Washington / County

Moving to University Place, WA

Thinking of making a move to University Place, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare University Place before you move.

Moving Help for Your University Place, WA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of University Place move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to University Place, WA

Considering a move to University Place, WA? This welcoming community of 34,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $620,000 and average rents near $1,950. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore University Place's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - University Place, WA

University Place has a population of 34,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 63% White, 7% Black, and 16% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
34,500
Density
5,200 per sq mi
Median Age
39.7
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
63.0%
Black
7.0%
Asian
15.5%
Others
14.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in University Place, WA?

The cost of living in University Place is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 138.4. Median home values are around $620,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$620,000
Gross Rent
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
138.4
Grocery
109.5
Housing
158.0
Utilities
116.2
Transportation
121.0
Health Care
108.9
Miscellaneous
112.0

Crime

Is University Place, WA a safe place to live?

University Place is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 120 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 55. 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
120
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,820
Crime Index
1,940
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 55

Weather

What is the weather like in University Place, WA year-round?

University Place experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $98,500 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 40% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$45,000
Household Income
$98,500
Family Income
$117,500
Per Capita Income
$44,200
Income Male
$57,000
Income Female
$48,500
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Non English Speakers
19.2%
Rent
$1,950
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
9.6%
Commute Time
27.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.1%
Bachelors or More
39.8%

Education

How are the schools in University Place, WA?

University Place offers quality education options, with public schools like Curtis Senior High School and Dr. Ralph E. Toulouse Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Puget Sound and Tacoma Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Curtis Senior High School
Street
8425 40th St W
Phone
253-566-5700
Students
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio
20.1
Name
Dr. Ralph E. Toulouse Elementary School
Street
7001 27th St W
Phone
253-566-5600
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
16.8

Private Schools

Name
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Street
2300 S Washington St
Phone
253-761-7911
Students
730

Colleges

Name
University of Puget Sound
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
4 miles
Students
2,600
Name
Tacoma Community College
City
Tacoma
State
WA
Distance
6 miles
Students
10,000

Healthcare

University Place residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Joseph Medical Center and MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and 93.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
St. Joseph Medical Center
Address
1717 S J St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone
(253) 627-4101
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage
93.0%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in University Place, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $620,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. University Place offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$620,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of University Place 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 98504
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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 University Place, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to University Place, review the core fields on this page: population 34,500, median home value $620,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,950, commute time 27.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

Ready to Move to University Place, WA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes