What to know when moving to Lacey, WA
Lacey at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 41.3% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $87,515, which is above the national average.
- The Reality Check:
- The property crime rate in Washington is 1,940 per 100k, higher than the national average of 1,547.
- Commute:
- Only 2.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,673.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lacey has a population of 42,189, reflecting a blend of educational backgrounds with 30.8% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. About 41.3% of the housing is rental, indicating a sizable community of renters. The area receives substantial rainfall, averaging 46.8 inches annually, which is something to keep in mind for outdoor plans.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a city with extensive public transportation options, as only 2.4% of commuters rely on public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,673, aligning with the community's overall income level.
- The median home value is $407,700, suggesting a competitive housing market.
- 30.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 9.8%, which is relatively low.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Washington shows a declining trend in both property and violent crime, with a significant reduction in rates since 2022.
- Violent crime: 282 per 100k, down 26.2% from 2022.
- Property crime: 1,940 per 100k, down 43.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates decreased by 46.1% since 2022, now at 2.8 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Washington).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lacey has access to a total of 5 nearby postsecondary institutions, with 4 of them offering College Scorecard data.
- Saint Martin's University is located in Lacey.
- Nearby options include South Puget Sound Community College and The Evergreen State College in Olympia.
- Fosbre Academy of Hair Design is also a local option in Olympia.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Thurston County experiences about 127 rainy days each year, with total annual precipitation averaging 46.8 inches. This means you'll want to keep an umbrella handy.
- Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls: 4.7 stars from 4,677 reviews.
- Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge: 4.8 stars from 4,360 reviews.
- Millersylvania State Park: 4.6 stars from 2,859 reviews.
- Hands On Children's Museum: 4.8 stars from 2,386 reviews.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.