Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Totem Lake, WA
Considering a move to Totem Lake, WA? With a population of 11,500, this thriving Kirkland neighborhood features a high median home price of $730,000 and average rents around $2,350. Residents benefit from a short 26-minute average commute, excellent schools, and top-notch healthcare at EvergreenHealth Medical Center. Totem Lake enjoys a mild climate with 48% sunny days, low violent crime rates (86 per 100K), and a well-educated community—making it a great choice for families, young professionals, and anyone seeking a vibrant Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
Demographics - Totem Lake, WA
Demographics - Totem Lake, WA
Totem Lake is home to about 11,500 residents with a median age of 36.7, reflecting a diverse community that is 59% White and 27.8% Asian. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a notable 17.5% of non-English speakers, fostering a multicultural atmosphere. With a population density of 4,200 per square mile, the neighborhood offers an urban-suburban blend.
Population:
11,500
Density:
4,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.0%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
27.8%
Others:
10.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Totem Lake, WA?
Living in Totem Lake comes with a cost of living index of 155.2, notably higher than the national average, driven by a median home value of $730,000 and average rents of $2,350. Utilities and healthcare costs are relatively moderate, while housing and groceries are premium. State taxes range from 0% to 9%, impacting overall affordability for new residents.
Median House Value:
$730,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$890
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
155.2
Grocery:
120.4
Housing:
201.6
Utilities:
91.5
Transportation:
125.2
Health Care:
110.3
Miscellaneous:
108.9
Crime
Is Totem Lake, WA a safe place to live?
Totem Lake is considered a safe community with a low violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,080 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 1,162 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it one of the safer neighborhoods in the region. Property crimes are more common but still at manageable levels.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
86
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,080
Crime Index:
2,166
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,162
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Totem Lake, WA year-round?
Totem Lake enjoys a mild Pacific Northwest climate with cool, wet winters averaging 34°F to 46°F, and pleasant summers ranging from 54°F to 78°F. The area receives about 37.5 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine 48% of the year. This weather supports a lush landscape and outdoor recreation throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Residents of Totem Lake benefit from a strong median household income of $108,900 and a low poverty rate of 6.3%. The community is highly educated, with over 61% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Most residents have a commute time of around 26 minutes, with some using public transit.
Median Income:
$60,200
Household Income:
$108,900
Family Income:
$131,500
Per Capita Income:
$58,400
Income Male:
$68,100
Income Female:
$52,200
Poverty Rate:
6.3%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
7.8%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
61.7%
Education
How are the schools in Totem Lake, WA?
Totem Lake is served by well-regarded public schools like Lake Washington High School and Rose Hill Middle School, as well as private options such as Kirkland Christian School. The area offers access to higher education at Lake Washington Institute of Technology just a mile away, and the University of Washington – Bothell six miles from the neighborhood. High graduation rates and diverse educational opportunities make Totem Lake attractive for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Lake Washington High School
Street:
12033 NE 80th St
Phone:
425-936-1700
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Rose Hill Middle School
Street:
13505 NE 75th St
Phone:
425-936-2460
Students:
960
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.8
Private Schools
Name:
Kirkland Christian School
Street:
10320 NE 112th St
Phone:
425-822-7554
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
City:
Kirkland
State:
WA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
6,500
Name:
University of Washington – Bothell
City:
Bothell
State:
WA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Totem Lake offers excellent healthcare access, anchored by EvergreenHealth Medical Center which provides comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The area boasts 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 95.2%. Health care services are easily accessible and well-regarded locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
EvergreenHealth Medical Center
Address:
12040 NE 128th St, Kirkland, WA 98034
Phone:
(425) 899-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
79.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Totem Lake, WA?
The housing market in Totem Lake is competitive, featuring a median home price of $730,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,350. Homeownership is at 41.3%, with a healthy 4.6% appreciation rate over the past year. Rental vacancies are low at 4.1%, reflecting steady demand and a dynamic real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$730,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Totem Lake residents are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently accessible both online and at their Olympia office. The department provides essential services such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. For more information or appointments, residents can visit the official website or call the main office.
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.