Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Packwood, WA
Considering a move to Packwood, WA? With a small-town vibe and a population of just 319, Packwood offers affordable housing (median home price $345,000, average rent $1,200) and low utility costs, though property crime is somewhat higher than state averages. Residents enjoy short commutes (about 26 minutes), access to scenic mountain landscapes, and a quiet lifestyle. Local schools have favorable student-teacher ratios and the climate features lush, rainy winters and cool summers—ideal for outdoor adventurers and those seeking a peaceful, rural setting.
Demographics - Packwood, WA
Demographics - Packwood, WA
Packwood is a small and close-knit community of 319 residents, with a median age of 56.2 years and a predominantly White population. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a very low percentage of non-English speakers, offering a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Population:
319
Density:
70 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.2
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Packwood, WA?
The cost of living in Packwood is moderately higher than the national average, with a median home value of $345,000 and average rent around $1,200 per month. Utility costs remain reasonable, and Washington’s state taxes range from 0% to 9%, making the area relatively accessible for homeowners.
Median House Value:
$345,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
105.0
Grocery:
99.0
Housing:
110.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
101.0
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Packwood, WA a safe place to live?
Packwood experiences low violent crime rates, with a 1 in 476 chance, but property crime occurs more frequently, at a 1 in 48 chance. While the town is generally safe, new residents should remain attentive to property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,310
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Packwood, WA year-round?
Packwood’s climate features cool, wet winters and mild summers, with average winter lows around 27°F and summer highs reaching 77°F. The area receives approximately 70 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys about 38% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate lush, green surroundings.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
70 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
38%
Neighbors
Residents of Packwood enjoy a median household income of $47,000 and a strong sense of community, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma. The area's poverty rate is 13.2%, and the average commute time is a manageable 26 minutes, reflecting a relaxed rural pace.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$47,000
Family Income:
$53,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,100
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
26.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.5%
Bachelors or More:
21.2%
Education
How are the schools in Packwood, WA?
Packwood offers quality public education with small class sizes, as seen at White Pass schools where student-teacher ratios are around 15:1. While there are no private schools in town, Centralia College, serving about 3,800 students, is within commuting distance for higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
White Pass Junior/Senior High School
Street:
516 Silverbrook Rd
Phone:
360-494-8451
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
White Pass Elementary School
Street:
127 Kindle Rd
Phone:
360-497-7300
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Colleges
Name:
Centralia College
City:
Centralia
State:
WA
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Packwood is anchored by Morton General Hospital, a critical access facility offering emergency services nearby. Most residents have health insurance coverage, though access to physicians is more limited compared to urban areas.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Morton General Hospital
Address:
521 Adams Ave, Morton, WA 98356
Phone:
(360) 496-5112
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
69.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Packwood, WA?
The housing market in Packwood is stable, featuring a median home price of $345,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 74.3%. Rental options are available, with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,200, and home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$345,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, with the nearest major office located in Olympia. Online services are also available for added convenience.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Hills Ln SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.