Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spanaway, WA
Considering a move to Spanaway, WA? With a growing population of 35,803 and median home prices around $430,000, Spanaway offers affordable housing for the Seattle-Tacoma region. The area features moderate living costs, average rents of $1,650, and a typical commute of 35 minutes. While property crime rates are higher than the national average, residents enjoy access to outdoor recreation, nearby universities, and a family-friendly community. Strong local schools and a mild northwest climate make Spanaway a practical choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Spanaway, WA
Demographics - Spanaway, WA
Spanaway is home to 35,803 residents, with a median age of 34.2, reflecting a youthful and diverse community. The city’s population density offers a suburban feel, and nearly 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to Spanaway’s multicultural environment.
Population:
35,803
Density:
2,420 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
60.4%
Black:
8.2%
Asian:
6.1%
Others:
25.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Spanaway, WA?
The cost of living in Spanaway is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index at 112.8. Median home values are around $430,000 and average rents are $1,650, making it a relatively affordable option within the greater Seattle-Tacoma area.
Median House Value:
$430,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.8
Grocery:
110.2
Housing:
120.5
Utilities:
95.4
Transportation:
108.9
Health Care:
107.0
Miscellaneous:
104.5
Crime
Is Spanaway, WA a safe place to live?
Spanaway experiences a higher property crime rate compared to the national average, with about 3,120 property crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 32 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 328 per 100,000, offering residents a sense of security in most neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
328
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,120
Crime Index:
3,448
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 305
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Spanaway, WA year-round?
Spanaway enjoys a mild Pacific Northwest climate, with summer highs reaching 78°F and winter lows around 35°F. The area receives about 42 inches of annual rainfall and has 43% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate temperate weather.

Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Households in Spanaway typically earn a median income of $78,300, and about 91% of adults have at least a high school diploma. The area features a moderate poverty rate of 10.1% and an average commute time of 35 minutes, making it a balanced choice for working families.
Median Income:
$38,800
Household Income:
$78,300
Family Income:
$86,200
Per Capita Income:
$30,100
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
13.8%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.7%
Commute Time:
35.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.6%
Education
How are the schools in Spanaway, WA?
Spanaway offers a variety of educational options, including public schools like Spanaway Lake High School and Cedarcrest Middle School, known for their large student bodies and supportive learning environments. Nearby higher education institutions, such as Pacific Lutheran University and Pierce College, provide convenient opportunities for advanced studies.

Public Schools
Name:
Spanaway Lake High School
Street:
1305 168th St E
Phone:
253-800-5600
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Cedarcrest Middle School
Street:
19120 13th Ave Ct E
Phone:
253-800-7800
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2

Private Schools
Name:
Bethel Baptist Christian School
Street:
524 176th St E
Phone:
253-537-2504
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Pacific Lutheran University
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
3,100
Name:
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
City:
Lakewood
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MultiCare Good Samaritan and St. Clare Hospital nearby, and 93% of residents are insured. The community benefits from 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people, providing solid medical support for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
401 15th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone:
(253) 697-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Clare Hospital
Address:
11315 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone:
(253) 985-1711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Spanaway, WA?
With a median home price of $430,000 and a 67% owner-occupancy rate, Spanaway’s housing market is accessible for both buyers and renters. The area has seen a modest home appreciation rate of 2.9% over the past year, indicating stable investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$430,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
The Washington State Department of Licensing in Olympia serves Spanaway residents for all DMV needs, offering services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and more. Information and resources are easily accessible through the state's official 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.