Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Roy, WA
Considering a move to Roy, WA? This small city of 820 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $415,000 and average rents near $1,400. Roy boasts a close-knit rural atmosphere, low violent crime (162 per 100K), and plenty of owner-occupied homes. Commutes average about 38 minutes, and while public transportation is limited, excellent schools and easy access to Tacoma and Joint Base Lewis-McChord make Roy a great option for families seeking quiet living in western Washington’s mild, rainy climate.
Demographics - Roy, WA
Roy, WA is a small and close-knit community of about 820 people, with a median age of 41.5 years and a slightly higher number of males than females. The city is predominantly White (82%), with a modest mix of other ethnic backgrounds and about 7.5% of residents speaking languages other than English at home. Its moderate population density and family-friendly atmosphere make it appealing for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
820
Density:
260 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.5
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
13.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Roy, WA?
Cost of living in Roy is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 108.5. The median home value is around $415,000 and average rents are about $1,400, making housing relatively affordable for the region. Utilities and daily expenses remain manageable, and Washington’s state tax system offers no income tax but up to 9% in sales tax.
Median House Value:
$415,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.5
Grocery:
104.7
Housing:
112.8
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
106.9
Health Care:
103.2
Miscellaneous:
100.4
Crime
Is Roy, WA a safe place to live?
Roy experiences low violent crime, with only 162 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 617 chance of becoming a victim, making it a generally safe place to live. Property crime is higher, but overall crime rates remain below national averages for cities of similar size. The small community feel contributes to the city's sense of safety and neighborliness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
162
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,220
Crime Index:
1,382
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 617
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Roy, WA year-round?
Roy features a classic Pacific Northwest climate, with mild, wet winters and pleasantly warm summers. Residents enjoy average summer highs of 76°F and winter lows around 33°F, alongside about 41.6 inches of annual rainfall and 44% sunny days. The area’s moderate temperatures and ample rainfall support lush greenery year-round.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Roy’s households enjoy a median income of roughly $75,900, with a poverty rate under 10% and a high percentage of high school graduates. Most residents commute around 38 minutes to work, reflecting the city’s rural setting and limited public transit options. The community values education and maintains a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$75,900
Family Income:
$84,200
Per Capita Income:
$34,100
Income Male:
$48,500
Income Female:
$38,700
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
37.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Roy, WA?
Education in Roy is served by well-rated public schools such as Bethel High School and Roy Elementary, offering favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Higher education is accessible nearby, with Pierce College Puyallup and Pacific Lutheran University located within 20 miles. The city’s emphasis on quality schooling supports families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Bethel High School
Street:
22215 38th Ave E
Phone:
253-683-7000
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Roy Elementary School
Street:
340 Peterson St
Phone:
253-800-4590
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Colleges
Name:
Pierce College Puyallup
City:
Puyallup
State:
WA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
8,900
Name:
Pacific Lutheran University
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
2,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Roy is strong, with two major hospitals—MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital and Madigan Army Medical Center—located nearby. About 93% of residents have health insurance, and there are approximately 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. The city’s healthcare index is favorable, ensuring residents have reliable medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
401 15th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone:
(253) 697-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Madigan Army Medical Center
Address:
9040 Fitzsimmons Dr, Tacoma, WA 98431
Phone:
(253) 968-1110
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Roy, WA?
Roy’s housing market is largely owner-occupied (73.5%), with a median home price of $415,000 and two-bedroom rents averaging $1,400. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% in the past year, while the foreclosure rate remains very low at 0.4%. The area offers a stable real estate environment attractive to families and new homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$415,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Roy residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, headquartered in Olympia. The DMV provides comprehensive licensing and vehicle services, and information can be easily accessed online or by phone. This ensures convenient support for all driving and registration needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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.