WashingtonPop. 222,758Mid-size cities
Is Tacoma a Good Place to Live? Tacoma, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tacoma ranks #1110 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #208 of 256 mid-size cities and #25 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.8%, #55 of 241), and trails on high violent crime (866 per 100,000, #214 of 235) and low graduation rates (77.3%, #186 of 205).
Tacoma by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tacoma'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 Tacoma?
Tacoma'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 $1,676/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $488,463, 17% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Tacoma | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 111.1#1132 of 1,308 | 107 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $488,463#796 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,740/mo#538 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $479,600#947 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,676/mo#853 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.4%#820 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Tacoma 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. Tacoma is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Tacoma safe?
Tacoma recorded 866 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.6 times the US rate of 328 and 3 times Washington's 284. That ranks #1021 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #214 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tacoma Police Department. Property crime runs 4,028 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Tacoma | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 866#1021 of 1,085 | 284 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 4,028#1048 of 1,085 | 1,975 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Tacoma?
The median household in Tacoma earns $85,884, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Tacoma | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $85,884#525 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.4%#679 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Tacoma?
The median resident of Tacoma is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tacoma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 34.5%#630 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 55.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Tacoma's schools and health?
Tacoma's 62 public schools graduate 77.3% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $19,647 spent per pupil. 37.3% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Tacoma | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 77.3%#939 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 18.2#853 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,647#221 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.3%#964 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.3%#557 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 28,117 students are enrolled in Tacoma's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tacoma?
The average commute in Tacoma is 28.8 minutes (Washington 27.2); 3.9% of workers take transit and 15.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tacoma scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 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 | Tacoma | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.8 min#1045 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 11.7%#1136 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 66% | 65.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.9% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.7% | 3.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15.7% | 16.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.8#187 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | Tacoma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 51.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 63.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 41.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 42 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Tacoma?
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 | Tacoma | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.23%#1005 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Tacoma compare with similar-size cities?
Tacoma is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #208 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 222,758.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma, WAPop. 222,758 | #1110 | 47.7 | $85,884 | $1,676/mo | 866 | 28.8 min |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #609 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 | 21.7 min |
| Hialeah, FLPop. 226,165 | #790 | 53.4 | $55,594 | $1,689/mo | 173 | 29 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 min |
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #1263 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 | 29.7 min |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #141 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 | 28.6 min |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #959 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data | 22.5 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 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 Tacoma compare with the rest of Washington?
Tacoma ranks #25 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 14% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 |
| 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 Tacoma among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Tacoma's score calculated?
Tacoma scores 47.7 out of 100, #1110 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 Tacoma. Similar-size median 52.9.
52.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tacoma's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
22.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tacoma. Similar-size median 53.8.
47.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tacoma's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tacoma's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
50.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tacoma. Similar-size median 51.2.
54.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tacoma. Similar-size median 42.1.
46.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tacoma. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tacoma's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
67.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
36.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tacoma's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Is Tacoma, WA a good place to live?
Tacoma ranks #1110 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #208 of 256 mid-size cities and #25 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.8%, #55 of 241), and trails on high violent crime (866 per 100,000, #214 of 235) and low graduation rates (77.3%, #186 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Tacoma?
Tacoma'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 $1,676/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $488,463, 17% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Tacoma?
Tacoma recorded 866 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.6 times the US rate of 328 and 3 times Washington's 284. That ranks #1021 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #214 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tacoma Police Department. Property crime runs 4,028 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Tacoma?
The median household in Tacoma earns $85,884, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Tacoma?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,676/mo (Census), #853 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,740/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tacoma?
The typical home value in Tacoma is $488,463, up 0.1% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $479,600.
How are the public schools in Tacoma?
Tacoma's 62 public schools graduate 77.3% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $19,647 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tacoma?
The average commute is 28.8 minutes, #1045 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 11.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tacoma?
Tacoma 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 Tacoma walkable?
Tacoma scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
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 Tacoma?
Tacoma has 222,758 residents. The median resident of Tacoma is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tacoma compare with the rest of Washington?
Tacoma ranks #25 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 14% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Tacoma?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tacoma's population of 222,758 are Richmond, VA (#609 overall), Hialeah, FL (#790 overall), Huntsville, AL (#589 overall), Baton Rouge, LA (#1234 overall), and San Bernardino, CA (#1263 overall). Tacoma is #1110.