Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Bay, WA
Considering a move to South Bay, WA? This cozy community of about 2,450 residents offers a friendly, small-town feel just north of Olympia, with a median home price around $420,000 and average rents near $1,540. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (130 per 100K), easy commutes (27 minutes), and strong public schools. With mild summers, lush green scenery, and high homeownership, South Bay is perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with convenient city access.
Demographics - South Bay, WA
Demographics - South Bay, WA
South Bay is a small, close-knit community of about 2,450 residents, with a median age of 48 and a population density of 590 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting modest diversity. The gender balance is nearly equal, making for a well-rounded demographic profile.
Population:
2,450
Density:
590 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
88.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Bay, WA?
Living in South Bay comes with a slightly higher-than-average cost of living index of 112.5, mainly due to housing costs, with a median home value of $420,000 and average rent at $1,540. Utility and grocery expenses are close to national averages, while state taxes range from 0% to 9%. Overall, residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with manageable expenses relative to nearby urban centers.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.5
Grocery:
106.0
Housing:
117.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is South Bay, WA a safe place to live?
South Bay experiences a low violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crime is more common, with a rate of 1,420 per 100,000, but remains below many urban areas. The overall crime index suggests residents can expect a peaceful, secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
130
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,550
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 770
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in South Bay, WA year-round?
South Bay enjoys a mild climate, with summer highs averaging 77°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 33°F. The area receives about 52 inches of rain annually, keeping the landscape lush and green, while sunny days make up around 43% of the year. This temperate weather is ideal for outdoor activities and scenic living.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Residents in South Bay typically earn a household income of $85,400, with a poverty rate of just 7.5% and an unemployment rate of 4%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and about a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community is mostly car-dependent, with average commute times of 27 minutes and minimal public transit use.
Median Income:
$39,500
Household Income:
$85,400
Family Income:
$96,200
Per Capita Income:
$41,900
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,540
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in South Bay, WA?
South Bay offers quality education options, including public schools like Boston Harbor Elementary and nearby private schools. Higher education is within easy reach, with The Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound Community College both located less than 15 miles away. The area boasts a high rate of educational attainment, making it attractive for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Boston Harbor Elementary School
Street:
7300 Zangle Rd NE
Phone:
360-596-6200
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Private Schools
Name:
Evergreen Christian School
Street:
1010 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
360-357-5590
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
The Evergreen State College
City:
Olympia
State:
WA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
South Puget Sound Community College
City:
Olympia
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
4,700
Healthcare
South Bay residents benefit from access to major healthcare facilities like Providence St. Peter Hospital in nearby Olympia. With about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 93% of residents covered by health insurance, healthcare is both accessible and reliable. The health care index of 79.2 reflects good service quality relative to national standards.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence St. Peter Hospital
Address:
413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone:
(360) 491-9480
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Bay, WA?
The housing market in South Bay is stable, with a median home price of $420,000 and 77% of homes being owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,540 and a low vacancy rate of 4.8%. Home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year, indicating a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,540
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located conveniently in Olympia. The office offers full DMV services, and additional resources are available online through the state’s official website. This ensures easy access for new residents needing to update their licenses or register vehicles.
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.