Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mountlake Terrace, WA
Thinking of moving to Mountlake Terrace, WA? This vibrant community of 21,000 offers convenient access to Seattle, a median home price around $575,000, and average rents near $1,850. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, quick 30-minute commutes, and high educational attainment, with nearly 39% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city features good public schools, low violent crime rates, and a mild, rainy climate—making it a great fit for families and professionals seeking urban amenities with a neighborhood feel.
Demographics - Mountlake Terrace, WA
Demographics - Mountlake Terrace, WA
Mountlake Terrace is home to about 21,000 residents, featuring a diverse community with a median age of 39 and a strong mix of ethnic backgrounds, including 69% White and 13% Asian. The city has a high population density and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
21,000
Density:
5,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.2%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
13.2%
Others:
14.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
With a median home value around $575,000 and average rents near $1,850, Mountlake Terrace's cost of living is higher than the national average, especially in housing. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, and Washington’s lack of state income tax can benefit many households.
Median House Value:
$575,000
Gross Rent:
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,600
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
136.0
Grocery:
109.5
Housing:
165.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
128.4
Health Care:
113.2
Miscellaneous:
110.8
Crime
Is Mountlake Terrace, WA a safe place to live?
Mountlake Terrace enjoys a low violent crime rate, with just 140 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a sense of security. Property crime is more common, but overall the city is considered a safe place to live compared to urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
140
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,190
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 710
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Mountlake Terrace, WA year-round?
Residents experience mild, wet winters with lows around 35°F and pleasant summers that rarely exceed 76°F. The city gets about 38.5 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 45% of the year, making for a temperate Pacific Northwest climate.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Households in Mountlake Terrace typically earn a median income of about $89,700, and the local poverty rate is below the national average at 8.6%. Most adults have completed high school, and commute times average just over 30 minutes, reflecting the city’s convenient location for working professionals.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$89,700
Family Income:
$104,500
Per Capita Income:
$41,500
Income Male:
$55,800
Income Female:
$44,500
Poverty Rate:
8.6%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$1,850
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
9.0%
Commute Time:
30.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.8%
Bachelors or More:
38.5%
Education
How are the schools in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
Families benefit from reputable public schools such as Mountlake Terrace High and access to private options, while higher education is easily reached at Edmonds College just 3 miles away. Nearly 39% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, supporting a well-educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
Mountlake Terrace High School
Street:
21801 44th Ave W
Phone:
425-431-7776
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Brier Terrace Middle School
Street:
22200 Brier Rd
Phone:
425-431-7834
Students:
820
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Private Schools
Name:
Brighton School
Street:
21705 58th Ave W
Phone:
425-672-4430
Students:
380
Colleges
Name:
Edmonds College
City:
Lynnwood
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
10,700
Name:
University of Washington
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
48,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is robust, with major hospitals like UW Medicine and Swedish Edmonds nearby and over 94% of residents insured. There are 3.1 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality medical services are readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UW Medicine Northwest Hospital & Medical Center
Address:
1550 N 115th St, Seattle, WA 98133
Phone:
(206) 668-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Swedish Edmonds Campus
Address:
21601 76th Ave W, Edmonds, WA 98026
Phone:
(425) 640-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mountlake Terrace, WA?
The Mountlake Terrace housing market is strong, with a median home price of $575,000 and steady home appreciation. Over half of residents own their homes, and rental options are available with a vacancy rate of just 4.1%, indicating a competitive market.
Median Home Price:
$575,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents take care of driver and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, with resources available online and at the main office in Olympia. The DMV provides essential licensing and registration support for Mountlake Terrace locals.
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.