WashingtonPop. 754,195Large cities
Is Seattle a Good Place to Live? Seattle, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Seattle ranks #338 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 37 large cities and #6 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (9.9%, #2 of 37) and high household income ($123,860, #3 of 37), and trails on expensive homes ($938,600, #35 of 37) and high living costs (111.1, #33 of 37).
Seattle by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Seattle'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 Seattle?
Seattle'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 $2,030/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $833,192, 41% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Seattle | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 111.1#1132 of 1,308 | 107 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $833,192#1068 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,234/mo#811 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $938,600#1244 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $2,030/mo#1107 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 7.6x#1193 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 19.7%#417 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Seattle 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. Seattle is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Seattle safe?
Seattle recorded 706 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Washington's 284. That ranks #971 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #22 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Seattle Police Department. Property crime runs 4,460 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Seattle | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 706#971 of 1,085 | 284 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 4,460#1065 of 1,085 | 1,975 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Seattle?
The median household in Seattle earns $123,860, 49% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Seattle | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $123,860#133 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 9.9%#488 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.5%#153 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Seattle?
The median resident of Seattle is 35.6 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 68.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #61 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Seattle | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 35.6 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 68.4%#61 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 43.7% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Seattle's schools and health?
Seattle's 97 public schools graduate 81.2% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $21,792 spent per pupil. 22.2% of adults are obese and 6.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Seattle | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 81.2%#847 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $21,792#130 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 22.2%#45 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 6.1%#22 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 15.3%#301 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6.1%#156 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 48,050 students are enrolled in Seattle's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Seattle?
The average commute in Seattle is 26 minutes (Washington 27.2); 11.9% of workers take transit and 34.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Seattle scores 15.8 of 20 (most walkable), #7 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.9°F and winters 42.8°F, with 36.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Seattle | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 26 min#859 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 5.6%#667 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 36.7% | 65.1% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 11.9% | 4.2% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 8.1% | 3.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.5% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 34.8% | 16.4% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 15.8#7 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 48.6 | 36.8 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 50.7 | 36.8 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 54.8 | 39.4 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 59.8 | 43.6 | 2.9 |
| May | 66.5 | 49.3 | 2 |
| Jun | 71.2 | 54 | 1.2 |
| Jul | 77.3 | 57.5 | 0.6 |
| Aug | 77.4 | 58.1 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 71.7 | 53.9 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 61 | 46.4 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 53 | 39.9 | 5.8 |
| Dec | 47.8 | 36.2 | 5.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Seattle Boeing Fld.
| Measure | Seattle | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 53.8°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 65.9°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 42.8°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 36.5 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Seattle Boeing Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Seattle?
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 | Seattle | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.25%#1053 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Seattle compare with similar-size cities?
Seattle is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #2 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 754,195.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| San Francisco, CAPop. 830,235 | #213 | 64.1 | $140,970 | $2,476/mo | 486 | 30.4 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #976 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 | 24.7 min |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 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 Seattle compare with the rest of Washington?
Seattle ranks #6 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 61.1 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 25% above the Washington median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 41% 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 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Seattle among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Seattle's score calculated?
Seattle scores 61.1 out of 100, #338 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 Seattle. Similar-size median 50.4.
72.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Seattle's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
29.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Seattle. Similar-size median 52.4.
84.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Seattle's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
61.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Seattle's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
28.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Seattle. Similar-size median 43.4.
75.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Seattle. Similar-size median 40.4.
55.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Seattle. Similar-size median 56.6.
82.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Seattle's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
77.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
35.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Seattle's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Seattle 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 Seattle
Is Seattle, WA a good place to live?
Seattle ranks #338 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 37 large cities and #6 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (9.9%, #2 of 37) and high household income ($123,860, #3 of 37), and trails on expensive homes ($938,600, #35 of 37) and high living costs (111.1, #33 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Seattle?
Seattle'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 $2,030/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $833,192, 41% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Seattle?
Seattle recorded 706 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Washington's 284. That ranks #971 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #22 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Seattle Police Department. Property crime runs 4,460 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Seattle?
The median household in Seattle earns $123,860, 49% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Seattle?
Median rent in Seattle is $2,030/mo (Census), #1107 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,234/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Seattle?
The typical home value in Seattle is $833,192, down 1.6% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $938,600.
How are the public schools in Seattle?
Seattle's 97 public schools graduate 81.2% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $21,792 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Seattle?
The average commute is 26 minutes, #859 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 5.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Seattle?
Seattle averages 53.8°F over the year, 65.9°F in summer and 42.8°F in winter, with 36.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Seattle walkable?
Seattle scores 15.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #7 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 Seattle 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 Seattle?
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 Seattle?
Seattle has 754,195 residents. The median resident of Seattle is 35.6 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 68.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #61 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Seattle compare with the rest of Washington?
Seattle ranks #6 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 61.1 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 25% above the Washington median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 41% above the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Seattle?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Seattle's population of 754,195 are Indianapolis, IN (#947 overall), San Francisco, CA (#213 overall), Denver, CO (#722 overall), Oklahoma City, OK (#938 overall), and Nashville, TN (#976 overall). Seattle is #338.