Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ritzville, WA
Considering a move to Ritzville, WA? This small city of 1,660 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $188,500 and average rents at $780. Enjoy a relaxed pace with short 15-minute commutes, low violent crime (89 per 100K), and plenty of sunshine (68% sunny days yearly). With a friendly, close-knit community, highly owner-occupied housing, and quality local schools, Ritzville is ideal for those seeking small-town charm and wide-open skies.
Demographics - Ritzville, WA
Demographics - Ritzville, WA
Ritzville is a small community of 1,660 residents with a median age of 47.2, offering a balanced gender ratio and a predominantly White population. The city is welcoming to diverse backgrounds, with around 8.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and mature demographic foster a relaxed, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
1,660
Density:
850 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
8.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ritzville, WA?
Living in Ritzville is notably affordable, with a median home value of about $188,500 and average rents at $780 per month. The overall cost of living index is 88.5, well below the national average, making daily expenses manageable for most households. Residents benefit from low housing costs and modest utility charges, adding to the city's financial appeal.
Median House Value:
$188,500
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.5
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
62.4
Utilities:
89.8
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
92.1
Miscellaneous:
95.3
Crime
Is Ritzville, WA a safe place to live?
Ritzville enjoys a low crime rate, with violent crime at just 89 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime also below national averages. Residents have a 1 in 1,124 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to a safe, family-friendly environment. The city’s peaceful atmosphere makes it an attractive choice for those prioritizing safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
89
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,239
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,124
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Ritzville, WA year-round?
Ritzville experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, dry summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 23°F. The city enjoys 68% sunny days annually and receives a modest 12.1 inches of rainfall per year. Its climate supports outdoor activities and a comfortable, small-town lifestyle throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Households in Ritzville have a median income of $53,900, and most residents enjoy short commutes averaging under 15 minutes. The community is well-educated, with over 91% holding a high school diploma or higher. With a low unemployment rate and a strong sense of local connection, neighbors here value quality of life and community ties.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$53,900
Family Income:
$62,100
Per Capita Income:
$26,900
Income Male:
$39,700
Income Female:
$33,200
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
14.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Ritzville, WA?
Ritzville offers quality public education through Ritzville Grade School and Lind-Ritzville High School, both featuring small class sizes for personalized learning. While there are no private schools in town, residents have access to higher education at Big Bend Community College in nearby Moses Lake, 45 miles away. The local school system supports a strong foundation for students in a close-knit setting.

Public Schools
Name:
Ritzville Grade School
Street:
202 E 7th Ave
Phone:
509-659-0232
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Lind-Ritzville High School
Street:
209 E Wellsandt Ave
Phone:
509-659-1720
Students:
157
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Colleges
Name:
Big Bend Community College
City:
Moses Lake
State:
WA
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Ritzville is served by East Adams Rural Healthcare, a critical access hospital providing emergency services to the community. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 93% health insurance coverage, locals have access to essential medical care. The city's healthcare index of 78.2 reflects reliable services for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
East Adams Rural Healthcare
Address:
903 S Adams St, Ritzville, WA 99169
Phone:
(509) 659-1200
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ritzville, WA?
The housing market in Ritzville is highly affordable, featuring a median home price of $188,500 and an owner-occupied rate of 78.2%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $780 and a low vacancy rate. Modest home appreciation and minimal foreclosure rates create a stable and attractive environment for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$188,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Ritzville residents can access driver and vehicle services locally through the Washington State Department of Licensing office at 201 N Adams St. The office provides essential DMV services and information for new arrivals and existing residents. Convenient in-town access makes handling licensing and registration simple.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
201 N Adams St, Ritzville, WA 99169
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.