WashingtonPop. 85,676Smaller cities
Is Auburn a Good Place to Live? Auburn, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Auburn ranks #597 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (30.5 min, #426 of 524) and high living costs (111.1, #414 of 524).
Auburn by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Auburn's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Auburn?
Auburn's cost of living index is 111.1, 11% above the US level of 100 and #1132 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,786/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $598,170, 1% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Auburn | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 111.1#1132 of 1,308 | 107 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $598,170#936 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,001/mo#709 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $547,900#1022 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,786/mo#954 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.9%#669 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Auburn housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Auburn is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Auburn safe?
Auburn recorded 300 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% below the US rate of 328 and 5% above Washington's 284. That ranks #563 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #251 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Auburn Police Department. Property crime runs 2,498 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Auburn | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 300#563 of 1,085 | 284 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,498#866 of 1,085 | 1,975 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Auburn?
The median household in Auburn earns $97,884, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Auburn | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $97,884#367 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.9%#409 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Auburn?
The median resident of Auburn is 36 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 25.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #953 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Auburn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 25.6%#953 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Auburn's schools and health?
Auburn's 22 public schools graduate 83.6% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $18,602 spent per pupil. 27.3% of adults are obese and 8.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Auburn | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83.6%#769 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.2#763 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,602#295 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27.3%#237 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.8%#185 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.5%#718 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,991 students are enrolled in Auburn's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Auburn?
The average commute in Auburn is 30.5 minutes (Washington 27.2); 2.6% of workers take transit and 14.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Auburn scores 11.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.1°F and winters 42.4°F, with 40.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Auburn | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.5 min#1137 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 12.8%#1167 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 70.9% | 65.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.6% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14.4% | 16.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.6#521 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48.4 | 36.1 | 5.8 |
| Feb | 51.2 | 36.2 | 4 |
| Mar | 55.8 | 39 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 61.4 | 42.8 | 3.1 |
| May | 68 | 48.7 | 2.1 |
| Jun | 71.9 | 53.3 | 1.7 |
| Jul | 78.3 | 57.3 | 0.7 |
| Aug | 78.3 | 57.3 | 0.9 |
| Sep | 72.5 | 52.4 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 61.3 | 45.6 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 52.7 | 39.1 | 6.2 |
| Dec | 47 | 35.4 | 5.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kent.
| Measure | Auburn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 66.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 42.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 40.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kent.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Auburn?
King County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts King County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Auburn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.25%#1053 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for King County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, King County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.14% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Auburn compare with similar-size cities?
Auburn is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #268 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 85,676.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #597 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 | 30.5 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #68 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #723 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 | 17.5 min |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #241 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 | 28.2 min |
| Town 'n' Country, FLPop. 85,928 | #1067 | 48.5 | $73,538 | $1,734/mo | no data | 28 min |
| Livermore, CAPop. 85,522 | #250 | 63.2 | $160,775 | $2,677/mo | 175 | 30.1 min |
| Lehi, UTPop. 85,173 | #297 | 62.1 | $131,299 | $1,964/mo | part year | 23.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Auburn compare with the rest of Washington?
Auburn ranks #13 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 2% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 5% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% above the typical Washington home.
| City | Rank in WA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #1 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #2 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #3 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #4 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #5 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #6 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #7 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #8 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #9 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #10 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #11 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #12 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 |
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #13 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #14 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #15 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #16 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #17 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Auburn among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Auburn's score calculated?
Auburn scores 56.7 out of 100, #597 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Washington's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Auburn. Similar-size median 55.5.
57.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Auburn's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
69.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Auburn. Similar-size median 58.9.
67.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Auburn's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Auburn's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
46.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Auburn. Similar-size median 56.1.
66.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Auburn. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Auburn. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Auburn's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
55.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
35.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Auburn's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Auburn has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Auburn
Is Auburn, WA a good place to live?
Auburn ranks #597 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (30.5 min, #426 of 524) and high living costs (111.1, #414 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Auburn?
Auburn's cost of living index is 111.1, 11% above the US level of 100 and #1132 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,786/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $598,170, 1% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Auburn?
Auburn recorded 300 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% below the US rate of 328 and 5% above Washington's 284. That ranks #563 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #251 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Auburn Police Department. Property crime runs 2,498 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Auburn?
The median household in Auburn earns $97,884, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Auburn?
Median rent in Auburn is $1,786/mo (Census), #954 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,001/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Auburn?
The typical home value in Auburn is $598,170, down 0.3% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $547,900.
How are the public schools in Auburn?
Auburn's 22 public schools graduate 83.6% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $18,602 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Auburn?
The average commute is 30.5 minutes, #1137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 12.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Auburn?
Auburn averages 53.8°F over the year, 66.1°F in summer and 42.4°F in winter, with 40.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Auburn walkable?
Auburn scores 11.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Auburn at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts King County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 83% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Auburn?
King County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Auburn?
Auburn has 85,676 residents. The median resident of Auburn is 36 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 25.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #953 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Auburn compare with the rest of Washington?
Auburn ranks #13 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 2% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 5% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% above the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Auburn?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Auburn's population of 85,676 are Franklin, TN (#68 overall), Duluth, MN (#467 overall), Medford, OR (#1021 overall), Sioux City, IA (#723 overall), and Georgetown, TX (#241 overall). Auburn is #597.