Washington / Pierce County

Moving to Lakewood, WA

Thinking of making a move to Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, WA

Considering a move to Lakewood, WA? This welcoming community of 64,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $515,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 29 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 Lakewood's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lakewood, WA

Lakewood has a population of 64,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 55% White, 12% Black, and 10% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
64,500
Density
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age
34.2
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
17.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
55.0%
Black
12.0%
Asian
9.5%
Others
23.5%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Lakewood is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 130.4. Median home values are around $515,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$515,000
Gross Rent
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$760
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
130.4
Grocery
115.8
Housing
145.2
Utilities
108.6
Transportation
122.4
Health Care
112.3
Miscellaneous
110.5

Crime

Is Lakewood, WA a safe place to live?

Lakewood is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 360 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. 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
360
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
3,210
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

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

Lakewood experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 40 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
36°F
Max
46°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
78°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
47%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $84,000 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$43,500
Household Income
$84,000
Family Income
$92,500
Per Capita Income
$31,800
Income Male
$47,500
Income Female
$39,500
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
21.0%
Rent
$1,850
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Public Transport Usage
8.6%
Commute Time
28.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.5%
Bachelors or More
24.8%

Education

How are the schools in Lakewood, WA?

Lakewood offers quality education options, with public schools like Clover Park High School and Hudtloff Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Clover Park Technical College and University of Washington Tacoma. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Clover Park High School
Street
11023 Gravelly Lake Dr SW
Phone
253-583-5550
Students
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
17.1
Name
Hudtloff Middle School
Street
8102 Zircon Dr SW
Phone
253-583-5554
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0

Private Schools

Name
Clover Park Technical College - Early Learning Center
Street
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Phone
253-589-5800
Students
120

Colleges

Name
Clover Park Technical College
City
Lakewood
State
WA
Distance
2 miles
Students
7,000
Name
University of Washington Tacoma
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
10 miles
Students
5,700

Healthcare

Lakewood residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and St. Clare Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and 93.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Address
315 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone
(253) 403-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
St. Clare Hospital
Address
11315 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone
(253) 985-1711
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage
93.8%
Health Care Index
76.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lakewood, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $515,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.9%. Lakewood offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$515,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.6%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Lakewood 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 Lakewood, WA

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

Before moving to Lakewood, review the core fields on this page: population 64,500, median home value $515,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 28.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 47%.

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