Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Neah Bay, WA
Considering a move to Neah Bay, WA? This small, close-knit community of 865 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $190,000 and rents near $950. Enjoy a short average commute of 10 minutes, unique Native American heritage, and beautiful natural surroundings, though expect frequent rainy weather and limited sunny days. Crime rates are moderate, and while educational opportunities are available locally, higher education options are nearby in Port Angeles. Discover more about Neah Bay’s lifestyle, cost of living, and resources below to help plan your move.
Demographics - Neah Bay, WA
Demographics - Neah Bay, WA
Neah Bay is a small community of 865 residents, with a youthful median age of 32.7 and a strong Native American presence comprising over 85% of the population. The area has a slightly higher number of males than females and about 17% of residents speak a non-English language at home. Population density is moderate, giving the town a close-knit feel.
Population:
865
Density:
404 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.7
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.5%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Neah Bay, WA?
Living in Neah Bay is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $190,000 and average rents around $950 per month. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, and Washington's lack of state income tax further benefits residents. Utilities and groceries are just above average, while housing remains particularly budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$190,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,270
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
97
Grocery:
101.3
Housing:
88.7
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
102.1
Health Care:
101.5
Miscellaneous:
98.4
Crime
Is Neah Bay, WA a safe place to live?
Neah Bay experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 365 and property crime at 1 in 63 annually. While not the lowest in the region, these rates are manageable for a rural area, providing residents with a reasonable sense of safety. The town’s small size also fosters a strong sense of community vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
274
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,595
Crime Index:
1,869
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 365
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Neah Bay, WA year-round?
Neah Bay is known for its cool, maritime climate, with summer highs around 66°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 37°F. The area receives substantial rainfall—about 100 inches annually—and enjoys sunshine only about 30% of the year. Residents should be prepared for frequent rain and mild temperatures throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
56°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
66°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
57°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
100 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
Residents of Neah Bay enjoy a tight-knit atmosphere, though median household incomes are modest at around $38,400 and the poverty rate is higher than average at 28%. Most people commute just over 10 minutes and public transport usage is minimal, reflecting the community’s rural, self-sufficient character. Education attainment is solid, with over 83% having completed high school.
Median Income:
$36,200
Household Income:
$38,400
Family Income:
$42,100
Per Capita Income:
$16,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
28.1%
Non English Speakers:
17%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
10.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.5%
Bachelors or More:
9.2%
Education
How are the schools in Neah Bay, WA?
Neah Bay offers quality public education through its elementary and junior/senior high schools, both featuring low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are available at Peninsula College in nearby Port Angeles. Residents benefit from accessible local schooling and options for further education within driving distance.
Public Schools
Name:
Neah Bay Elementary School
Street:
3560 Deer St
Phone:
360-645-2461
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Neah Bay Junior/Senior High School
Street:
3560 Deer St
Phone:
360-645-2284
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Colleges
Name:
Peninsula College
City:
Port Angeles
State:
WA
Distance:
70 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Neah Bay centers around the Makah Tribal Health Center, which offers community-focused medical services but does not provide emergency care. The area has 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of the population is covered by health insurance. Overall, healthcare access is reliable for routine needs, though some specialized services require travel.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Makah Tribal Health Center
Address:
114 Bayview Ave, Neah Bay, WA 98357
Phone:
(360) 645-2233
Type:
Community Health Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Neah Bay, WA?
The housing market in Neah Bay is accessible, with a median home price of $190,000 and about 71% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with two-bedroom units averaging $950 and a notable vacancy rate of 7.7%. Home values have seen healthy appreciation, making it a potentially good time to invest.
Median Home Price:
$190,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Neah Bay residents handle licensing and registration with the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Port Angeles. Essential DMV services, including vehicle and driver licensing, are accessible through this office or online. The nearest DMV office is about 70 miles away, so planning ahead for appointments is recommended.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
228 W 1st St Ste T, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone:
360-417-3020
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.