Everything You Should Know Before Moving to White Center, WA
Considering a move to White Center, WA? With a population of about 16,000, this diverse, close-knit community offers a lively mix of cultures and quick access to Seattle. Median home prices are around $465,000, and average rents hover near $1,650, reflecting the area’s high demand. Residents enjoy a mild Pacific Northwest climate, average commutes of 34 minutes, and convenient public transit options. While property crime rates are higher than average, the area boasts accessible healthcare, a variety of schools, and a vibrant neighborhood feel—ideal for those seeking urban energy with a small-town spirit.
Demographics - White Center, WA
Demographics - White Center, WA
White Center is a culturally diverse community of approximately 16,000 residents, with a median age of 37 and a nearly equal gender ratio. The population features significant Asian, Black, and Hispanic representation, and about 32% of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
16,000
Density:
6,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
43.5%
Black:
10.4%
Asian:
21.9%
Others:
24.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in White Center, WA?
Living in White Center comes with a cost of living index of 140.1, driven largely by housing and healthcare expenses. Median home values are $465,000 and average rent is $1,650, reflecting prices above the national average but relatively competitive for the Seattle area.
Median House Value:
$465,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,290
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$800
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
140.1
Grocery:
124.5
Housing:
158.0
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
129.0
Health Care:
128.5
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is White Center, WA a safe place to live?
White Center experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 3,100 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 32 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 350 per 100,000, but residents should remain aware of local safety trends.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,100
Crime Index:
3,450
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in White Center, WA year-round?
The climate in White Center is mild and typical of the Pacific Northwest, featuring cool, wet winters with lows in the mid-30s and pleasant summers averaging highs in the upper 70s. The area receives about 37.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 44% of the year.
Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
White Center’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $67,200 and a poverty rate of 14.5%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the community offers a mix of renters and homeowners with an average commute of about 34 minutes.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$67,200
Family Income:
$73,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$34,700
Poverty Rate:
14.5%
Non English Speakers:
32.1%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
12.0%
Commute Time:
33.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.9%
Education
How are the schools in White Center, WA?
White Center is served by several public and private schools, such as Evergreen High School and Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School, offering diverse educational options. The community is also within a short drive of higher education institutions like South Seattle College, providing access to a range of academic and career programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Evergreen High School
Street:
830 SW 116th St
Phone:
206-631-6150
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Mount View Elementary
Street:
10811 12th Ave SW
Phone:
206-631-3900
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School
Street:
9615 20th Ave SW
Phone:
206-767-6640
Students:
280
Colleges
Name:
South Seattle College
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Seattle University
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to comprehensive healthcare, including major hospitals like St. Anne Hospital and Harborview Medical Center nearby. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and a 91% health insurance coverage rate, quality medical services are readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Anne Hospital
Address:
16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166
Phone:
(206) 244-9970
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Harborview Medical Center
Address:
325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone:
(206) 744-3000
Type:
Trauma & General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in White Center, WA?
White Center’s housing market features a median home price of $465,000 and an owner-occupancy rate just above 50%. The area has a modest home appreciation rate and a low foreclosure rate, offering a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$465,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.8%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local vehicle and licensing needs are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia, with online resources and support available for all residents.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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.