Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ridgefield, WA
Thinking about moving to Ridgefield, WA? This vibrant city of 13,600 residents offers a family-friendly atmosphere, excellent public schools, and a strong sense of community. The median home price is $590,000 with average rents around $2,050, reflecting a competitive housing market. Ridgefield boasts very low crime rates, an average commute of just over 30 minutes, and easy access to major healthcare facilities. With highly rated schools, proximity to Vancouver and Portland, and a mild Pacific Northwest climate, Ridgefield is a great choice for those seeking quality living and community charm.
Demographics - Ridgefield, WA
Demographics - Ridgefield, WA
Ridgefield is a growing city of 13,600 residents, with a median age of 36.7 and a population density of 1,200 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and about 7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This demographic mix offers a family-friendly and inclusive environment for newcomers.
Population:
13,600
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.2%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
9.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ridgefield, WA?
Living in Ridgefield comes with a cost of living index of 126, making it somewhat higher than the national average, mainly due to housing costs. The median home value is $590,000 and average rent is $2,050, while utilities and transportation remain reasonably priced. Residents benefit from Washington's lack of state income tax, but should budget accordingly for local expenses.
Median House Value:
$590,000
Gross Rent:
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,325
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
126
Grocery:
109
Housing:
146
Utilities:
97
Transportation:
110
Health Care:
112
Miscellaneous:
102
Crime
Is Ridgefield, WA a safe place to live?
Ridgefield is considered very safe, with a violent crime rate of just 60 incidents per 100,000 people and a low chance of property crime. Residents enjoy peace of mind in a community where the likelihood of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 1,670. This low crime environment is a key attraction for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
795
Crime Index:
855
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,670
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 126
Weather
What is the weather like in Ridgefield, WA year-round?
Ridgefield features a mild Pacific Northwest climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Temperatures range from winter lows of 35°F to summer highs of 82°F, and the area receives about 42 inches of rain annually. Nearly half of the days are sunny, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
The city boasts a high median household income of $113,300 and a low poverty rate of 5.3%, reflecting economic stability. Most residents are well-educated, with over 96% holding at least a high school diploma and 41% earning a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute is just over 30 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal.
Median Income:
$57,000
Household Income:
$113,300
Family Income:
$121,400
Per Capita Income:
$42,300
Income Male:
$64,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
5.3%
Non English Speakers:
6.7%
Rent:
$2,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
30.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.3%
Bachelors or More:
40.9%
Education
How are the schools in Ridgefield, WA?
Ridgefield offers strong educational opportunities with highly rated public schools like Ridgefield High School and Sunset Ridge Intermediate, both known for quality instruction and active student communities. For higher education, students enjoy proximity to Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver, both within a short drive. Private school options and a focus on educational attainment make the city appealing for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Ridgefield High School
Street:
2630 S Hillhurst Rd
Phone:
360-619-1320
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.2
Name:
Sunset Ridge Intermediate
Street:
3215 S Hillhurst Rd
Phone:
360-619-1500
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.4
Private Schools
Name:
Cornerstone Christian Academy
Street:
7708 NE 78th St, Vancouver, WA 98662
Phone:
360-256-9711
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Clark College
City:
Vancouver
State:
WA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
9,000
Name:
Washington State University Vancouver
City:
Vancouver
State:
WA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals in nearby Vancouver, including Legacy Salmon Creek and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, both offering emergency services. Ridgefield has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93.5% and a healthy physician-to-resident ratio, supporting excellent overall healthcare access. The city's healthcare index of 78.0 indicates strong medical resources for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center
Address:
2211 NE 139th St, Vancouver, WA 98686
Phone:
(360) 487-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
Address:
400 NE Mother Joseph Pl, Vancouver, WA 98664
Phone:
(360) 514-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ridgefield, WA?
Ridgefield's housing market is marked by a median home price of $590,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate at 81.5%, with rents averaging $2,050 for a two-bedroom unit. Home values have appreciated 4.6% in the past year, and the area sees steady new construction and a low foreclosure rate. This creates a competitive, yet stable environment for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$590,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
4.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Ridgefield can access driver's licensing and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing in nearby Vancouver. The office provides a full range of DMV services, with information available online or by phone for convenience. This ensures easy access to required state documentation and vehicle registration needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
11018 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682
Phone:
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.