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Is Kirkland a Good Place to Live? Kirkland, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kirkland ranks #58 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #28 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($150,414, #24 of 524) and fast population growth (+3%, #26 of 468), and trails on expensive homes ($1,115,400, #497 of 524) and high rents ($2,401/mo, #473 of 524).
Kirkland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kirkland'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 Kirkland?
Kirkland'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 $2,401/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,178,291, 2 times the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Kirkland | 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 | $1,178,291#1140 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 | $2,603/mo#941 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,115,400#1268 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,401/mo#1229 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.4x#1183 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.2%#352 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.
Kirkland 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. Kirkland is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Kirkland safe?
Kirkland recorded 67 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 77% below Washington's 284. That ranks #61 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kirkland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,216 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kirkland | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 67#61 of 1,085 | 284 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,216#316 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 Kirkland?
The median household in Kirkland earns $150,414, 81% above the US figure of $83,163 and 51% above Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kirkland | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $150,414#41 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.1%#187 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +3%#52 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 Kirkland?
The median resident of Kirkland is 38.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 66.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kirkland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 66.3%#72 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.8% | 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 Kirkland's schools and health?
Kirkland's 18 public schools graduate 82.5% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 18.5 students per teacher and $17,053 spent per pupil. 21.8% of adults are obese and 6.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Kirkland | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 82.5%#804 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.5#874 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,053#410 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 21.8%#38 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 6.4%#31 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.2%#164 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.3%#90 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. 11,515 students are enrolled in Kirkland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kirkland?
The average commute in Kirkland is 23.9 minutes (Washington 27.2); 3.5% of workers take transit and 33.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kirkland scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65°F and winters 42.5°F, with 37.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kirkland | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.9 min#672 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 53.2% | 65.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.5% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.8% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 33.9% | 16.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.7#209 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 | 47.4 | 37.2 | 5.1 |
| Feb | 49.8 | 37 | 3.5 |
| Mar | 53.9 | 39.2 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 58.8 | 42.8 | 3 |
| May | 65.3 | 48.3 | 2.2 |
| Jun | 70.2 | 52.7 | 1.6 |
| Jul | 76.5 | 56.5 | 0.8 |
| Aug | 77 | 57.1 | 1 |
| Sep | 71.3 | 53.2 | 1.7 |
| Oct | 60.5 | 46.7 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 51.9 | 40.9 | 5.9 |
| Dec | 46.5 | 37 | 5.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Seattle Sand Pt Wfo.
| Measure | Kirkland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 65°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 42.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 37.8 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 Sand Pt Wfo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kirkland?
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 | Kirkland | 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 Kirkland compare with similar-size cities?
Kirkland is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #28 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 92,621.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #58 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 | 23.9 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| Chino, CAPop. 92,652 | #798 | 53.3 | $104,682 | $2,336/mo | 324 | 33.1 min |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 min |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #74 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 | 26.9 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 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 Kirkland compare with the rest of Washington?
Kirkland ranks #2 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 70.3 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 51% above the Washington median. Violent crime is 77% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2 times 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 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Kirkland among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Kirkland's score calculated?
Kirkland scores 70.3 out of 100, #58 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Kirkland. Similar-size median 55.5.
82.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kirkland's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
93.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kirkland. Similar-size median 58.9.
86.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kirkland's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
52.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kirkland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
24.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kirkland. Similar-size median 56.1.
94.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kirkland. Similar-size median 42.4.
69.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kirkland. Similar-size median 50.0.
69.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kirkland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.8 - 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: Kirkland'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 Kirkland 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 Kirkland
Is Kirkland, WA a good place to live?
Kirkland ranks #58 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #28 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($150,414, #24 of 524) and fast population growth (+3%, #26 of 468), and trails on expensive homes ($1,115,400, #497 of 524) and high rents ($2,401/mo, #473 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Kirkland?
Kirkland'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 $2,401/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,178,291, 2 times the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Kirkland?
Kirkland recorded 67 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 77% below Washington's 284. That ranks #61 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kirkland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,216 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kirkland?
The median household in Kirkland earns $150,414, 81% above the US figure of $83,163 and 51% above Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kirkland?
Median rent in Kirkland is $2,401/mo (Census), #1229 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,603/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kirkland?
The typical home value in Kirkland is $1,178,291, down 5.2% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,115,400.
How are the public schools in Kirkland?
Kirkland's 18 public schools graduate 82.5% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 18.5 students per teacher and $17,053 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kirkland?
The average commute is 23.9 minutes, #672 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kirkland?
Kirkland averages 53.2°F over the year, 65°F in summer and 42.5°F in winter, with 37.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kirkland walkable?
Kirkland scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 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 Kirkland 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 Kirkland?
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 Kirkland?
Kirkland has 92,621 residents. The median resident of Kirkland is 38.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 66.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kirkland compare with the rest of Washington?
Kirkland ranks #2 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 70.3 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 51% above the Washington median. Violent crime is 77% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2 times the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Kirkland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kirkland's population of 92,621 are O'Fallon, MO (#134 overall), Greenville, NC (#1026 overall), Chino, CA (#798 overall), Hoover, AL (#118 overall), and Roswell, GA (#74 overall). Kirkland is #58.