What to know when moving to Mountlake Terrace, WA
TL;DR: Mountlake Terrace at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 41.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $101,408, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,966, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 4.2% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $605,800 if you're looking to buy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Mountlake Terrace presents a suburban feel, with 43.9% of residents renting their homes. The community is relatively affluent, with a median household income of $101,408, making it appealing for those seeking stability. The population of 21,417 enjoys a moderate climate with 131 rainy days per year, which suggests that residents should be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: high housing costs are a concern, given the median rent of $1,966.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,966, indicating a higher housing cost.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $605,800, which may be a barrier for first-time buyers.
- 41.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the area's educated character.
- The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, reflecting relative economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime rates in Washington show a decreasing trend in both violent and property crimes over the past few years. The state annual rate for violent crime is 282.2 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 325.3.
- Violent crime: 282.2 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3, down 26.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1940.4 per 100,000 vs. national 1546.9, down 43.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 46.1% since 2022, currently at 2.8 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Washington).
Schools & Higher Ed
Mountlake Terrace offers access to a range of educational institutions, primarily in nearby areas. There are a total of 18 postsecondary institutions, with 2 located in Snohomish County.
- Nearby schools include Edmonds College in Lynnwood and Evergreen Beauty and Barber College in Everett.
- A variety of options are available in King County, including Bastyr University and Cascadia College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Snohomish County experiences an annual precipitation of 29 inches over 131 rainy days, making it wise to invest in rain gear. Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 0.1 inches per year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Green Lake Park - 4.8 stars, 10,195 reviews
- Woodland Park Zoo - 4.6 stars, 22,892 reviews
- Marymoor Park - 4.7 stars, 6,155 reviews
- Saint Edward State Park - 4.7 stars, 3,049 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.