Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tumwater, WA
Considering a move to Tumwater, WA? With a population of just under 27,000, Tumwater offers a relaxed Pacific Northwest lifestyle, attractive home prices around $452,000, and average rents near $1,650. Residents enjoy short 22-minute commutes, solid local schools, and abundant access to outdoor recreation. Expect mild, wet winters and pleasant summers, as well as moderate crime rates and a strong sense of community. Tumwater is a welcoming place for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.
Demographics - Tumwater, WA
Demographics - Tumwater, WA
Tumwater, WA is home to about 26,900 residents, with a median age of 39.1, reflecting a balanced, family-friendly community. The city is primarily White (80%), with a mix of other ethnicities and just under 9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its comfortable population density offers a suburban feel while remaining close-knit and welcoming.
Population:
26,900
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.2%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
4.1%
Others:
13.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tumwater, WA?
Tumwater's cost of living is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116. Housing is a significant factor, as median home values reach $452,000 and typical rent is $1,650 per month. Utilities and groceries are slightly above average, but state taxes remain competitive, making it an attractive option for families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$452,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$640
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
107.5
Housing:
126.0
Utilities:
90.5
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
100.1
Crime
Is Tumwater, WA a safe place to live?
Tumwater experiences moderate crime rates, with about 246 violent crimes and 2,120 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents face a 1 in 406 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 47 chance for property crime, typical for suburban areas in the region. The community takes safety seriously, with local initiatives aimed at keeping neighborhoods secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
246
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,366
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 406
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Tumwater, WA year-round?
Tumwater enjoys a mild climate with wet winters (lows in the mid-30s) and comfortable summers that rarely exceed 78°F. The area receives ample rainfall—over 52 inches annually—but also boasts 45% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities. Seasonal temperatures are moderate, making it easy to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest year-round.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Households in Tumwater have a median income of $83,600, with a poverty rate of just 8.4% and a low unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is minimal. The community is well-educated, with over 95% holding a high school diploma and a third having a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$43,800
Household Income:
$83,600
Family Income:
$98,200
Per Capita Income:
$37,900
Income Male:
$50,100
Income Female:
$41,300
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
34.2%
Education
How are the schools in Tumwater, WA?
Tumwater offers quality educational opportunities with well-rated public schools like Tumwater High School and Peter G. Schmidt Elementary, as well as private options such as Community Christian Academy. Local colleges, including South Puget Sound Community College and The Evergreen State College, are just a short drive away. Families benefit from strong academic resources and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Tumwater High School
Street:
700 Israel Rd SW
Phone:
360-709-7600
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1
Name:
Peter G. Schmidt Elementary
Street:
225 Dennis St SE
Phone:
360-709-7200
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Private Schools
Name:
Community Christian Academy
Street:
4710 Park Center Ave NE
Phone:
360-493-2223
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
South Puget Sound Community College
City:
Olympia
State:
WA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
The Evergreen State College
City:
Olympia
State:
WA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to two major hospitals in nearby Olympia, along with a physician density of 2.1 per 1,000 people. A high 92.8% of locals are covered by health insurance, supporting good overall health and wellness. Tumwater offers strong healthcare resources for families, retirees, and young professionals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence St. Peter Hospital
Address:
413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone:
(360) 491-9480
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Capital Medical Center
Address:
3900 Capital Mall Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
(360) 754-5858
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tumwater, WA?
Tumwater's housing market features a median home price of $452,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,650, with just over half of homes being owner-occupied. The area has a healthy 6.2% rental vacancy rate and modest home appreciation of 2.7% over the past year. New construction remains steady, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$452,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services for Tumwater residents are handled by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in nearby Olympia. The office offers a full range of DMV services with helpful resources available online. This makes managing driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other needs straightforward for newcomers.
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.