Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salkum, WA
Considering a move to Salkum, WA? This small rural community of about 285 offers affordable living with a median home price of $320,000 and rents around $1,100. Crime rates are low, and you'll enjoy a peaceful pace of life with an average 30-minute commute. While amenities are limited, nearby Centralia provides healthcare and higher education options. Expect mild summers, wet winters, and a close-knit, friendly atmosphere perfect for those seeking quiet country living.
Demographics - Salkum, WA
Demographics - Salkum, WA
Salkum is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 285 residents and a median age of 45.2, providing a quiet rural lifestyle. The area is predominantly White, with about 5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest degree of diversity. Its balanced gender ratio and low population density contribute to a laid-back, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
285
Density:
100 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
8.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salkum, WA?
Living in Salkum is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $320,000 and average rents around $1,100 per month. Utility costs and overall expenses hover near the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in a rural setting. State taxes are moderate, and day-to-day costs such as groceries and transportation are also reasonable.
Median House Value:
$320,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.1
Grocery:
99.4
Housing:
95.2
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
101.5
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Salkum, WA a safe place to live?
Salkum offers a safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 residents and property crime remaining relatively low for a rural area. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 581, supporting the town’s reputation for peace and security. This low crime rate makes it an appealing choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
172
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,280
Crime Index:
1,452
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 581
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 78
Weather
What is the weather like in Salkum, WA year-round?
Residents experience mild summers with highs around 80°F, cool winters averaging 33–45°F, and generous rainfall totaling about 53 inches annually. With only 39% sunny days, the climate is best suited for those who enjoy the lush, green scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Seasonal changes are gentle, offering comfortable outdoor living for most of the year.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
39%
Neighbors
The typical household income is $57,100, and most residents commute around 30 minutes to work, reflecting Salkum's rural nature and reliance on nearby towns for employment. Educational attainment is solid, with over 90% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the poverty rate stands at 13.5%. The community is friendly and welcoming, with a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$57,100
Family Income:
$62,400
Per Capita Income:
$26,300
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
29.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Salkum, WA?
Educational options in Salkum are anchored by nearby Onalaska Elementary-Middle School, which serves local families with a student-teacher ratio of 17.3. For higher education, Centralia College is just 20 miles away, providing accessible pathways for advanced learning. The area’s schools are well-regarded for their supportive environment and community involvement.
Public Schools
Name:
Onalaska Elementary-Middle School
Street:
540 Carlisle Ave
Phone:
360-978-4111
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Colleges
Name:
Centralia College
City:
Centralia
State:
WA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby facilities such as Providence Centralia Hospital, located about 20 miles away, ensuring access to emergency and general medical services. The area benefits from a high rate of health insurance coverage at over 91%, and there are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Overall, healthcare access is reliable for a small rural community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence Centralia Hospital
Address:
914 S Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone:
(360) 736-2803
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salkum, WA?
Salkum’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $320,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 78%. Renters find reasonable rates, with two-bedroom units averaging $1,100 per month, while home appreciation has grown modestly at 3.7% over the past year. The low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a healthy demand for local real estate.
Median Home Price:
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia. The DMV offers comprehensive resources in-person, by phone, and online for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and more. This ensures convenient support for all transportation and documentation needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504
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.