Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Poulsbo, WA
Thinking of moving to Poulsbo, WA? With a population of around 12,850 and median home prices near $580,000, Poulsbo offers a charming small-town feel with Scandinavian flair. Residents enjoy low violent crime (112 per 100K), strong schools, and beautiful Pacific Northwest weather—mild summers and lush, rainy winters. The cost of living is above average, but you'll find excellent healthcare access, great schools, and a friendly community, all within a short drive of Seattle and the Kitsap Peninsula’s natural beauty.
Demographics - Poulsbo, WA
Demographics - Poulsbo, WA
Poulsbo is home to about 12,850 residents, with a median age of 42.8, reflecting a balanced and mature community. The city is predominantly White (82%), with other ethnic groups adding to its diversity, and around 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
12,850
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
13.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Poulsbo, WA?
Poulsbo's cost of living is higher than the national average, with a median home value of $580,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,850. While expenses like groceries and healthcare are above average, utilities remain relatively affordable, and state taxes range from 0% to 9%.
Median House Value:
$580,000
Gross Rent:
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.8
Grocery:
124.3
Housing:
156.0
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
116.5
Health Care:
119.4
Miscellaneous:
110.7
Crime
Is Poulsbo, WA a safe place to live?
Poulsbo enjoys a low violent crime rate of 112 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families. Property crime is more common, but the overall crime index remains low compared to larger cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
112
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,520
Crime Index:
1,632
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 892
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Poulsbo, WA year-round?
Residents experience classic Pacific Northwest weather, with mild summers averaging highs of 76°F and cool, rainy winters. The city receives about 38.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on roughly 44% of days.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Poulsbo's neighborhood boasts a median household income of $83,700 and a low poverty rate of 8.1%. Most residents are well-educated, with nearly 97% holding at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are just over 32 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$83,700
Family Income:
$97,600
Per Capita Income:
$38,200
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,850
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
32.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.8%
Bachelors or More:
38.2%
Education
How are the schools in Poulsbo, WA?
Poulsbo offers strong educational options, including well-rated public schools like Poulsbo Elementary and North Kitsap High, and access to private schooling. Higher education is available close by at Olympic College in Bremerton, supporting the city's educated population.
Public Schools
Name:
Poulsbo Elementary School
Street:
18531 Noll Rd NE
Phone:
360-396-3500
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.0
Name:
North Kitsap High School
Street:
1780 NE Hostmark St
Phone:
360-396-3100
Students:
1,160
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.7
Private Schools
Name:
Gateway Christian Schools
Street:
18901 8th Ave NE
Phone:
360-779-9189
Students:
185
Colleges
Name:
Olympic College
City:
Bremerton
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
8,000
Healthcare
Poulsbo residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with 94% insured and two major hospitals nearby in Silverdale and Bremerton. The city offers about 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring comprehensive medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Michael Medical Center
Address:
1800 NW Myhre Rd, Silverdale, WA 98383
Phone:
(360) 744-8800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Harrison Medical Center - Bremerton
Address:
2520 Cherry Ave, Bremerton, WA 98310
Phone:
(360) 744-6400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Poulsbo, WA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $580,000 and a homeownership rate of 64.5%. Rental vacancies are low at 4.8%, and home values have appreciated by 5.5% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$580,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.5%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Poulsbo residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing in nearby Oak Harbor, offering a full range of vehicle and licensing services. Information and appointments can be accessed online or by phone for added convenience.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
645 NE Midway Blvd, Suite 2, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
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.