Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Vashon, WA
Considering a move to Vashon, WA? This scenic island community of 11,260 offers tranquil, small-town living with a distinctly Pacific Northwest charm. Home prices average $769,000 and rents typically run $1,900, reflecting a competitive housing market. Vashon boasts a low violent crime rate (60 per 100K), excellent schools with high educational attainment, and a mild climate with 45% sunny days. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, strong community vibe, and easy access to nature—just be prepared for a 38-minute average commute, often including a picturesque ferry ride.
Demographics - Vashon, WA
Demographics - Vashon, WA
Vashon is a close-knit island community of 11,260 residents, known for its low population density and older median age of 51.1 years. The population is predominantly White, with a small but present mix of other ethnic groups, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area offers a quiet, mature lifestyle ideal for those seeking a peaceful environment.
Population:
11,260
Density:
220 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Vashon, WA?
Living in Vashon comes with a higher cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $769,000 and average rents around $1,900 per month. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, but housing remains the largest expense, with the overall cost of living index significantly above the national average. State tax rates range from 0% to 9%, and monthly household costs can be substantial for homeowners with a mortgage.
Median House Value:
$769,000
Gross Rent:
$1,900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,580
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
153.0
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
111.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Vashon, WA a safe place to live?
Vashon offers a safe environment, with a notably low violent crime rate of just 60 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,665 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common, with a rate of 1,050 per 100,000, but overall the area is considered secure and family-friendly. Residents appreciate the peace of mind that comes with these safety statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,110
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,665
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Vashon, WA year-round?
Vashon enjoys a mild Pacific Northwest climate, with winter temperatures ranging from 36°F to 45°F and pleasant summers peaking around 76°F. The island sees moderate rainfall—about 38 inches annually—and roughly 45% sunny days, making it perfect for those who appreciate changing seasons without extreme weather. Residents benefit from comfortable outdoor living year-round.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Vashon residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $104,900 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. The community is highly educated, with over 97% holding at least a high school diploma and more than half earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Most residents commute an average of 38 minutes—often including a scenic ferry ride—to nearby employment centers.
Median Income:
$54,300
Household Income:
$104,900
Family Income:
$121,000
Per Capita Income:
$60,800
Income Male:
$68,000
Income Female:
$52,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,900
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
10.4%
Commute Time:
38.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
56.1%
Education
How are the schools in Vashon, WA?
Vashon offers quality education through its public schools, such as Vashon Island High School and McMurray Middle School, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. The area also features private options like The Harbor School and is conveniently located near Seattle-based colleges, accessible via a short ferry ride. High educational attainment and school quality make Vashon appealing for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Vashon Island High School
Street:
9600 SW 204th St
Phone:
206-463-9171
Students:
452
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Name:
McMurray Middle School
Street:
9329 SW Cemetery Rd
Phone:
206-463-9168
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Private Schools
Name:
The Harbor School
Street:
15920 Vashon Hwy SW
Phone:
206-567-5955
Students:
62
Colleges
Name:
South Seattle College
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles (including ferry)
Students:
6,800
Name:
Seattle Central College
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
17 miles (including ferry)
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Vashon is robust, with local clinics and nearby hospitals providing a range of services, including emergency care at St. Anne Hospital. The community benefits from a high healthcare coverage rate of 94.6% and about 3 physicians per 1,000 residents. Residents can expect quality care with convenient options both on the island and nearby.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Vashon Health Center (neighboring MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital)
Address:
10030 SW 210th St, Vashon, WA 98070
Phone:
(206) 463-3671
Type:
Family Practice & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
St. Anne Hospital (nearest major hospital)
Address:
16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166
Phone:
(206) 244-9970
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Vashon, WA?
Vashon's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $769,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,900. Homeownership is high, with over 80% of residents owning their homes, and the area has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.2% in the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, making early planning important for prospective movers.
Median Home Price:
$769,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Vashon residents are managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia. Services are accessible through their official website or by phone, ensuring residents can easily handle licensing needs. The DMV provides all standard services required for drivers and vehicle owners in Washington.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
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.