WashingtonPop. 195,300Mid-size cities
Is Vancouver a Good Place to Live? Vancouver, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Vancouver ranks #737 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #121 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 26 in Washington. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
Vancouver by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Vancouver'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 Vancouver?
Vancouver's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,702/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $501,696, 15% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Vancouver | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 105.4#958 of 1,308 | 107 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $501,696#816 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 | $1,828/mo#597 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $462,400#912 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,702/mo#875 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.1%#1012 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.
Vancouver 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. Vancouver is in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Vancouver safe?
Vancouver recorded 556 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Washington's 284. That ranks #883 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #176 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Vancouver Police Department. Property crime runs 2,890 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Vancouver | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 556#883 of 1,085 | 284 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,890#935 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 Vancouver?
The median household in Vancouver earns $81,338, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Vancouver | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $81,338#592 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10.2%#519 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 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 Vancouver?
The median resident of Vancouver is 37.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #709 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Vancouver | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 32.3%#709 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50.8% | 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 Vancouver's schools and health?
Vancouver's 51 public schools graduate 84.3% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17 students per teacher and $17,940 spent per pupil. 36.2% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Vancouver | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 84.3%#742 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17#734 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,940#346 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.2%#890 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.4%#575 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. 26,587 students are enrolled in Vancouver's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Vancouver?
The average commute in Vancouver is 23.2 minutes (Washington 27.2); 1.3% of workers take transit and 17.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Vancouver scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.3°F and winters 42.5°F, with 36.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Vancouver | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23.2 min#619 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5%#570 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 68.7% | 65.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 3.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 17.6% | 16.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.6#393 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 | 47.5 | 36.2 | 5 |
| Feb | 51.5 | 36.8 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 56.8 | 39.7 | 4 |
| Apr | 62 | 43.7 | 2.9 |
| May | 69.3 | 49.4 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 74.3 | 54.1 | 1.6 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 58.5 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 82.3 | 58.9 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 76.7 | 54.1 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 64.4 | 46.7 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 53.5 | 40.6 | 5.5 |
| Dec | 46.9 | 36.2 | 5.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland International Airport.
| Measure | Vancouver | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 55.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 36.9 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 Portland International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Vancouver?
Clark County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 83% 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 Clark County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Vancouver | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 33#100 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% | 0.13%#510 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 Clark County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Clark County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.039% | 90% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 48% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.076% | 43% 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 Vancouver compare with similar-size cities?
Vancouver is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #121 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 195,300.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #737 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 | 23.2 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 min |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #948 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 | 19 min |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #1152 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 | 20.7 min |
| Peoria, AZPop. 196,906 | #489 | 58.2 | $95,815 | $1,843/mo | 253 | 28.2 min |
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | #400 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 | 28.4 min |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #897 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 | 20.2 min |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #617 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 | 25 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 Vancouver compare with the rest of Washington?
Vancouver ranks #18 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 54.3 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 18% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% 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 |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | … #14 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #15 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #16 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #17 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #18 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 |
| Kennewick, WAPop. 85,295 | #19 | 54.3 | $73,576 | $1,240/mo | 318 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Vancouver among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Vancouver's score calculated?
Vancouver scores 54.3 out of 100, #737 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Vancouver. Similar-size median 52.9.
51.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Vancouver's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
50.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Vancouver. Similar-size median 53.8.
50.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Vancouver's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
58.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Vancouver's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
54.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Vancouver. Similar-size median 51.2.
56.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Vancouver. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Vancouver. Similar-size median 50.1.
56.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Vancouver's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
68.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Vancouver'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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver
Is Vancouver, WA a good place to live?
Vancouver ranks #737 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #121 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 26 in Washington. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver?
Vancouver's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,702/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $501,696, 15% below the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Vancouver?
Vancouver recorded 556 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Washington's 284. That ranks #883 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #176 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Vancouver Police Department. Property crime runs 2,890 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Vancouver?
The median household in Vancouver earns $81,338, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Vancouver?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,702/mo (Census), #875 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,828/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Vancouver?
The typical home value in Vancouver is $501,696, down 0.1% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $462,400.
How are the public schools in Vancouver?
Vancouver's 51 public schools graduate 84.3% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 17 students per teacher and $17,940 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Vancouver?
The average commute is 23.2 minutes, #619 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Vancouver?
Vancouver averages 55.1°F over the year, 68.3°F in summer and 42.5°F in winter, with 36.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Vancouver walkable?
Vancouver scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 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 Vancouver at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clark County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 63% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Vancouver?
Clark County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Vancouver?
Vancouver has 195,300 residents. The median resident of Vancouver is 37.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #709 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Vancouver compare with the rest of Washington?
Vancouver ranks #18 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 54.3 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 18% below the Washington median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Vancouver?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Vancouver's population of 195,300 are Overland Park, KS (#116 overall), Sunrise Manor, NV (#1275 overall), Grand Rapids, MI (#948 overall), Montgomery, AL (#1152 overall), and Peoria, AZ (#489 overall). Vancouver is #737.