Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tukwila, WA
Considering Tukwila, WA for your next move? With a population of 21,798, Tukwila offers diverse neighborhoods and convenient access to Seattle, making it ideal for commuters. The median home price is around $480,000 with average rents at $1,520, and most residents rent their homes. Crime rates are higher than average, especially property crime, but sunny summers, a moderate cost of living, and a rich mix of cultures and languages make Tukwila vibrant and welcoming. Commute times sit at about 27 minutes, and local schools and healthcare options are readily available for families.
Demographics - Tukwila, WA
Demographics - Tukwila, WA
Tukwila is a culturally diverse city of 21,798 residents, with a median age of 34.2 and nearly 39% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. The community is a blend of White, Asian, Black, and other ethnic groups, making it one of the more multicultural suburbs in the Seattle area. Moderate population density and a balanced gender ratio contribute to its welcoming, urban-suburban mix.
Population:
21,798
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
32.0%
Black:
17.2%
Asian:
21.4%
Others:
29.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tukwila, WA?
Tukwila’s cost of living is above the national average, with a cost of living index of 130.2 and a median home value of $480,000. Renters pay around $1,520 per month, and utility and transportation costs are also slightly higher than average. Residents benefit from no state income tax, but should expect higher housing expenses compared to many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$480,000
Gross Rent:
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
130.2
Grocery:
120.5
Housing:
149.2
Utilities:
94.3
Transportation:
139.1
Health Care:
111.8
Miscellaneous:
111.0
Crime
Is Tukwila, WA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Tukwila are higher than average, particularly for property crime, with a resident’s chance of experiencing such an incident at about 1 in 17. Violent crime occurs less frequently, but still above national norms, with a rate of 532 per 100,000 people. Residents should consider safety precautions and research neighborhoods when relocating.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
532
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,925
Crime Index:
6,457
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 188
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 17
Weather
What is the weather like in Tukwila, WA year-round?
Tukwila experiences mild, rainy winters with average lows around 36°F and pleasant summers peaking near 77°F. The city sees about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. The moderate climate supports year-round outdoor activities, though residents should be prepared for frequent rain.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $67,200 and a poverty rate just under 16%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and about 23% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commuting averages 27 minutes, and public transportation is a popular option for many locals.
Median Income:
$39,300
Household Income:
$67,200
Family Income:
$70,900
Per Capita Income:
$30,900
Income Male:
$36,900
Income Female:
$33,200
Poverty Rate:
15.9%
Non English Speakers:
38.5%
Rent:
$1,520
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
14.3%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
22.9%
Education
How are the schools in Tukwila, WA?
Tukwila offers families a selection of public and private schools, such as Showalter Middle School and Tukwila Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The area is also close to higher education institutions like Highline College and South Seattle College, providing accessible options for advanced learning. The city’s educational environment supports lifelong learning and diverse student needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Showalter Middle School
Street:
4628 S 144th St
Phone:
206-901-7800
Students:
770
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Tukwila Elementary School
Street:
5939 S 149th St
Phone:
206-901-7500
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6

Private Schools
Name:
Foster High School (Private/Alternative)
Street:
4242 S 144th St
Phone:
206-901-7900
Students:
900

Colleges
Name:
Highline College
City:
Des Moines
State:
WA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
16,500
Name:
South Seattle College
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
6,800
Healthcare
Tukwila residents have access to major hospitals like UW Medicine Valley Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and general care. The area provides about 2.9 physicians per 1,000 people and boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 92%. Healthcare services are reliable and readily available for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UW Medicine Valley Medical Center
Address:
400 S 43rd St, Renton, WA 98055
Phone:
(425) 228-3450
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Address:
925 Seneca St, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone:
(206) 223-6600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tukwila, WA?
The housing market in Tukwila is moderately priced for the region, with a median home price of $480,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,520. Homeownership is less common, with about 41% of residents owning their homes, and the area has a healthy rental vacancy rate. Recent home appreciation is steady, making Tukwila an attractive place for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$480,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate:
40.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia, for vehicle registration and licensing needs. Services and information are accessible both in person and online at the official state website, with support available by phone for convenience. This ensures straightforward access to all standard DMV services.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
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.