What to know when moving to Renton, WA
TL;DR: Renton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 39% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 43.8% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income here is $100,207, which supports a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,098, which could be a stretch for many.
- Commute:
- Only 2.9% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 147 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Renton is home to a population of 24,851, with a median household income of $100,207. The community is relatively educated, with 39% of residents having a bachelor's degree. With 43.8% of the population renting, there are various housing options available, though the median gross rent is on the higher side at $2,098. The area experiences significant rainfall, averaging 37.6 inches annually over 147 rainy days, so be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rent or rely on public transit, as only 2.9% use it for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,098, which may be high compared to other areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $561,600, indicating a robust housing market.
- 39% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, which is relatively low.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Washington state indicates a decrease in crime rates over the past few years, which may provide a sense of safety for residents.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 282.2 per 100k, which is 13.2% lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1940.4 per 100k, which is 25.4% higher than the national rate of 1546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 46.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Washington).
Schools & Higher Ed
Renton has access to a variety of educational institutions.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 17
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 16
- Notable institutions include Renton Technical College and Pima Medical Institute-Renton.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Renton experiences substantial rainfall, with an annual total of 37.6 inches over 147 rainy days. There are no snow days, making it a wet but mild climate.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (4.6 stars, 6786 reviews)
- Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (4.7 stars, 2325 reviews)
- Liberty Park (4.3 stars, 887 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.