What to know when moving to Issaquah, WA
TL;DR: Issaquah at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 65.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and a 30.4% renter population.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $150,000, providing strong financial stability.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,343, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 4.6% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,343/mo rent to secure a place in this competitive market.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Issaquah has a population of 28,335, with a median household income of $150,000, showcasing a financially stable community. The area is highly educated, with 65.5% of the residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. With 30.4% of the population renting, there are options for both homeowners and renters, though the median gross rent of $2,343 might be a stretch for some.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median gross rent is significantly high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,343, which may require a substantial budget.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $976,400, indicating a pricey real estate market.
- 65.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-educated community.
- Poverty rate is low at 5.5%, reflecting economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data reflects the state of Washington, where the rates show notable trends in property and violent crime.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 282.2 per 100,000, which is 13.2% lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1,940.4 per 100,000, which is 25.4% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 26.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Washington).
Schools & Higher Ed
Issaquah has access to several educational institutions in the nearby area.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- With College Scorecard data: 3
- Nearby schools include Bellevue College, Pima Medical Institute-Renton, and Renton Technical College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Issaquah experiences an annual precipitation of 37.6 inches, with 147 rainy days each year. The wettest seasons are fall and winter, with 11.7 inches and 15.7 inches of rain, respectively.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Lake Sammamish State Park (4.7 stars, 5,208 reviews)
- Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (4.7 stars, 2,325 reviews)
- Poo Poo Point Trailhead (4.7 stars, 1,850 reviews)
- Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park (4.9 stars, 1,473 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.