Washington / County

Moving to West Seattle, WA

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

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Seattle, WA

Considering a move to West Seattle, WA? This welcoming community of 85,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $805,000 and average rents near $2,100. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (46% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore West Seattle's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - West Seattle, WA

West Seattle has a population of 85,000 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 70% White, 5% Black, and 11% Asian residents, and over 16% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in West Seattle is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 156.7. Median home values are around $805,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,100. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 325 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 37°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 46% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
37°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
46%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $104,500 and a low poverty rate of 7.9%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 56% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 14% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like West Seattle High School and Madison Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including South Seattle College and Seattle University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

West Seattle residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Swedish West Seattle Primary Care, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health - West Seattle, and Harborview Medical Center (Nearby) nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 95.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $805,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. West Seattle offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of West Seattle handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Seattle. 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
205 Spring St, Seattle, WA 98104
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 West Seattle, WA

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

Before moving to West Seattle, review the core fields on this page: population 85,000, median home value $805,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,100, commute time 29.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 46%.

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