By Jessica Ryan
Updated: Sep 12, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Editor
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
106 movers in Lacey
"O'Neill was my mid range quote for my move from Oregon to Arizona. The driver was outstanding, and went beyond the call of duty; however, I ended up with smashed antique dishes, a dented instant pot, broken pots, a concrete buddha broken in half (..."
"We have used moving companies 5 times in the past 25 years with no problems. I was expecting this from Lile. No supervision on packing. Items left behind. ( Glad it wasn’t cross country) Packed clothes flat when I asked for wardrobe containers. Br..."
"Original price quote was $1,674 for a one bedroom apartment with 286 cu ft. Price actually charged at time of pick up on June 30th was $1,675 based on 300 cu. ft. $150 in parking materials (even though it says they are free on the form), for a t..."
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.