Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Selah, WA
Considering a move to Selah, WA? This small city of 8,250 offers affordable living with a median home price around $352,000 and average rent near $1,240. Commuters enjoy a quick 19.5-minute average drive, while crime rates remain comfortably below national averages. With 71% sunny days, Selah is ideal for outdoor lovers, and families benefit from strong schools and the welcoming community feel. Explore Selah’s housing, cost of living, and lifestyle below to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Demographics - Selah, WA
Selah is a close-knit city of 8,250 residents with a median age of 34.1, offering a youthful and family-friendly atmosphere. The community is predominantly White, with nearly one in five residents identifying as Hispanic, and about 14.5% speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density create a welcoming, small-town feel.
Population:
8,250
Density:
1,520 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.3%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Selah, WA?
Living in Selah is affordable, with a median home value of $352,000 and average rent around $1,240 per month. The overall cost of living index is just above the national average, while essentials like groceries and utilities remain reasonably priced. Washington’s 0% state income tax also benefits residents’ budgets.
Median House Value:
$352,000
Gross Rent:
$1,240
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,670
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.5
Grocery:
99.7
Housing:
110.3
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
105.8
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
101.3
Crime
Is Selah, WA a safe place to live?
Selah boasts a low violent crime rate of 180 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is also lower than many areas, with a 1 in 76 chance annually. Overall, residents enjoy a sense of security in daily life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,500
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Selah, WA year-round?
Selah experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, sunny summers reaching up to 89°F and cold winters dropping to 23°F. The area gets just 8.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 71% of the year. This climate is ideal for those who love outdoor activities and clear skies.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
8.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Selah households typically earn around $68,400, with family incomes averaging $77,200, and a moderate poverty rate of 11.4%. The majority of adults are high school graduates, and nearly a quarter hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents benefit from short commute times averaging under 20 minutes and a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$68,400
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$30,450
Income Male:
$42,900
Income Female:
$34,750
Poverty Rate:
11.4%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$1,240
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
23.6%
Education
How are the schools in Selah, WA?
Families in Selah benefit from well-regarded public schools like Selah High School, known for its strong academics and supportive environment. Private school options and proximity to Yakima Valley College just 7 miles away offer additional choices for all ages. The community places a strong emphasis on educational attainment and opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Selah High School
Street:
801 N 1st St
Phone:
509-698-8500
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.2
Name:
Selah Intermediate School
Street:
1401 W Fremont Ave
Phone:
509-698-8300
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Private Schools
Name:
Selah Covenant Christian School
Street:
5606 Douglas Dr
Phone:
509-697-3113
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Yakima Valley College
City:
Yakima
State:
WA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Selah residents have access to quality healthcare, with 91.5% insured and the nearby Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital providing comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The area has about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, supporting the community’s health needs. The local health care index reflects generally favorable access and outcomes.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital
Address:
2811 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902
Phone:
(509) 575-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Selah, WA?
The Selah housing market is stable, with a median home price of $352,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of nearly 68%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rent at $1,240 and a low vacancy rate of 4.6%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making Selah appealing for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$352,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,240
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the Washington State Department of Licensing office in nearby Yakima. Services are conveniently available both in person and online, with helpful staff and resources for new arrivals. The DMV’s local presence ensures smooth transitions for drivers and vehicle owners.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
2803 W Washington Ave, Yakima, WA 98903
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.