Washington / County

Moving to South Sound, WA

Thinking of making a move to South Sound, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Sound, WA

Considering a move to South Sound, WA? This welcoming community of 1,250,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $565,000 and average rents near $1,980. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (45% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore South Sound's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - South Sound, WA

South Sound has a population of 1,250,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 66% White, 6% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,250,000
Density
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age
38.4
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
66.0%
Black
5.8%
Asian
8.9%
Others
19.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in South Sound, WA?

The cost of living in South Sound is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 131.4. Median home values are around $565,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,980. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$565,000
Gross Rent
$1,980
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,740
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 7.0%
Cost Of Living Index
131.4
Grocery
121.0
Housing
152.8
Utilities
102.6
Transportation
118.4
Health Care
114.2
Miscellaneous
112.7

Crime

Is South Sound, WA a safe place to live?

South Sound is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 295 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 38. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
295
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,610
Crime Index
2,905
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 339
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 38

Weather

What is the weather like in South Sound, WA year-round?

South Sound experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 45% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
45%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $88,600 and a low poverty rate of 10.6%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 35% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,500
Household Income
$88,600
Family Income
$101,200
Per Capita Income
$40,700
Income Male
$52,100
Income Female
$44,900
Poverty Rate
10.6%
Non English Speakers
17.2%
Rent
$1,980
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Public Transport Usage
9.8%
Commute Time
28.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
35.4%

Education

How are the schools in South Sound, WA?

South Sound offers quality education options, with public schools like South Sound High School, Washington Middle School, and Lakes High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Washington Tacoma, The Evergreen State College, and Tacoma Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
South Sound High School
Street
3500 S 66th St
Phone
253-571-1400
Students
1,180
Student Teacher Ratio
17.1
Name
Washington Middle School
Street
3701 S J St
Phone
253-571-4100
Students
760
Student Teacher Ratio
16.4
Name
Lakes High School
Street
10320 Farwest Dr SW
Phone
253-583-5550
Students
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0

Private Schools

Name
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Street
2300 S Washington St
Phone
253-761-7911
Students
740
Name
Charles Wright Academy
Street
7723 Chambers Creek Rd W
Phone
253-620-8300
Students
520

Colleges

Name
University of Washington Tacoma
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
10 miles
Students
5,300
Name
The Evergreen State College
City
Olympia
State
WA
Distance
17 miles
Students
4,200
Name
Tacoma Community College
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
12 miles
Students
7,000

Healthcare

South Sound residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Joseph Medical Center, MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, and Capital Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
St. Joseph Medical Center
Address
1717 S J St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone
(253) 426-4101
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Address
315 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone
(253) 403-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Capital Medical Center
Address
3900 Capital Mall Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone
(360) 754-5858
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
77.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in South Sound, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $565,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. South Sound offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$565,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,980
Owner Occupied Rate
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of South Sound handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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.

FAQs About Moving to South Sound, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to South Sound, review the core fields on this page: population 1,250,000, median home value $565,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,980, commute time 28.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 45%.

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