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 220,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $445,000 and average rents near $1,590. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (43% 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 220,000 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 61% White, 10% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Tacoma is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116.1. Median home values are around $445,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,590. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 638 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 24. 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
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 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 43% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
53°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
43%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $68,970 and a low poverty rate of 13.5%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 27% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Stadium High School and Geiger Montessori School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Washington Tacoma and Pacific Lutheran University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 92.8% 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) 426-4101
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $445,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 2.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.4%. Tacoma offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

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
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone
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 220,000, median home value $445,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,590, commute time 29.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 43%.

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