Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Yelm, WA
Considering a move to Yelm, WA? With a population of about 10,700, Yelm offers affordable living, with median home prices around $390,000 and rents averaging $1,750. Residents enjoy a small-town feel, manageable commute times (about 35 minutes), and access to quality schools. While property crime rates are slightly above average, the city boasts a youthful population and easy access to nature. Yelm’s mild climate, solid healthcare options, and community-focused vibe make it an attractive spot for families and commuters alike.
Demographics - Yelm, WA
Yelm is home to around 10,700 residents, with a youthful median age of 32.4 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White (78.5%), but also includes a mix of other ethnic groups, and about 8.5% of the population speaks a language other than English at home.
Population:
10,700
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.4
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.5%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
17.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Yelm, WA?
Yelm’s cost of living is slightly above the national average, driven mainly by housing costs with a median home value of $390,000 and average rents around $1,750. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, while Washington’s state tax rate ranges up to 9%.
Median House Value:
$390,000
Gross Rent:
$1,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.5
Grocery:
103.2
Housing:
114.8
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
105.2
Health Care:
110.1
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Yelm, WA a safe place to live?
Yelm experiences a lower violent crime rate (185 per 100,000 residents) but faces higher-than-average property crime, with a resident’s chance of property crime about 1 in 51. While generally safe, new residents should remain mindful of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,950
Crime Index:
2,135
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Yelm, WA year-round?
Yelm enjoys a mild Pacific Northwest climate, with winter lows averaging 33°F and summer highs reaching 79°F. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and has roughly 44% sunny days, making for comfortable, if occasionally wet, weather year-round.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Yelm’s median household income sits at $73,400, with about 11% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school education, and average commute times are just under 35 minutes, reflecting the city’s appeal to both families and commuters.
Median Income:
$39,500
Household Income:
$73,400
Family Income:
$81,100
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$44,200
Income Female:
$37,100
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,750
Unemployment Rate:
5.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
34.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.4%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Yelm, WA?
Yelm offers quality public schools like Yelm High School and Ridgeline Middle School, both with moderate class sizes, as well as private options such as Eagle View Christian School. For higher education, South Puget Sound Community College is conveniently located just 20 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Yelm High School
Street:
1315 Yelm Ave W
Phone:
360-458-7777
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Name:
Ridgeline Middle School
Street:
10605 Carter St SE
Phone:
360-458-1100
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Private Schools
Name:
Eagle View Christian School
Street:
13036 Morris Rd SE
Phone:
360-400-7877
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
South Puget Sound Community College
City:
Olympia
State:
WA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Yelm is strong, with nearby hospitals like Providence St. Peter and MultiCare Capital Medical Center, and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93.7%. The area offers about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring essential medical services are available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence St. Peter Hospital
Address:
413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone:
(360) 491-9480
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MultiCare Capital Medical Center
Address:
3900 Capital Mall Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:
(360) 754-5858
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
72.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Yelm, WA?
Yelm’s housing market features a median home price of $390,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 67%. Rental vacancies are low at 4.9%, and the market has remained stable, with modest home appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor services through the Washington State Department of Licensing in nearby Olympia, with services accessible both in person and online.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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.