Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tacoma, WA
Thinking of moving to Tacoma, WA? With a population of about 220,000, Tacoma offers a vibrant waterfront city lifestyle with a median home price around $445,000 and average rents near $1,590. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, easy commutes averaging 29 minutes, and access to major hospitals and reputable schools. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Tacoma boasts scenic Puget Sound views, a mild climate, and a diverse, welcoming community perfect for those seeking urban amenities with Northwest character.
Demographics - Tacoma, WA
Demographics - Tacoma, WA
Tacoma is home to about 220,000 residents with a median age of 36, reflecting a dynamic and diverse urban population. The city features a blend of ethnic backgrounds, including significant White, Black, and Asian communities, and nearly 19% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density contribute to a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
Population:
220,000
Density:
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.6%
Black:
10.3%
Asian:
8.5%
Others:
20.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tacoma, WA?
Living in Tacoma means a cost of living slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $445,000 and typical rents around $1,590 per month. Utilities and groceries are relatively affordable, and state taxes range from 0% to 9%. This makes Tacoma an attractive choice for those seeking urban amenities without the high costs of nearby metropolitan areas.
Median House Value:
$445,000
Gross Rent:
$1,590
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,410
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.1
Grocery:
109.2
Housing:
120.4
Utilities:
99.1
Transportation:
122.7
Health Care:
108.3
Miscellaneous:
105.7
Crime
Is Tacoma, WA a safe place to live?
Tacoma experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with a chance of property crime at about 1 in 24 and violent crime at 1 in 157. While the city remains lively and community-focused, new residents should stay mindful of safety and explore neighborhoods that best fit their comfort level. Ongoing community initiatives aim to enhance public safety and quality of life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
638
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,240
Crime Index:
4,878
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 157
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Tacoma, WA year-round?
Tacoma enjoys a mild, maritime climate featuring cool, wet winters and pleasantly warm summers, with average summer highs reaching 77°F. The area receives around 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 43% of the year. This climate supports lush greenery and provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Residents of Tacoma benefit from a median household income of nearly $69,000, with about 92% holding at least a high school diploma. The city has a moderate poverty rate of 13.5% and an average commute time of 29 minutes, with a small percentage using public transportation. The community is known for its diverse backgrounds and strong educational attainment.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$68,970
Family Income:
$86,200
Per Capita Income:
$35,600
Income Male:
$47,300
Income Female:
$39,500
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$1,590
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
6.8%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
27.1%
Education
How are the schools in Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma is served by a mix of reputable public and private schools, including Stadium High School and Bellarmine Preparatory. The city also hosts higher education institutions like the University of Washington Tacoma, offering local access to advanced degrees and diverse academic programs. With a strong emphasis on education, Tacoma supports lifelong learning for families and individuals alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Stadium High School
Street:
111 N E St
Phone:
253-571-3100
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.3
Name:
Geiger Montessori School
Street:
7400 S 8th St
Phone:
253-571-6800
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.0
Private Schools
Name:
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Street:
2300 S Washington St
Phone:
253-752-7701
Students:
900
Colleges
Name:
University of Washington Tacoma
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,300
Name:
Pacific Lutheran University
City:
Parkland
State:
WA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,900
Healthcare
Tacoma offers excellent healthcare access with two major hospitals, including MultiCare Tacoma General and St. Joseph Medical Center, both providing comprehensive emergency services. The city has a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 93% and a robust network of physicians. Residents can feel confident in the quality and availability of local medical care.
Major Hospitals
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:
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:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma's housing market is competitive yet accessible, with a median home price of $445,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,590. Homeownership is common, with over half of residents owning their homes, and the area continues to see modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates. The market offers a range of options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$445,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,590
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration, driver licensing, and related services in Tacoma are handled by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Residents can visit the main office in Olympia or access services conveniently online through the official state website. The process is straightforward and supports new arrivals acclimating to Washington State regulations.
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.