Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Cle Elum, WA
Considering a move to South Cle Elum, WA? This small, friendly town of 570 residents offers affordable living with a median home price around $385,000 and average rents at $1,350. Residents enjoy low crime rates, an average commute of 24 minutes, and access to good local schools and nearby healthcare in Ellensburg. With four distinct seasons, over 50% sunny days, and a relaxed, rural atmosphere, South Cle Elum is ideal for those seeking peaceful living with easy access to outdoor recreation.
Demographics - South Cle Elum, WA
Demographics - South Cle Elum, WA
South Cle Elum is a close-knit community of around 570 residents, with a median age of 45 and a nearly even gender balance. The population is predominantly White, and about 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a small-town feel while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
570
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Cle Elum, WA?
Living in South Cle Elum is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $385,000 and average rents near $1,350 per month. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average, mainly due to housing, but utilities and everyday expenses remain reasonable. State taxes range from 0% to 9%, offering some flexibility for residents.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.2
Grocery:
102.4
Housing:
112.7
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
105.6
Health Care:
103.9
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is South Cle Elum, WA a safe place to live?
South Cle Elum enjoys low crime rates, with a violent crime chance of just 1 in 730 and property crime at 1 in 98. The area offers peace of mind for families and individuals seeking a safe and secure environment. Its overall crime index remains below many urban centers, making it a reassuring choice for relocation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
137
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,025
Crime Index:
1,162
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 730
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in South Cle Elum, WA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with summer highs reaching 82°F and winter lows dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 21 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. This climate supports a range of outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in South Cle Elum typically earn a median income of $62,500, with a family income near $70,100. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is about 24 minutes. The community enjoys a modest unemployment rate and a low poverty level, contributing to its stable small-town environment.
Median Income:
$40,200
Household Income:
$62,500
Family Income:
$70,100
Per Capita Income:
$32,900
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
25.8%
Education
How are the schools in South Cle Elum, WA?
South Cle Elum is served by the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, with local elementary and high schools offering manageable class sizes and dedicated staff. For higher education, Central Washington University is just 29 miles away in Ellensburg, providing additional academic opportunities. The community prioritizes education, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Cle Elum-Roslyn Elementary School
Street:
2696 SR 903, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Phone:
509-649-4700
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Cle Elum-Roslyn High School
Street:
2692 SR 903, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Phone:
509-649-4900
Students:
280
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Colleges
Name:
Central Washington University
City:
Ellensburg
State:
WA
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
11,200
Healthcare
Local residents benefit from nearby healthcare services, including Kittitas Valley Healthcare Hospital in Ellensburg, which provides general and emergency care. Health coverage is strong, with over 91% of residents insured and nearly two physicians per 1,000 people. The area’s healthcare index reflects good accessibility and service quality for a town of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kittitas Valley Healthcare Hospital
Address:
603 S Chestnut St, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Phone:
(509) 962-9841
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Cle Elum, WA?
South Cle Elum’s housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $385,000 and two-bedroom rentals averaging $1,350. Around two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and the market is stable with a low foreclosure rate and a 7.1% appreciation over the past year. New construction remains limited, preserving the town’s established charm.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents access DMV services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia and available online. The department provides essential vehicle registration, licensing, and identification services for South Cle Elum residents. Support is easily reached by phone or through the official state website.
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.