WashingtonPop. 99,493Smaller cities
Is Federal Way a Good Place to Live? Federal Way, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Federal Way ranks #770 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #329 of 524 smaller cities and #21 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (32.1 min, #462 of 524) and high unemployment (5.3%, #395 of 476).
Federal Way by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Federal Way'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 Federal Way?
Federal Way'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 $1,797/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $586,172, 1% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Federal Way | 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 | $586,172#927 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 | $1,907/mo#659 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $552,800#1026 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,797/mo#963 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.8%#980 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.
Federal Way 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. Federal Way is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Federal Way safe?
Federal Way recorded 353 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% above the US rate of 328 and 24% above Washington's 284. That ranks #643 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #289 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Federal Way Police Department. Property crime runs 2,668 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Federal Way | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 353#643 of 1,085 | 284 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,668#897 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 Federal Way?
The median household in Federal Way earns $86,909, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Federal Way | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $86,909#508 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13%#734 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 Federal Way?
The median resident of Federal Way is 37.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #761 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Federal Way | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 30.8%#761 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 55.3% | 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 Federal Way's schools and health?
Federal Way's 26 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 18.3 students per teacher and $17,898 spent per pupil. 27% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Federal Way | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.3#859 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,898#349 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27%#225 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.7%#741 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. 13,382 students are enrolled in Federal Way's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Federal Way?
The average commute in Federal Way is 32.1 minutes (Washington 27.2); 4.5% of workers take transit and 13.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Federal Way scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.5°F and winters 42.9°F, with 39.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Federal Way | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 32.1 min#1203 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 14.6%#1213 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.5% | 65.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.5% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.1% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.7% | 16.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.6#393 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 | 37.7 | 5.8 |
| Feb | 50.3 | 37.7 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 54.2 | 39.9 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 59.3 | 43.3 | 3.2 |
| May | 66.3 | 48.7 | 1.9 |
| Jun | 71.1 | 53 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 77.4 | 56.8 | 0.6 |
| Aug | 77.6 | 57.2 | 1 |
| Sep | 71.6 | 53.6 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 60.5 | 47 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 52.1 | 40.9 | 6.3 |
| Dec | 47 | 37.1 | 5.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Seattle Tacoma Airport.
| Measure | Federal Way | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 65.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 42.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.3 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 Seattle Tacoma Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Federal Way?
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 | Federal Way | 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 Federal Way compare with similar-size cities?
Federal Way is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #329 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 99,493.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #347 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | #808 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 | 29.5 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #355 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #569 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 min |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #636 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 | 30.2 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 Federal Way compare with the rest of Washington?
Federal Way ranks #21 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 13% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 24% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below 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 |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | … #17 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #18 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 |
| Kennewick, WAPop. 85,295 | #19 | 54.3 | $73,576 | $1,240/mo | 318 |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #20 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #21 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 |
| Bellingham, WAPop. 93,438 | #22 | 53.8 | $66,755 | $1,577/mo | 263 |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #23 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data |
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #24 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 |
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #25 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Federal Way among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Federal Way's score calculated?
Federal Way scores 53.8 out of 100, #770 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Federal Way. Similar-size median 55.5.
50.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Federal Way's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
65.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Federal Way. Similar-size median 58.9.
66.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Federal Way's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
55.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Federal Way's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
46.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Federal Way. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Federal Way. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Federal Way. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Federal Way's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.1 - 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: Federal Way'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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
Is Federal Way, WA a good place to live?
Federal Way ranks #770 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #329 of 524 smaller cities and #21 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (32.1 min, #462 of 524) and high unemployment (5.3%, #395 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Federal Way?
Federal Way'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 $1,797/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $586,172, 1% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Federal Way?
Federal Way recorded 353 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% above the US rate of 328 and 24% above Washington's 284. That ranks #643 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #289 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Federal Way Police Department. Property crime runs 2,668 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Federal Way?
The median household in Federal Way earns $86,909, 5% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Federal Way?
Median rent in Federal Way is $1,797/mo (Census), #963 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,907/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Federal Way?
The typical home value in Federal Way is $586,172, down 0.5% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $552,800.
How are the public schools in Federal Way?
Federal Way's 26 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 18.3 students per teacher and $17,898 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Federal Way?
The average commute is 32.1 minutes, #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 14.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Federal Way?
Federal Way averages 53.7°F over the year, 65.5°F in summer and 42.9°F in winter, with 39.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Federal Way walkable?
Federal Way scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way?
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 Federal Way?
Federal Way has 99,493 residents. The median resident of Federal Way is 37.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #761 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Federal Way compare with the rest of Washington?
Federal Way ranks #21 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 13% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 24% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Federal Way?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Federal Way's population of 99,493 are Boca Raton, FL (#347 overall), Yuma, AZ (#1169 overall), Norwalk, CA (#808 overall), Longmont, CO (#355 overall), and Kenosha, WI (#583 overall). Federal Way is #770.