Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Soap Lake, WA
Thinking of moving to Soap Lake, WA? This small lakeside town of 1,690 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $211,000 and average rents near $940. Residents enjoy a sunny, dry climate with 67% sunny days and easy commutes averaging 20 minutes. Crime rates are below national averages for violent crime, and Soap Lake provides access to local schools and nearby healthcare in Moses Lake. Its relaxed pace and scenic setting are ideal for those seeking a quieter, budget-friendly lifestyle.
Demographics - Soap Lake, WA
Demographics - Soap Lake, WA
Soap Lake is a small, close-knit community of about 1,690 residents, with a median age of 47, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White, though nearly a quarter of the population identifies as another ethnicity, and about 11.5% are non-English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and high population density for its size contribute to a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,690
Density:
1,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
22.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Soap Lake, WA?
Living in Soap Lake is notably affordable, with a median home value of $211,000 and average rents around $940 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and everyday expenses remain manageable, and Washington's state tax structure adds to the area's appeal.
Median House Value:
$211,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.1
Grocery:
98.3
Housing:
76.4
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Soap Lake, WA a safe place to live?
Soap Lake enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate, with just 206 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of security for families and individuals alike. Property crime is more common, but remains manageable compared to larger urban areas. Residents have a 1 in 485 chance of experiencing violent crime, reflecting the town's generally safe environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
206
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,420
Crime Index:
2,626
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 485
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Soap Lake, WA year-round?
Residents of Soap Lake experience a sunny and semi-arid climate, with nearly 67% of days being sunny each year. Summers are warm, reaching highs near 88°F, while winters are chilly but manageable, with lows around 22°F. The area receives only about 7.7 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for those who prefer drier weather.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Soap Lake’s households have a median income of around $39,900, with a noticeable portion of the community living below the poverty line at 22%. Educational attainment is solid, with over 84% having completed high school. Commutes are short, averaging just over 20 minutes, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
Median Income:
$31,200
Household Income:
$39,900
Family Income:
$46,700
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$38,600
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
22.0%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.3%
Bachelors or More:
14.6%
Education
How are the schools in Soap Lake, WA?
Soap Lake offers local public schooling through its elementary, middle, and high schools, with small class sizes supporting personalized learning. For higher education, Big Bend Community College is conveniently located just 23 miles away in Moses Lake, serving around 2,000 students. The area’s educational environment is well-suited for families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Soap Lake Elementary School
Street:
410 Ginko St S
Phone:
509-246-1326
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Soap Lake Middle & High School
Street:
527 2nd Ave SW
Phone:
509-246-1201
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Colleges
Name:
Big Bend Community College
City:
Moses Lake
State:
WA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Soap Lake is supported by nearby facilities such as Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, just a short drive away. With about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, essential medical services are readily available. The community benefits from reliable emergency services and general healthcare options.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Samaritan Hospital
Address:
801 E Wheeler Rd, Moses Lake, WA 98837
Phone:
(509) 765-5606
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Soap Lake, WA?
Soap Lake’s housing market remains accessible, with median home prices at $211,000 and rents for a two-bedroom averaging $940. A majority of residents own their homes, and vacancy rates are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters. The area has seen steady but modest home appreciation, indicating a stable market for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$211,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$940
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia and available online. The department provides comprehensive resources for licensing, registration, and other DMV needs. Soap Lake residents benefit from streamlined state services and user-friendly processes.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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.