Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ocean Shores, WA
Considering a move to Ocean Shores, WA? This peaceful coastal town of 6,790 residents offers affordable homes (median price $377,000) and average rents around $1,300. Enjoy a mild, maritime climate with cool summers and abundant rainfall, plus short 16-minute average commutes. While property crime rates are higher than the national average, Ocean Shores boasts a laid-back lifestyle, natural beauty, and access to local healthcare and elementary education, making it a great spot for retirees, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxed pace.
Demographics - Ocean Shores, WA
Demographics - Ocean Shores, WA
Ocean Shores is a small coastal city with a population of 6,790, known for its predominantly older residents, as the median age is nearly 60. The community is largely White, with about 7% speaking a language other than English at home, creating a quiet and close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
6,790
Density:
430 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.3%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
11.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ocean Shores, WA?
The cost of living in Ocean Shores is just above the national average, with a median home value of $377,000 and typical monthly rents of $1,300. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, making the city a relatively affordable option for those seeking seaside living in Washington.
Median House Value:
$377,000
Gross Rent:
$1,300
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.5
Grocery:
102.8
Housing:
109.1
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
101.3
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
99.2
Crime
Is Ocean Shores, WA a safe place to live?
Ocean Shores experiences a higher property crime rate compared to national figures, with a 1 in 43 chance, while violent crime remains relatively low at 1 in 427. Residents should be mindful of property safety, but the overall atmosphere is generally peaceful.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
234
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,330
Crime Index:
2,564
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 427
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Ocean Shores, WA year-round?
Ocean Shores features a mild, maritime climate with cool summers (highs around 68°F) and mild winters (lows near 36°F). The area receives significant rainfall, averaging 70 inches annually, and sees sunshine about 38% of the year.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
70.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
38%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $54,250 and a poverty rate of 13.8%, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma. Commutes are short, averaging just over 16 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$34,100
Household Income:
$54,250
Family Income:
$62,800
Per Capita Income:
$29,050
Income Male:
$42,400
Income Female:
$31,900
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.3%
Rent:
$1,300
Unemployment Rate:
6.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
24.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ocean Shores, WA?
Ocean Shores is served by a local elementary school with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, and high school or college options are available in neighboring Aberdeen. The area offers basic educational resources suitable for families with young children.
Public Schools
Name:
Ocean Shores Elementary School
Street:
300 Mt. Olympus Ave
Phone:
360-289-2147
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4
Colleges
Name:
Grays Harbor College
City:
Aberdeen
State:
WA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to Grays Harbor Community Hospital in nearby Aberdeen, offering general and emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and 92% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is fairly strong for a small community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Grays Harbor Community Hospital
Address:
915 Anderson Dr, Aberdeen, WA 98520
Phone:
(360) 532-8330
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
73.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ocean Shores, WA?
Ocean Shores offers a stable housing market with a median home price of $377,000 and a homeownership rate of 68%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $1,300, and the area has seen a modest home appreciation rate of 4.3% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$377,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services for Ocean Shores residents are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in nearby Aberdeen. The office provides standard DMV services, including driver licensing and vehicle registration.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1611 W. Heron St, Aberdeen, WA 98520
Phone:
1-360-538-2102
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.