What Should I Know Before Moving to Mercer Island?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Mercer Island. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Mercer Island climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in Mercer Island?

Moving within Mercer Island usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Mercer Island?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Mercer Island. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in Mercer Island Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Mercer Island offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Mercer Island, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Mercer Island at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

Moving to Mercer Island, WA | Find Trusted Movers & Services

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mercer Island, WA

Considering a move to Mercer Island, WA? With a population of 25,748, this scenic island community boasts a highly educated population, top-rated schools, and a median home price of $1.59 million. Residents enjoy a safe environment with very low violent crime (38 per 100K), quick 24-minute commutes to Seattle or Bellevue, and easy access to major hospitals. While the cost of living and housing are high, Mercer Island’s beautiful setting, excellent public schools, and mild Pacific Northwest climate make it an attractive choice for families and professionals alike.

Demographics - Mercer Island, WA

Mercer Island is home to about 25,748 residents, with a median age of 46 and a vibrant blend of cultures, including a significant Asian community comprising over a quarter of the population. The area is moderately dense and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home, making it a diverse and welcoming community.

Population:

25,748

Density:

3,890 per sq mi

Median Age:

46.1

Gender Ratio:

94 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

18.4%

Ethnic Composition

White:

65.8%

Black:

1.2%

Asian:

27.3%

Others:

5.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Mercer Island, WA?

The cost of living on Mercer Island is considerably higher than the national average, with a median home value around $1.59 million and average rents near $2,800 per month. While state income taxes are absent, housing and daily expenses reflect the city’s affluent, high-demand market.

Median House Value:

$1,590,000

Gross Rent:

$2,800

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$120

Auto Insurance:

$1,250

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$4,060

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$1,030

State Taxes:

Low:

High:

Cost Of Living Index:

190.8

Grocery:

127.6

Housing:

315.2

Utilities:

95.7

Transportation:

133.8

Health Care:

116.2

Miscellaneous:

123.4

Crime

Is Mercer Island, WA a safe place to live?

Mercer Island offers a very safe environment, with violent crime rates far below national averages (just 38 incidents per 100,000 people) and a low chance of property crime. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this secure, family-friendly community.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

Property Crimes Per 100k:

1,015

Crime Index:

1,053

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 2,630

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 99

Weather

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

Residents experience mild Pacific Northwest seasons, with cool, wet winters averaging highs in the upper 40s and pleasant summers reaching the high 70s. The city receives about 38 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year.

Winter

Min:

36°F

Max:

47°F

Spring

Min:

44°F

Max:

62°F

Summer

Min:

58°F

Max:

78°F

Fall

Min:

46°F

Max:

63°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

37.7 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

44%

Neighbors

Mercer Island boasts a highly educated and prosperous community, with household incomes exceeding $175,000 and a poverty rate of just over 4%. Most adults hold college degrees, unemployment is low, and commutes to Seattle or Bellevue average a convenient 24 minutes.

Median Income:

$92,540

Household Income:

$176,755

Family Income:

$208,900

Per Capita Income:

$102,860

Income Male:

$124,000

Income Female:

$94,000

Poverty Rate:

4.1%

Non English Speakers:

18.4%

Rent:

$2,800

Unemployment Rate:

2.7%

Public Transport Usage:

11.2%

Commute Time:

24.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

98.2%

Bachelors or More:

77.2%

Education

How are the schools in Mercer Island, WA?

The city is renowned for its top-rated public schools, such as Mercer Island High School, and offers several private school options. Higher education is easily accessible, with Bellevue College and the University of Washington just a short drive away.

Public Schools

Name:

Mercer Island High School

Street:

9100 SE 42nd St

Phone:

206-236-3350

Students:

1,520

Student Teacher Ratio:

17.9

Name:

West Mercer Elementary

Street:

4141 81st Ave SE

Phone:

206-236-3430

Students:

530

Student Teacher Ratio:

17.2

Private Schools

Name:

St. Monica Catholic School

Street:

4320 87th Ave SE

Phone:

206-232-5432

Students:

215

Colleges

Name:

Bellevue College

City:

Bellevue

State:

Distance:

5 miles

Students:

20,200

Name:

University of Washington

City:

Seattle

State:

Distance:

8 miles

Students:

49,000

Healthcare

Access to healthcare is excellent, with major hospitals like Overlake Medical Center and Swedish First Hill nearby, and over 97% of residents having health insurance. The city enjoys a high physician-to-population ratio, supporting a healthy, well-cared-for community.

Major Hospitals

Name:

Overlake Medical Center

Address:

1035 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Phone:

(425) 688-5000

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Name:

Swedish Medical Center - First Hill

Address:

747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122

Phone:

(206) 386-6000

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

3.4

Health Insurance Coverage:

97.2%

Health Care Index:

82.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Mercer Island, WA?

Mercer Island’s housing market is robust, with a median home price of $1.59 million and over 70% of residents owning their homes. Both home values and rents have seen steady appreciation, while vacancy and foreclosure rates remain very low.

Median Home Price:

$1,590,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$2,800

Owner Occupied Rate:

71.3%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

4.2%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

3.4%

New Construction Rate:

0.7%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.2%

DMV Information

Mercer Island residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Washington State Department of Licensing, with comprehensive services available online and at the Olympia headquarters.

State:

Washington

Department:

Washington State Department of Licensing

Address:

1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501

Phone:

360-902-3900

Website:

https://www.dol.wa.gov/

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.