What to know when moving to Sammamish, WA
Sammamish at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 79.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $234,013, making it one of the wealthier ZIPs in the region.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 15.7% of the population renting, housing costs are high, with median gross rent at $2,685.
- Commute:
- Only 3.5% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,685/month in rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Sammamish has a population of about 30,850, characterized by a high median household income of $234,013. The community has a low poverty rate of 4.9% and a small percentage of renters at 15.7%. Residents enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, given the proximity to parks like Lake Sammamish State Park and Marymoor Park. The area's education level is notably high, with 79.4% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median owner-occupied home value is $1,211,700.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,685, which reflects the high demand for housing.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,211,700, indicating a strong real estate market.
- 79.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the area's affluent character.
- The poverty rate is low at 4.9%, suggesting a stable community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Washington state has shown a significant decrease in crime rates over recent years. In 2025, the violent crime rate was 282.2 per 100k residents, down 26.2% since 2022. Property crime also decreased by 43.1% to 1,940.4 per 100k residents.
- Violent crime: 282.2 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, showing a downward trend.
- Property crime: 1,940.4 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9, also on a decline.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 46.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Washington).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is strong in the area with a total of 10 postsecondary institutions nearby.
- Bastyr University in Kenmore
- Bellevue College in Bellevue
- Cascadia College in Bothell
- DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland
- Northwest University in Kirkland
- Pima Medical Institute-Renton in Renton
- Renton Technical College in Renton
- University of Washington-Bothell Campus in Bothell
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
King County receives an annual average precipitation of 37.6 inches, with 147 rainy days each year. The area experiences a mild climate with no snow days reported.
- Marymoor Park - 4.7 stars, 6,155 reviews
- Lake Sammamish State Park - 4.7 stars, 5,208 reviews
- Idylwood Park - 4.6 stars, 2,539 reviews
- Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park - 4.9 stars, 1,473 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.