What to know when moving to Puyallup, WA
TL;DR: Puyallup at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A population of 23,989 with a median household income of $97,290 and 30.9% renting.
- The Major Draw:
- With a median gross rent of $1,654, housing costs are relatively manageable.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 3.1% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for an average of 128 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Puyallup has a relatively high median household income of $97,290, which is beneficial for residents looking for a solid economic base. With 28.7% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, the community leans towards the educated side. The renter population is significant at 30.9%, indicating a balanced mix of ownership and rental options. However, the area's public transit usage is low, with only 3.1% commuting this way, suggesting that many residents may rely on cars for transportation.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a strong public transit system for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,654, which is relatively affordable compared to many urban areas.
- Median home value is $515,500, indicating a stable housing market.
- 28.7% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 8.3%, reflecting a generally stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Washington, the crime rates show a downward trend, particularly for violent crimes.
- Violent crime: 282.2 per 100k, down 26.2% since 2022, compared to the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,940.4 per 100k, down 43.1% since 2022, higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 46.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Washington).
Schools & Higher Ed
Puyallup has access to a range of educational institutions in the surrounding areas.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 13
- Key nearby schools include Tacoma Community College and Pacific Lutheran University.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, there are several parks and outdoor spots worth exploring in and around Puyallup.
- LeMay - America's Car Museum (4.7 stars, 4,476 reviews)
- Spanaway Park (4.4 stars, 3,520 reviews)
- Wapato Park (4.5 stars, 3,431 reviews)
- Bradley Lake Park (4.6 stars, 2,734 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).