Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wauna, WA
Considering a move to Wauna, WA? This laid-back community of about 4,600 offers scenic Pacific Northwest living with a median home price around $480,000 and average rents of $1,550. Residents enjoy a mild, rainy climate, low violent crime rates, and a typical commute of 34 minutes. With solid public schools, good healthcare access, and a strong owner-occupied housing rate, Wauna is ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of Tacoma’s amenities.
Demographics - Wauna, WA
Wauna has a close-knit population of about 4,600, with a median age nearing 50, reflecting a mature community. The area is predominantly White, and a small percentage of residents speak languages other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate density make it an inviting place for families and retirees alike.
Population:
4,600
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wauna, WA?
The cost of living in Wauna is moderately high, with a median home value of $480,000 and average rent at $1,550 per month. Daily expenses, including groceries and healthcare, trend above the national average, but residents benefit from Washington’s lack of state income tax. Utilities and transportation costs are reasonable, balancing overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$480,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$730
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.2
Grocery:
110.4
Housing:
128.8
Utilities:
106.3
Transportation:
116.7
Health Care:
109.2
Miscellaneous:
105.6
Crime
Is Wauna, WA a safe place to live?
Wauna experiences low violent crime rates, with only 192 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a relatively safe community. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a 1 in 63 chance. Residents can feel secure while enjoying the neighborhood's quiet atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
192
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,590
Crime Index:
1,782
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 520
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Wauna, WA year-round?
Wauna enjoys a mild Pacific Northwest climate, with cool, wet winters and pleasantly warm summers peaking around 76°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine on 44% of days, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lush, green landscape. Seasonal temperatures are comfortable, supporting year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Households in Wauna have a median income of $92,500, with a relatively low poverty rate of 7.8%. Most residents are well-educated, with over 90% having at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is about 34 minutes. The community is stable and family-friendly, with a high rate of homeownership and a small but diverse population.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$92,500
Family Income:
$105,000
Per Capita Income:
$40,800
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
31.4%
Education
How are the schools in Wauna, WA?
Wauna offers quality public education through schools like Voyager Elementary and Key Peninsula Middle School, with student-teacher ratios conducive to personalized learning. Private options and nearby colleges, including Tacoma Community College and the University of Washington Tacoma, provide diverse educational opportunities within a short drive. Families can expect strong academic support at all levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Voyager Elementary School
Street:
5610 McCormick Dr NW
Phone:
253-530-4800
Students:
435
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Name:
Key Peninsula Middle School
Street:
8710 Key Peninsula Hwy N
Phone:
253-530-3500
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Private Schools
Name:
Harbor Christian Schools
Street:
4819 Hunt St NW
Phone:
253-851-5722
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Tacoma Community College
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
University of Washington Tacoma
City:
Tacoma
State:
WA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Wauna residents benefit from accessible healthcare, including proximity to St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor. The area has a healthy physician-to-population ratio and over 92% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Anthony Hospital
Address:
11567 Canterwood Blvd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Phone:
(253) 530-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wauna, WA?
Wauna’s housing market is largely owner-occupied, with 75% of homes owned rather than rented. The median home price stands at $480,000, and property values have appreciated by nearly 5% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, reflecting steady demand in this desirable community.
Median Home Price:
$480,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia. The department offers comprehensive DMV services, from licensing to registration, and additional resources are available online. Support is readily available by phone or through the state’s official website.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1300 S Evergreen Park Dr 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.