Washington / Pierce County

Moving to Tacoma, WA

Thinking of making a move to Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, WA

Considering a move to Tacoma, WA? This welcoming community of 219,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $485,000 and average rents near $1,720. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Tacoma's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Tacoma, WA

Tacoma has a population of 219,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 58% White, 10% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
219,200
Density
4,800 per sq mi
Median Age
35.8
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
17.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
58.0%
Black
10.0%
Asian
8.5%
Others
23.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Tacoma, WA?

The cost of living in Tacoma is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 121.0. Median home values are around $485,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,720. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$485,000
Gross Rent
$1,720
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$760
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
121.0
Grocery
110.5
Housing
136.0
Utilities
108.7
Transportation
116.2
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
109.4

Crime

Is Tacoma, WA a safe place to live?

Tacoma is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 590 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 25. 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
590
Property Crimes Per 100k
4,050
Crime Index
4,640
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 169
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 25

Weather

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

Tacoma experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
49°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $78,000 and a low poverty rate of 12.4%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 31% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 11% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$43,500
Household Income
$78,000
Family Income
$92,500
Per Capita Income
$34,800
Income Male
$49,000
Income Female
$41,500
Poverty Rate
12.4%
Non English Speakers
15.8%
Rent
$1,720
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
11.4%
Commute Time
27.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.5%
Bachelors or More
30.8%

Education

How are the schools in Tacoma, WA?

Tacoma offers quality education options, with public schools like Brouillet Elementary School and Lincoln 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, Pacific Lutheran University, and Tacoma Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Brouillet Elementary School
Street
110 2nd St NE
Phone
253-571-6000
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Lincoln High School
Street
701 S 37th St
Phone
253-571-6700
Students
1,550
Student Teacher Ratio
18.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Patrick Catholic School
Street
1111 N J St
Phone
253-272-2301
Students
280

Colleges

Name
University of Washington Tacoma
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
0 miles
Students
5,100
Name
Pacific Lutheran University
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
6 miles
Students
3,100
Name
Tacoma Community College
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
5 miles
Students
12,000

Healthcare

Tacoma residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 93.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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) 627-4361
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
Address
317 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone
(253) 403-1400
Type
Children's
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
93.0%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Tacoma, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $485,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 3.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Tacoma offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$485,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,720
Owner Occupied Rate
52.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.7%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Tacoma 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
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
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 Tacoma, WA

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

Before moving to Tacoma, review the core fields on this page: population 219,200, median home value $485,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,720, commute time 27.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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