Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lakewood, WA
Thinking about moving to Lakewood, WA? With a population of 63,612, Lakewood offers affordable living with median home prices around $419,000 and average rents at $1,480. Commute times average 28 minutes, and while the cost of living is just above the national average, the city boasts easy access to healthcare, nearby technical colleges, and diverse schools. Keep in mind Lakewood's property crime rates are higher than average, but you'll enjoy a mild climate, lush parks, and a welcoming, multicultural community.
Demographics - Lakewood, WA
Demographics - Lakewood, WA
Lakewood is a diverse and vibrant city of about 63,600 residents, featuring a median age of 36.5 years and a fairly balanced gender ratio. Nearly half the population identifies as White, with significant Asian and Black communities, and over 20% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This multicultural environment provides a blend of traditions and perspectives, making Lakewood welcoming to newcomers.
Population:
63,612
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
20.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
48.0%
Black:
12.0%
Asian:
13.3%
Others:
26.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lakewood, WA?
Lakewood's cost of living is slightly higher than the U.S. average, with a cost of living index of 111.8. Median home values are around $419,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,480, offering relatively affordable housing for the region. Essential expenses like groceries and utilities are close to national norms, while transportation and healthcare costs are a bit above average.
Median House Value:
$419,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
111.8
Grocery:
109.6
Housing:
112.1
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
114.2
Health Care:
113.3
Miscellaneous:
104.1
Crime
Is Lakewood, WA a safe place to live?
Lakewood experiences higher-than-average property crime, with about 4,495 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate stands at 493 per 100,000. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 22, so residents are encouraged to take standard safety precautions. Despite this, many people find the community-oriented atmosphere helps foster a sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
493
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,495
Crime Index:
4,988
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 203
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 22
Weather
What is the weather like in Lakewood, WA year-round?
Lakewood enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, with summer highs reaching around 77°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 36°F. The city receives about 39.5 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 43% of the year. Residents appreciate the comfortable temperatures and lush greenery resulting from the moderate Pacific Northwest weather.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Lakewood's neighborhoods are characterized by a welcoming, multicultural community with a median household income of $63,300 and a poverty rate of 14.9%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is just under 28 minutes. The area features a mix of renters and homeowners, reflecting its economic diversity and accessibility.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$63,300
Family Income:
$71,500
Per Capita Income:
$32,100
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$36,900
Poverty Rate:
14.9%
Non English Speakers:
20.2%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
3.2%
Commute Time:
27.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
21.6%
Education
How are the schools in Lakewood, WA?
Lakewood is home to diverse educational opportunities, with public schools like Lakes High School and Lochburn Middle School, as well as private options such as St. Frances Cabrini School. Higher education is readily available through Clover Park Technical College and Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, both located within the city. This range of institutions supports students from kindergarten through advanced career training.
Public Schools
Name:
Lakes High School
Street:
10320 Farwest Dr SW
Phone:
253-583-5550
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Lochburn Middle School
Street:
5431 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Phone:
253-583-5400
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Frances Cabrini School
Street:
5010 112th St SW
Phone:
253-584-3850
Students:
260
Colleges
Name:
Clover Park Technical College
City:
Lakewood
State:
WA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
City:
Lakewood
State:
WA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,900
Healthcare
Lakewood offers convenient access to healthcare, with major facilities like St. Clare Hospital and MultiCare Lakewood Clinic serving the community. There are about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 91% of people have health insurance coverage. These resources ensure residents receive quality care, from emergency services to routine checkups.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Clare Hospital
Address:
11315 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone:
(253) 985-1711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MultiCare Lakewood Clinic
Address:
5700 100th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone:
(253) 459-7200
Type:
Outpatient & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lakewood, WA?
The Lakewood housing market features a median home price of $419,000 and an average rent of $1,480 for a two-bedroom unit, making it accessible for both buyers and renters. About 45% of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a steady appreciation rate of nearly 4% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain moderate, providing a variety of options for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$419,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can conveniently access vehicle and licensing services through the Washington State Department of Licensing office located on Steilacoom Blvd in Lakewood. Services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential DMV needs. The office is easily reachable for all Lakewood residents.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
5125 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.