What to know when moving to Spanaway, WA
TL;DR: Spanaway at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 23% of residents renting and a median household income of $101,141.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to outdoor activities at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, rated 4.6 with over 5,700 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- 1.8% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,837 per month for rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Spanaway has a population of about 49,940, with a median household income of $101,141. The community has a 7.7% poverty rate and 17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With only 1.8% of the population commuting via public transit, this area is primarily car-dependent, making it essential to plan for vehicle use. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby parks and wildlife areas.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a strong public transit system or a higher percentage of renters.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,837, while the median home value is $424,100, which may require significant budgeting.
- Only 23% of residents rent, indicating a higher owner-occupancy rate.
- The education level is reflected in 17.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, suggesting a relatively stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Washington state, the overall crime rates show a decline over recent years.
- Violent crime: 282.2 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 325.3, a decrease of 26.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,940.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 25.4% higher than the national average of 1,546.9, but down 43.1% since 2022.
- 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
Spanaway has access to several educational institutions in the surrounding area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 6
- With College Scorecard data: 6
- Notable schools include Pacific Lutheran University and Clover Park Technical College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is not available, residents can enjoy various outdoor spots in the area.
- Northwest Trek Wildlife Park - 4.6 stars from 5,713 reviews
- Spanaway Park - 4.4 stars from 3,520 reviews
- Wapato Park - 4.5 stars from 3,431 reviews
- Bradley Lake Park - 4.6 stars from 2,734 reviews
Source: Google Places API.