Everything You Should Know Before Moving to University Place, WA
Considering a move to University Place, WA? Home to nearly 35,000 residents, this friendly suburb boasts a median home price of $567,000 and average rents around $1,690. With excellent schools, a strong educational attainment rate, and lower-than-average violent crime, it's a great spot for families. Residents enjoy a mild Pacific Northwest climate, easy commutes averaging 28 minutes, and access to major healthcare facilities and outdoor recreation.
Demographics - University Place, WA
Demographics - University Place, WA
University Place is a welcoming city of nearly 35,000 residents, featuring a balanced age distribution with a median age of just over 40. The community is diverse, with a significant Asian population and 17.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
34,866
Density:
4,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.1%
Black:
7.1%
Asian:
10.9%
Others:
12.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in University Place, WA?
Living in University Place comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $567,000 and typical rents around $1,690 per month. While utilities and healthcare are relatively affordable, housing costs are the primary driver of the city's cost of living index of 124.3, making it important to plan for a larger housing budget.
Median House Value:
$567,000
Gross Rent:
$1,690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.3
Grocery:
116.8
Housing:
142.6
Utilities:
88.2
Transportation:
117.1
Health Care:
110.2
Miscellaneous:
108.8
Crime
Is University Place, WA a safe place to live?
University Place is considered a safe community, with a violent crime rate of 185 incidents per 100,000 residents—well below national averages. While the chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 47, overall crime rates remain low, making it a reassuring choice for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,136
Crime Index:
2,321
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 541
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in University Place, WA year-round?
Residents of University Place enjoy a classic Pacific Northwest climate, with mild summers reaching highs of 77°F and cool, wet winters averaging 39.5 inches of annual rainfall. The city experiences about 47% sunny days, offering a comfortable environment for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
The city boasts a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $84,500 and a relatively low poverty rate of 7.8%. Most residents are well-educated, with nearly 40% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and average commute times are manageable at just over 28 minutes.
Median Income:
$44,700
Household Income:
$84,500
Family Income:
$100,400
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$52,200
Income Female:
$44,600
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$1,690
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
4.2%
Commute Time:
28.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.9%
Bachelors or More:
39.7%
Education
How are the schools in University Place, WA?
Education is a highlight in University Place, with highly rated public schools like Curtis Senior High and access to respected private academies. The city is also conveniently located near major colleges such as Tacoma Community College and the University of Puget Sound, supporting lifelong learning opportunities for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Curtis Senior High School
Street:
8425 40th St W
Phone:
253-566-5710
Students:
1,370
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Drum Intermediate School
Street:
4909 79th Ave W
Phone:
253-566-5660
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.3
Private Schools
Name:
Charles Wright Academy
Street:
7723 Chambers Creek Rd W
Phone:
253-620-8300
Students:
625
Colleges
Name:
University of Puget Sound
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
2,600
Name:
Tacoma Community College
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,600
Healthcare
University Place residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with two major hospitals nearby in Tacoma and a high rate of insured individuals at 94.6%. With about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, quality medical care is readily available for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MultiCare Allenmore Hospital
Address:
1901 S Union Ave, 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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in University Place, WA?
The housing market in University Place is characterized by a median home price of $567,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 57.3%. Home values have seen modest appreciation at 2.1% over the past year, and rental options remain accessible with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,690.
Median Home Price:
$567,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,690
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for University Place are handled through the Washington Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Tacoma. Residents can access registration, licensing, and other DMV services both in-person and online through the official state portal.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington Department of Licensing
Address:
2121 S State St, Tacoma, WA 98405
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.