Washington / County

Moving to Port Townsend, WA

Thinking of making a move to Port Townsend, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Townsend, WA

Considering a move to Port Townsend, WA? This welcoming community of 10,300 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $640,000 and average rents near $1,780. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (55% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Port Townsend's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Port Townsend, WA

Port Townsend has a population of 10,300 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 55 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 85% White, 1% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
10,300
Density
1,850 per sq mi
Median Age
55.4
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
84.5%
Black
1.2%
Asian
2.8%
Others
11.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Port Townsend, WA?

The cost of living in Port Townsend is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 138.5. Median home values are around $640,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,680. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$640,000
Gross Rent
$1,680
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
138.5
Grocery
110.8
Housing
178.0
Utilities
107.9
Transportation
112.3
Health Care
111.6
Miscellaneous
114.2

Crime

Is Port Townsend, WA a safe place to live?

Port Townsend is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 235 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 38. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
235
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,650
Crime Index
2,885
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 425
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 38

Weather

What is the weather like in Port Townsend, WA year-round?

Port Townsend experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 72°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 20 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
72°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
58°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches
20.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $67,800 and a low poverty rate of 9.8%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 42% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 6% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$67,800
Family Income
$82,300
Per Capita Income
$35,200
Income Male
$46,000
Income Female
$39,000
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Non English Speakers
13.0%
Rent
$1,680
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
6.1%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.1%
Bachelors or More
41.8%

Education

How are the schools in Port Townsend, WA?

Port Townsend offers quality education options, with public schools like Port Townsend High School and Blue Heron Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Peninsula College and Everett Community College - East County Center. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Port Townsend High School
Street
1500 Van Ness St
Phone
360-379-4520
Students
450
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Blue Heron Middle School
Street
3939 San Juan Ave
Phone
360-379-4510
Students
310
Student Teacher Ratio
14.2

Private Schools

Name
Summit School
Street
618 Polk St
Phone
360-385-3620
Students
85

Colleges

Name
Peninsula College
City
Port Angeles
State
WA
Distance
35 miles
Students
2,800
Name
Everett Community College - East County Center
City
Everett
State
WA
Distance
55 miles
Students
7,000

Healthcare

Port Townsend residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Jefferson Healthcare and Olympic Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 95.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Jefferson Healthcare
Address
834 Sheridan St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone
(360) 385-2200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Olympic Medical Center
Address
939 Caroline St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone
(360) 417-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
95.8%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Port Townsend, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $640,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 4.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.7%. Port Townsend offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$640,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,780
Owner Occupied Rate
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.9%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Port Townsend handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
PO Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030
Phone
(360) 902-3900

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.

FAQs About Moving to Port Townsend, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Port Townsend, review the core fields on this page: population 10,300, median home value $640,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,780, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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