WashingtonPop. 62,937Smaller cities
Is Lakewood a Good Place to Live? Lakewood, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lakewood ranks #1099 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #451 of 524 smaller cities and #24 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (76%, #397 of 437) and high violent crime (514 per 100,000, #378 of 442).
Lakewood by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lakewood'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 Lakewood?
Lakewood'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 $1,525/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $515,727, 13% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Lakewood | 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 | 109 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $515,727#843 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 | $1,748/mo#548 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $461,200#910 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,525/mo#737 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.2x#1068 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.5%#945 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.
Lakewood 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. Lakewood is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Lakewood safe?
Lakewood recorded 514 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% above the US rate of 373 and 38% above Washington's 372. That ranks #854 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #378 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lakewood Police Department. Property crime runs 2,721 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Lakewood | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 514#854 of 1,083 | 372 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,721#901 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 Lakewood?
The median household in Lakewood earns $74,720, 3% below the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.2%). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Lakewood | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $74,720#711 of 1,312 | $90,325 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13.2%#752 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.3%#489 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 Lakewood?
The median resident of Lakewood is 37.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1054 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lakewood | 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% | 23.2%#1054 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 47.5% | 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 Lakewood's schools and health?
Lakewood's 19 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 16.3 students per teacher and $19,263 spent per pupil. 39% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lakewood | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 76%#968 of 1,063 | 82% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.3#667 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,263#243 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39%#1067 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.7%#847 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. 9,007 students are enrolled in Lakewood's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lakewood?
The average commute in Lakewood is 29.3 minutes (Washington 23.1); 3.2% of workers take transit and 8.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lakewood scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.3°F and winters 41.6°F, with 42 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lakewood | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.3 min#1065 of 1,312 | 23.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 12.2%#1155 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.2% | 65.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.2% | 4.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 3.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.8% | 15.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.5#410 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 | 46.3 | 36.4 | 6.1 |
| Feb | 48.4 | 36.5 | 4.1 |
| Mar | 53.1 | 38.5 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 57.5 | 41.4 | 3.4 |
| May | 64.5 | 46.5 | 2.1 |
| Jun | 69.7 | 50.7 | 1.4 |
| Jul | 75.5 | 54 | 0.7 |
| Aug | 75.6 | 54.3 | 0.9 |
| Sep | 69.6 | 51.4 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 58.6 | 45.7 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 50.5 | 39.8 | 7.2 |
| Dec | 45.5 | 36.2 | 5.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tacoma Narrows Airport.
| Measure | Lakewood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 63.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 41.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 42 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 Tacoma Narrows Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lakewood?
Pierce County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pierce County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, volcanic activity, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Lakewood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 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%#1005 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 Pierce County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pierce County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.13% | 98% of counties |
| Volcanic activity | 0.0017% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 32% 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 Lakewood compare with similar-size cities?
Lakewood is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #451 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 62,937.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood, WAPop. 62,937 | #1099 | 47.9 | $74,720 | $1,525/mo | 514 | 29.3 min |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #1098 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 | 24.5 min |
| Moore, OKPop. 63,420 | #607 | 56.6 | $80,420 | $1,340/mo | 230 | 22.9 min |
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #2 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 | 27.1 min |
| Porterville, CAPop. 63,157 | #1259 | 41.8 | $60,461 | $1,148/mo | 332 | 23.5 min |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #324 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 | 29.7 min |
| Eden Prairie, MNPop. 63,051 | #34 | 71.7 | $130,489 | $1,833/mo | 54 | 21.4 min |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #1154 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 | 18 min |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #876 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 | 17.9 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 Lakewood compare with the rest of Washington?
Lakewood ranks #24 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 47.9 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn 17% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 |
| 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 |
| Yakima, WAPop. 96,961 | #26 | 47.7 | $62,815 | $1,117/mo | 522 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Lakewood among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $90,325, violent crime 372 per 100,000.
How is Lakewood's score calculated?
Lakewood scores 47.9 out of 100, #1099 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Lakewood. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lakewood's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
54.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lakewood. Similar-size median 58.9.
40.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lakewood's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lakewood's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
53.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lakewood. Similar-size median 56.1.
48.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lakewood. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lakewood. Similar-size median 50.0.
39.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lakewood's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
36.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lakewood'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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Is Lakewood, WA a good place to live?
Lakewood ranks #1099 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #451 of 524 smaller cities and #24 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (76%, #397 of 437) and high violent crime (514 per 100,000, #378 of 442).
What is the cost of living in Lakewood?
Lakewood'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 $1,525/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $515,727, 13% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Lakewood?
Lakewood recorded 514 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% above the US rate of 373 and 38% above Washington's 372. That ranks #854 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #378 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lakewood Police Department. Property crime runs 2,721 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Lakewood?
The median household in Lakewood earns $74,720, 3% below the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.2%). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Lakewood?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,525/mo (Census), #737 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,748/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lakewood?
Zillow's typical home value in Lakewood is $515,727, up 0.3% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $461,200.
How are the public schools in Lakewood?
Lakewood's 19 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 16.3 students per teacher and $19,263 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lakewood?
The average commute is 29.3 minutes, #1065 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.1 minutes across Washington. 12.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lakewood?
Lakewood averages 51.9°F over the year, 63.3°F in summer and 41.6°F in winter, with 42 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lakewood walkable?
Lakewood scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 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 Lakewood at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pierce County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, volcanic activity, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lakewood?
Pierce County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lakewood?
Lakewood has 62,937 residents. The median resident of Lakewood is 37.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1054 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lakewood compare with the rest of Washington?
Lakewood ranks #24 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 47.9 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn 17% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 13% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Lakewood?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lakewood's population of 62,937 are Hamilton, OH (#1098 overall), Moore, OK (#607 overall), Brookline, MA (#2 overall), Porterville, CA (#1259 overall), and Hendersonville, TN (#324 overall). Lakewood is #1099.