Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shelton, WA
Thinking of moving to Shelton, WA? This friendly city of 10,800 offers affordable housing with median home prices around $299,000 and average rents at $1,120. Residents enjoy a mild climate, short average commutes of 24 minutes, and abundant outdoor opportunities thanks to the region’s forests and lakes. While Shelton’s property crime rates are higher than average, the community is close-knit, with easy access to healthcare and the Olympic Peninsula. Local schools and a relaxed pace of life make it a welcoming spot for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Shelton, WA
Demographics - Shelton, WA
Shelton is home to about 10,800 residents, with a diverse community where nearly 20% identify as Hispanic or Latino and 16% speak a language other than English. The city has a median age of 36.8, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working adults.
Population:
10,800
Density:
1,740 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
73.2%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shelton, WA?
Shelton offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with median home values around $299,000 and average rents at $1,120. Residents benefit from modest utility and transportation costs, making the city an affordable option in western Washington.
Median House Value:
$299,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,580
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.2
Grocery:
101.5
Housing:
92.8
Utilities:
89.4
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Shelton, WA a safe place to live?
While Shelton enjoys a small-town feel, property crime is more common here, with a rate of about 3,215 incidents per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains relatively low, and community efforts continue to focus on neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
312
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,215
Crime Index:
3,527
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 320
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Shelton, WA year-round?
Shelton experiences mild, temperate weather with cool, wet winters and pleasantly warm summers, averaging 64 inches of rainfall annually. About 40% of days are sunny, making the area ideal for enjoying nearby forests and lakes.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
64.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
40%
Neighbors
Shelton’s neighborhoods feature a mix of incomes, with a median household income of $52,500 and a poverty rate near 19%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and the area maintains a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$27,300
Household Income:
$52,500
Family Income:
$62,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,700
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
18.8%
Non English Speakers:
15.8%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
23.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
16.8%
Education
How are the schools in Shelton, WA?
Shelton offers a range of educational opportunities with several public and private schools, including Shelton High School and Olympic Middle School. Families also benefit from access to Olympic College Shelton, which provides higher education options just minutes from downtown.
Public Schools
Name:
Shelton High School
Street:
3737 N Shelton Springs Rd
Phone:
360-426-4471
Students:
1,110
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Olympic Middle School
Street:
800 E K St
Phone:
360-426-7991
Students:
640
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.7
Private Schools
Name:
Mason County Christian School
Street:
470 E Eagle Ridge Dr
Phone:
360-426-7616
Students:
80
Colleges
Name:
Olympic College Shelton
City:
Shelton
State:
WA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Residents have reliable access to healthcare, anchored by Mason General Hospital, and about 91% of locals have health insurance coverage. There are 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, providing essential medical services close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mason General Hospital
Address:
901 Mountain View Dr, Shelton, WA 98584
Phone:
(360) 426-1611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shelton, WA?
The housing market in Shelton is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $299,000 and steady appreciation over the past year. Just over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and rental options remain accessible with a moderate vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$299,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Shelton residents are provided by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in nearby Olympia. Drivers can access licensing, registration, and other services both in person and online.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Hills Ln SW, Olympia, WA 98502
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.