School, all with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Clark College in Vancouver, just 16 miles away. The community values academic achievement, with over 94% of residents holding a high school diploma or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
La Center Elementary School
Street:
700 E 4th St
Phone:
360-263-2134
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
La Center Middle School
Street:
2001 NE Lockwood Creek Rd
Phone:
360-263-2136
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
La Center High School
Street:
725 NE Highland Rd
Phone:
360-263-1700
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.0

Colleges
Name:
Clark College
City:
Vancouver
State:
WA
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
11,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in La Center is easily accessible, with major hospitals such as Legacy Salmon Creek and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center located in nearby Vancouver. The city has a high health insurance coverage rate of 94% and about 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents. This ensures residents have quality medical care and emergency services within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center
Address:
2211 NE 139th St, Vancouver, WA 98686
Phone:
(360) 487-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
Address:
400 NE Mother Joseph Pl, Vancouver, WA 98664
Phone:
(360) 514-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.0%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Center, WA?
La Center's housing market is robust, featuring a median home price of $525,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 79%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,750 and a low vacancy rate of 4.4%. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% over the past year, signaling a stable investment for homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services for La Center residents are provided by the Washington State Department of Licensing at 11018 NE 51st Circle in Vancouver. The department offers convenient access for vehicle registration, licensing, and other related services. Residents can also access information and resources online at the official state website.
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.