Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pasco, WA
Considering a move to Pasco, WA? With a young, diverse population of over 81,000, Pasco is known for affordable housing (median home price around $360,000), lower-than-average rents, and short commutes (about 22 minutes). The city enjoys an arid climate with 68% sunny days and minimal rainfall, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. While property crime is above national averages, Pasco’s vibrant community, strong Hispanic heritage, and access to regional colleges make it a welcoming spot for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Pasco, WA
Pasco is a growing city with a youthful median age of 29.6 and a population of about 81,250, marked by significant ethnic diversity and a high percentage of non-English speakers. The community is balanced in gender and features a population density of 2,200 people per square mile, making it a lively yet approachable place for newcomers.
Population:
81,250
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.6
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
41.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
40.3%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
54.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pasco, WA?
Cost of living in Pasco is relatively moderate, with a median home value around $360,000 and average rent at $1,320. Utilities and groceries are close to the national average, and the overall cost of living index is just slightly above average, making the city affordable for many families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$360,000
Gross Rent:
$1,320
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.2
Grocery:
101.5
Housing:
104.0
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
105.1
Health Care:
105.5
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Pasco, WA a safe place to live?
Pasco experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,047 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains relatively low at 252 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 49 chance of being affected by property crime, so newcomers may want to consider security when choosing neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
252
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,047
Crime Index:
2,299
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 397
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Pasco, WA year-round?
The city enjoys an arid climate with 68% sunny days and low annual rainfall of just 7.6 inches. Seasonal temperatures range from chilly winters (25°F lows) to hot summers with highs reaching 90°F, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Pasco’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $71,750 and a poverty rate of 13.7%. Most residents drive to work, with average commutes of about 22 minutes, and a significant portion of the community speaks languages other than English at home.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$71,750
Family Income:
$77,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$39,800
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
41.8%
Rent:
$1,320
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
72.3%
Bachelors or More:
15.8%
Education
How are the schools in Pasco, WA?
Pasco offers a variety of educational opportunities, including well-attended public and private schools and local access to higher education at Columbia Basin College. Students benefit from reasonable class sizes, and families have options for both K-12 and college-level learning within city limits.
Public Schools
Name:
Chiawana High School
Street:
8125 Argent Rd
Phone:
509-543-6786
Students:
2,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Edwin Markham Elementary
Street:
1801 N Road 44
Phone:
509-543-6791
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick Catholic School
Street:
1320 W Henry St
Phone:
509-547-7261
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Columbia Basin College
City:
Pasco
State:
WA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,600
Name:
Washington State University Tri-Cities
City:
Richland
State:
WA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Pasco is supported by local facilities like Lourdes Medical Center and nearby Trios Health, offering general and emergency services. With about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and 86.5% health insurance coverage, residents have access to essential medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lourdes Medical Center
Address:
520 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Phone:
(509) 547-7704
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Trios Health Southridge Hospital
Address:
3810 Plaza Way, Kennewick, WA 99338
Phone:
(509) 221-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pasco, WA?
Pasco’s housing market is accessible, featuring a median home price of $360,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 62.5%. The city sees steady appreciation, low foreclosure rates, and a diverse mix of homeownership and rental options for both families and individuals.
Median Home Price:
$360,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,320
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.5%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located on N 20th Ave in Pasco. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services both in-person and online through the state’s official website.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
960 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
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.