Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sumner, WA
Considering a move to Sumner, WA? With a welcoming population of 10,700, Sumner offers small-town charm, affordable rents around $1,650, and a median home price near $520,000. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, a 30-minute average commute, and access to quality healthcare and schools. While property crime rates are above average, Sumner boasts a pleasant climate with mild summers and a strong sense of community—perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in the Puget Sound region.
Demographics - Sumner, WA
Demographics - Sumner, WA
Sumner is a welcoming small city of 10,700 residents, featuring a median age of 37.8 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with growing diversity and about 12.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This blend creates a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere ideal for new arrivals.
Population:
10,700
Density:
2,155 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
80.4%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
15.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sumner, WA?
The cost of living in Sumner is moderately above the national average, with a cost of living index of 124.7. Median home values are around $520,000, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment are about $1,650, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities. Utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs remain manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$520,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.7
Grocery:
108.2
Housing:
142.0
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
112.5
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
105.6
Crime
Is Sumner, WA a safe place to live?
Sumner experiences a moderate crime rate, with the chance of property crime at about 1 in 46 and violent crime at 1 in 406. While property crime is somewhat higher than the national average, overall safety is maintained through active community engagement. Residents can feel relatively secure, especially with prudent precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
246
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,426
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 406
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Sumner, WA year-round?
Sumner enjoys a mild climate, with summer highs reaching 78°F and winter lows averaging 34°F. The city receives around 42.5 inches of rainfall annually and has 44% sunny days, offering comfortable weather year-round. Seasonal changes are gentle, making outdoor activities possible most of the year.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
The community in Sumner is characterized by a median household income of $76,800 and a poverty rate of 8.6%. Most residents are well-educated, with nearly 94% holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is just over 30 minutes. The area has a friendly, close-knit feel, ideal for families and professionals alike.
Median Income:
$45,300
Household Income:
$76,800
Family Income:
$87,200
Per Capita Income:
$38,400
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$41,200
Poverty Rate:
8.6%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
4.3%
Commute Time:
30.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.9%
Bachelors or More:
26.2%
Education
How are the schools in Sumner, WA?
Sumner offers quality educational opportunities, with public schools like Sumner High School and Maple Lawn Elementary recognized for their supportive environments and reasonable student-teacher ratios. Nearby colleges, including Pierce College Puyallup and Green River College, provide accessible higher education options within a short drive. The city has a strong emphasis on lifelong learning and academic achievement.

Public Schools
Name:
Sumner High School
Street:
1707 Main St
Phone:
253-891-5500
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.2
Name:
Maple Lawn Elementary School
Street:
230 Wood Ave
Phone:
253-891-4700
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8

Private Schools
Name:
Sumner Cooperative Preschool
Street:
1402 Main St
Phone:
253-863-5147
Students:
70

Colleges
Name:
Pierce College Puyallup
City:
Puyallup
State:
WA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
8,900
Name:
Green River College
City:
Auburn
State:
WA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
7,700
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center nearby. The area boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.5% and approximately 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring comprehensive medical services. Healthcare resources are robust for both routine and emergency needs.

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. Joseph Medical Center
Address:
1717 S J St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone:
(253) 426-4101
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sumner, WA?
Sumner's housing market features a median home price of $520,000, with homeownership around 57%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,650, and the area sees steady home appreciation at 3.1% annually. The low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a stable and healthy housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$520,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Sumner residents are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia and accessible online. The DMV provides a full range of licensing and registration services for drivers and vehicles throughout the state. Friendly staff and online resources make managing transportation needs straightforward.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
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.