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 63,612 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $419,000 and average rents near $1,480. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (43% 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 63,612 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 48% White, 12% Black, and 13% Asian residents, and over 20% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Lakewood is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 111.8. Median home values are around $419,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,480. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 493 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 22. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 43% 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
77°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
43%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,300 and a low poverty rate of 14.9%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Lakes High School and Lochburn 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 Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Clare Hospital and MultiCare Lakewood Clinic nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $419,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 45%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.4%. Lakewood offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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 of Lakewood handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Lakewood. 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
5125 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
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 63,612, median home value $419,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,480, commute time 27.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 43%.

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