Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sumas, WA
Looking to relocate to Sumas, WA? This small border city of 1,740 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $375,000 and average rents near $1,250. Sumas boasts low violent crime, short commute times under 30 minutes, and a friendly, close-knit community. You'll find mild summers, abundant rainfall, and convenient access to local schools and Bellingham’s amenities—great for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of city conveniences.
Demographics - Sumas, WA
Sumas is a small city with a population of 1,740 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with a notable Hispanic or Latino presence, and the median age of 34.8 suggests a mix of families and working adults.
Population:
1,740
Density:
870 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.8
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.2%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sumas, WA?
Sumas offers a moderate cost of living, with median home values around $375,000 and average rent at $1,250 per month. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries remain close to national averages, making it an accessible option for many residents.
Median House Value:
$375,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,590
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
103.0
Housing:
104.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
113.0
Health Care:
107.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Sumas, WA a safe place to live?
Sumas experiences low rates of violent crime, with only 144 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe place to live. Property crime is more common, but overall crime rates remain below many national benchmarks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
144
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,290
Crime Index:
1,434
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 694
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Sumas, WA year-round?
Residents enjoy mild summers with highs around 75°F and cool winters averaging 42°F, along with about 49 inches of annual rainfall. The area sees fewer sunny days than average, making it ideal for those who prefer a temperate, lush environment.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Sumas is $66,700, with a poverty rate just over 10%. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work and nearly 87% have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a stable and educated community.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$66,700
Family Income:
$72,500
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$43,200
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
20.8%
Education
How are the schools in Sumas, WA?
Sumas is served by local public schools like Sumas Elementary, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio, and families benefit from proximity to higher education options such as Whatcom Community College in Bellingham.
Public Schools
Name:
Sumas Elementary School
Street:
390 Main St, Sumas, WA 98295
Phone:
360-988-9424
Students:
245
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
Whatcom Community College
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
4,400
Healthcare
Sumas residents have access to quality healthcare, including PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in nearby Bellingham. The city has a strong health insurance coverage rate of 92.3% and a solid physician availability, supporting community wellness.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
Address:
2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone:
(360) 734-5400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sumas, WA?
The housing market in Sumas features a median home price of $375,000 and a high owner-occupied rate at nearly 68%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, with low foreclosure and rental vacancy rates indicating a stable market.
Median Home Price:
$375,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Washington State Department of Licensing, with comprehensive online services available for added convenience.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.