WashingtonPop. 61,431Smaller cities
Is Shoreline a Good Place to Live? Shoreline, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Shoreline ranks #181 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #89 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.7%, #55 of 468) and low violent crime (138 per 100,000, #86 of 442), and trails on expensive homes ($811,100, #461 of 524) and high living costs (111.1, #414 of 524).
Shoreline by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Shoreline'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 Shoreline?
Shoreline'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 $1,985/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $785,498, 33% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Shoreline | 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 | $785,498#1044 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 | $2,003/mo#710 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $811,100#1194 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,985/mo#1087 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.2x#1166 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.1%#573 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.
Shoreline 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. Shoreline is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Shoreline safe?
Shoreline recorded 138 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 63% below the US rate of 373 and 63% below Washington's 372. That ranks #208 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #86 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Shoreline Police Department. Property crime runs 1,919 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Shoreline | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 138#208 of 1,083 | 372 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,919#675 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 Shoreline?
The median household in Shoreline earns $112,751, 47% above the US figure of $76,827 and 25% above Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Shoreline | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $112,751#207 of 1,312 | $90,325 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.8%#397 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.7%#129 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 Shoreline?
The median resident of Shoreline is 42.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #217 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Shoreline | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 52.8%#217 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 66.3% | 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 Shoreline's schools and health?
Shoreline's 13 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 19.9 students per teacher and $17,316 spent per pupil. 23.2% of adults are obese and 7.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Shoreline | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 82% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 19.9#937 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,316#385 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 23.2%#71 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.9%#92 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.5%#202 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.3%#175 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. 8,281 students are enrolled in Shoreline's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Shoreline?
The average commute in Shoreline is 27.2 minutes (Washington 23.1); 5.7% of workers take transit and 25.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Shoreline scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 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 | Shoreline | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.2 min#950 of 1,312 | 23.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 57.1% | 65.9% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.7% | 4.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 3.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 25.6% | 15.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.4#100 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 | Shoreline | 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 Shoreline?
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 | Shoreline | 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 Shoreline compare with similar-size cities?
Shoreline is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #89 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 61,431.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #181 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 | 27.2 min |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #245 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 | 26.1 min |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #955 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 | 23.9 min |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #176 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 | 19.5 min |
| Palm Harbor, FLPop. 61,512 | #843 | 52.6 | $78,935 | $1,806/mo | no data | 26.7 min |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #964 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 | 19.4 min |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #177 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 | 24.7 min |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #271 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 | 23.7 min |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #965 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 | 23.7 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 Shoreline compare with the rest of Washington?
Shoreline ranks #4 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 64.9 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn 25% above the Washington median. Violent crime is 63% below the statewide rate. Homes are 33% 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 Shoreline among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $90,325, violent crime 372 per 100,000.
How is Shoreline's score calculated?
Shoreline scores 64.9 out of 100, #181 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 Shoreline. Similar-size median 55.5.
67.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Shoreline's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
84.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Shoreline. Similar-size median 58.9.
80.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Shoreline's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Shoreline's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
32.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Shoreline. Similar-size median 56.1.
73.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Shoreline. Similar-size median 42.4.
57.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Shoreline. Similar-size median 50.0.
66.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Shoreline's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.5 - 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: Shoreline'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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline
Is Shoreline, WA a good place to live?
Shoreline ranks #181 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #89 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.7%, #55 of 468) and low violent crime (138 per 100,000, #86 of 442), and trails on expensive homes ($811,100, #461 of 524) and high living costs (111.1, #414 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Shoreline?
Shoreline'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 $1,985/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $785,498, 33% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Shoreline?
Shoreline recorded 138 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 63% below the US rate of 373 and 63% below Washington's 372. That ranks #208 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #86 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Shoreline Police Department. Property crime runs 1,919 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Shoreline?
The median household in Shoreline earns $112,751, 47% above the US figure of $76,827 and 25% above Washington ($90,325). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.2%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Shoreline?
Median rent in Shoreline is $1,985/mo (Census), #1087 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,003/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Shoreline?
Zillow's typical home value in Shoreline is $785,498, down 2.4% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $811,100.
How are the public schools in Shoreline?
Shoreline's 13 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Washington 82%), with 19.9 students per teacher and $17,316 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Shoreline?
The average commute is 27.2 minutes, #950 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.1 minutes across Washington. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Shoreline?
Shoreline 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 Shoreline walkable?
Shoreline scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline?
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 Shoreline?
Shoreline has 61,431 residents. The median resident of Shoreline is 42.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #217 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Shoreline compare with the rest of Washington?
Shoreline ranks #4 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 64.9 against Washington's statewide 61.4. Its households earn 25% above the Washington median. Violent crime is 63% below the statewide rate. Homes are 33% above the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Shoreline?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Shoreline's population of 61,431 are Parker, CO (#245 overall), Dearborn Heights, MI (#955 overall), Chapel Hill, NC (#176 overall), Palm Harbor, FL (#843 overall), and Springfield, OR (#964 overall). Shoreline is #181.