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Is Lacey a Good Place to Live? Lacey, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lacey ranks #449 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #210 of 524 smaller cities and #9 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Lacey by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lacey'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 Lacey?
Lacey's cost of living index is 103.7, 4% above the US level of 100 and #917 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,870/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $509,747, 14% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Lacey | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.7#917 of 1,308 | 109 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $509,747#831 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,137/mo#776 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $457,100#902 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,870/mo#1015 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5x#842 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.
Lacey 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. Lacey is in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Lacey safe?
Lacey recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% below the US rate of 373 and 41% below Washington's 372. That ranks #389 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #177 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lacey Police Department. Property crime runs 1,948 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Lacey | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 220#389 of 1,083 | 372 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,948#690 of 1,083 | 2,958 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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 Lacey?
The median household in Lacey earns $90,625, 18% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Lacey | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $90,625#452 of 1,312 | $90,325 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.6%#626 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +1% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
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 Lacey?
The median resident of Lacey is 37.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #642 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lacey | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 34.1%#642 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 55.9% | 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 Lacey's schools and health?
Lacey's 15 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 18.9 students per teacher and $17,096 spent per pupil. 31.1% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lacey | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 82% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.9#891 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,096#406 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.1%#466 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.3%#414 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. 11,347 students are enrolled in Lacey's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lacey?
The average commute in Lacey is 25.4 minutes (Washington 23.1); 1.8% of workers take transit and 16.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lacey scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 62.5°F and winters 39.7°F, with 50.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lacey | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.4 min#808 of 1,312 | 23.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.6%#881 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.9% | 65.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 4.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 3.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.9% | 15.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.8#355 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 | 46 | 33.2 | 7.8 |
| Feb | 49.1 | 32.3 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 53.7 | 34.5 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 58.9 | 37.5 | 3.7 |
| May | 66.1 | 43 | 2.3 |
| Jun | 70.8 | 47.4 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 77.6 | 50.7 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 78 | 50.5 | 1 |
| Sep | 72.1 | 46.2 | 2 |
| Oct | 60.2 | 40.5 | 5.1 |
| Nov | 50.6 | 35.8 | 8.2 |
| Dec | 44.9 | 32.8 | 7.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olympia Airport.
| Measure | Lacey | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 62.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 39.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 50.6 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 Olympia Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lacey?
Thurston County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 94% 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 Thurston County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Lacey | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 27#46 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% | 0.23%#1017 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 Thurston County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Thurston County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.13% | 98% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0024% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.077% | 45% 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 Lacey compare with similar-size cities?
Lacey is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #210 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 57,737.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #449 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 | 25.4 min |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #94 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 | 23.8 min |
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #189 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 | 34.8 min |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | #170 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 | 33.8 min |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #512 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 | 26.2 min |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #167 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 | 25.1 min |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #634 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 | 23.6 min |
| Pocatello, IDPop. 57,635 | #689 | 55.1 | $60,418 | $948/mo | 331 | 16.2 min |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #865 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 | 21.1 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 Lacey compare with the rest of Washington?
Lacey ranks #9 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 59 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn in line with the Washington median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% 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 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Lacey among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $90,325, violent crime 372 per 100,000.
How is Lacey's score calculated?
Lacey scores 59 out of 100, #449 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 Lacey. Similar-size median 55.5.
55.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lacey's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
78.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lacey. Similar-size median 58.9.
59.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lacey's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lacey's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
53.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lacey. Similar-size median 56.1.
58.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lacey. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lacey. Similar-size median 50.0.
51.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lacey's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
52.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lacey'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 Lacey 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 Lacey
Is Lacey, WA a good place to live?
Lacey ranks #449 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #210 of 524 smaller cities and #9 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Lacey?
Lacey's cost of living index is 103.7, 4% above the US level of 100 and #917 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,870/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $509,747, 14% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Lacey?
Lacey recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% below the US rate of 373 and 41% below Washington's 372. That ranks #389 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #177 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lacey Police Department. Property crime runs 1,948 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Lacey?
The median household in Lacey earns $90,625, 18% above the US figure of $76,827 and in line with Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Lacey?
Median rent in Lacey is $1,870/mo (Census), #1015 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,137/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lacey?
Zillow's typical home value in Lacey is $509,747, up 0.2% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $457,100.
How are the public schools in Lacey?
Lacey's 15 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 18.9 students per teacher and $17,096 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lacey?
The average commute is 25.4 minutes, #808 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.1 minutes across Washington. 7.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lacey?
Lacey averages 50.5°F over the year, 62.5°F in summer and 39.7°F in winter, with 50.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lacey walkable?
Lacey scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Lacey at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Thurston County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lacey?
Thurston County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Lacey?
Lacey has 57,737 residents. The median resident of Lacey is 37.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #642 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lacey compare with the rest of Washington?
Lacey ranks #9 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 59 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn in line with the Washington median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Lacey?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lacey's population of 57,737 are Royal Oak, MI (#94 overall), Bowie, MD (#189 overall), Orland Park, IL (#170 overall), Kannapolis, NC (#512 overall), and Brookhaven, GA (#167 overall). Lacey is #449.