Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Seattle, WA
Considering a move to West Seattle, WA? This vibrant neighborhood of about 85,000 offers a friendly, diverse community with a median home price of $805,000 and average rents around $2,100. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, highly educated neighbors, and easy access to beautiful parks and Puget Sound beaches. With a low average commute of 29.5 minutes, solid schools, and a mild climate, West Seattle is ideal for those seeking urban amenities with a relaxed, scenic vibe.
Demographics - West Seattle, WA
Demographics - West Seattle, WA
West Seattle is home to approximately 85,000 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 39.7 years. The community is predominantly White at 70%, but also features Asian, Black, and other ethnic groups, reflecting a diverse urban environment. About 16% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the neighborhood's multicultural character.
Population:
85,000
Density:
6,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
70.2%
Black:
5.1%
Asian:
11.3%
Others:
13.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Seattle, WA?
Living in West Seattle comes with a higher cost of living, with a median home value of $805,000 and average rents around $2,100 per month. While utilities and state taxes are relatively low, housing and transportation expenses contribute to a cost of living index well above the national average. This area is ideal for those seeking a vibrant, amenity-rich neighborhood despite premium prices.
Median House Value:
$805,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
156.7
Grocery:
109.2
Housing:
210.5
Utilities:
87.4
Transportation:
129.3
Health Care:
113.8
Miscellaneous:
105.7
Crime
Is West Seattle, WA a safe place to live?
West Seattle experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 325 violent crimes and 2,950 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 308 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 34 chance of property crime, making personal safety a consideration when choosing neighborhoods. Overall, the area aligns with typical crime rates seen in urban Seattle communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
325
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,950
Crime Index:
3,275
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 308
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in West Seattle, WA year-round?
West Seattle enjoys a mild, maritime climate with cool, wet winters averaging lows of 37°F and dry, comfortable summers with highs reaching 76°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 46% of the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate moderate temperatures and lush green surroundings.

Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
West Seattle residents are well-educated and economically stable, with a median household income of $104,500 and a poverty rate below 8%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, over half hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the unemployment rate is a low 3.7%. Public transportation is commonly used, with an average commute time under 30 minutes, reflecting the neighborhood's convenient urban location.
Median Income:
$60,200
Household Income:
$104,500
Family Income:
$124,000
Per Capita Income:
$61,800
Income Male:
$75,500
Income Female:
$63,000
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
15.8%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
13.5%
Commute Time:
29.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
56.3%
Education
How are the schools in West Seattle, WA?
West Seattle offers strong educational opportunities with well-regarded public schools like West Seattle High School and Madison Middle School, as well as private and parochial options. Nearby colleges, including South Seattle College and Seattle University, provide higher education within a short commute. High educational attainment among residents supports a vibrant, family-friendly community.

Public Schools
Name:
West Seattle High School
Street:
3000 California Ave SW
Phone:
206-252-8800
Students:
1,120
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Madison Middle School
Street:
3429 45th Ave SW
Phone:
206-252-9200
Students:
875
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2

Private Schools
Name:
Seattle Lutheran High School
Street:
4100 SW Genesee St
Phone:
206-937-7722
Students:
190

Colleges
Name:
South Seattle College
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Seattle University
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in West Seattle is highly accessible, with major primary care and specialty clinics nearby and a top regional hospital just a short drive away. The area boasts a strong physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 and over 95% of residents have health insurance coverage. Residents benefit from quality care and a comprehensive health services network.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Swedish West Seattle Primary Care
Address:
3400 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
Phone:
(206) 320-4888
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health - West Seattle
Address:
4526 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
Phone:
(206) 461-3134
Type:
Primary Care & Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Harborview Medical Center (Nearby)
Address:
325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone:
(206) 744-3000
Type:
General & Trauma
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.6%
Health Care Index:
80.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Seattle, WA?
The West Seattle housing market is competitive, with median home prices at $805,000 and owner occupancy at 54%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,100 and a low vacancy rate of 4.2%. Home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, making it an attractive area for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$805,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
West Seattle residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in downtown Seattle. The office provides all standard driver and vehicle services, and information is easily accessible online for added convenience. Local access streamlines tasks like licensing, registration, and renewals for West Seattle drivers.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
205 Spring St, Seattle, WA 98104
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.