Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mckenna, WA
Thinking of moving to Mckenna, WA? With a small-town feel and a population of about 550, Mckenna offers affordable living with median home prices around $420,000 and rents near $1,650. Residents enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, low crime rates (violent crime: 175 per 100K), and easy commutes averaging 35 minutes. The area boasts access to good public schools and the scenic Pacific Northwest climate—mild summers and lush, green winters. If you're seeking a close-knit community with access to city amenities nearby, Mckenna is a great place to call home.
Demographics - Mckenna, WA
Demographics - Mckenna, WA
Mckenna is a close-knit community of about 550 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 41.2 years. The population is predominantly White, but there is also some ethnic diversity, and about 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
550
Density:
170 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
11.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mckenna, WA?
Living in Mckenna comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, driven by a median home value of $420,000 and average rent of $1,650. Housing costs are higher than the U.S. average, while utilities and transportation are moderately priced, and Washington’s sales tax tops out at 9%.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$580
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0% (sales tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
110.0
Grocery:
107.0
Housing:
116.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Mckenna, WA a safe place to live?
Mckenna boasts a relatively low violent crime rate of 175 per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety for families and individuals. Property crime is also moderate for the area, making it a secure choice for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
175
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
1,575
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 570
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Mckenna, WA year-round?
Mckenna enjoys the classic Pacific Northwest climate, featuring mild, wet winters with lows around 34°F and pleasantly warm summers reaching up to 79°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine roughly 46% of the year.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Residents of Mckenna typically earn a median household income of $81,500, with a poverty rate of 8.1% and an average commute of 35 minutes. The community is well-educated, with over 92% having completed high school, and most neighbors enjoy spacious, suburban living.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$81,500
Family Income:
$89,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,200
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$37,000
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
35.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Mckenna, WA?
Families in Mckenna benefit from reputable public schools, including Yelm Middle School and Prairie Elementary, both offering supportive student-to-teacher ratios. Higher education is within reach at South Puget Sound Community College just over 20 miles away, making Mckenna a practical choice for learners of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Yelm Middle School
Street:
402 Yelm Ave W
Phone:
360-458-3600
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Prairie Elementary School
Street:
16535 110th Ave SE
Phone:
360-458-3700
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Colleges
Name:
South Puget Sound Community College
City:
Olympia
State:
WA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Mckenna residents have access to major hospitals like Providence St. Peter and MultiCare Good Samaritan within a short drive, and 93.5% of the population has health insurance coverage. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and a solid healthcare index, quality medical care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence St. Peter Hospital
Address:
413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone:
(360) 491-9480
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
401 15th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone:
(253) 697-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mckenna, WA?
The local housing market in Mckenna is stable, with a median home price of $420,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 79%. Home values have appreciated by 4.8% over the past year, while rental options remain accessible with a low vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services in Mckenna are provided by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia and accessible online or by phone. Residents can easily manage their licensing and registration needs through the main state office.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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.