Gig Harbor is a stunningly beautiful and community-oriented city in Washington. Situated on the lovely Puget Sound Bay which is also named Gig Harbor, this exceedingly picturesque city is a great place to live. It’s best known for its historic walkable waterfront that’s packed with boutiques and fine dining. Gig Harbor also provides close access to several state and city parks, fun activities and events like the Galaxy Summer Fest, outdoor recreation, great schools, and panoramic views of the bay and the charming Mount Rainier, which attracts visitors from all over. Despite the extensive indoor and outdoor amenities and close proximity to Seattle , Gig Harbor retains a laid-back and small town feel. Moving to Gig Harbor is ideal for families, visitors, and young professionals alike. Discovered in 1840 and incorporated in 1946, the area is named after the “captain’s gig” longboat that was used to discover the city’s location during the Wilkes Expedition. Gig Harbor preserves its rich history as a fishing destination and is now a peaceful maritime village that has since been featured in popular books and novels such as Into the Wild and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation TV series.
Where is Gig Harbor?
Located in Pierce County, the city of Gig Harbor is a suburb of Seattle, and is situated in the Seattle metropolitan area. Near the West Coast of the United States, Gig Harbor is nestled on the Puget Sound Bay of Washington State. The distance from Gig Harbor to downtown Seattle is roughly 45 miles north. A few of Gig Harbor’s nearby communities include Artondale to the southwest and Tacoma to the southeast. Gig Harbor is located along State Route 16 and just 6 miles from Interstate 5 when crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Gig Harbor is served by the city’s top-notch local bus services, which are Sound Transit and Pierce Transit.
Gig Harbor Population & Demographics
The vibrant city of Gig Harbor has a population of 12,029, distributed over 6 miles at a population density of 2,204 per square mile. In the last decade, the population has increased by 68.8%. The median age in Gig Harbor is 44.9 whereas 7.5% of residents are foreign-born. 96% of the Gig Harbor population has earned a high school diploma or higher and 48.1% have attained a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Gig Harbor median household income is $84,861 which is $7,855 above the state median.
Gig Harbor has been called home by several notable people such as activist Christoper Rufo and professional golfer Kyle Stanley.
The racial demographics in Gig Harbor are somewhat diverse, with Whites making up 84.7% of the population. Asians make up 6.4%, Hispanics at 3.9%, Native Americans 1%, and blacks 0.7%. The gender makeup in Gig Harbor is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
How safe is Gig Harbor, WA? According to the FBI, the Gig Harbor crime rate is 4,173 per 100k population. This is 37.9% higher than the state and 77.9% higher than the country. However, most of the crime is property crime. In fact, violent crime in Gig Harbor is 45.5% lower than the state average; as such Gig Harbor is a very safe place to live!
The city is served by the Gig Harbor Police Department with its 18 sworn officers.
Cost of Living in Gig Harbor
The cost of living index for Gig Harbor is 152.7, thus Gig Harbor is around 53% higher than the national average and is among the most expensive cities in Washington. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Pierce County should be making $93,003 a year to live the most comfortably. The Gig Harbor income tax rate is 0% while the sales tax is 8.8%. According to Redfin, Gig Harbor has a median home price of $764,000. There are many wonderful homes for sale in Gig Harbor. According to RentCafe, the average monthly rent in Gig Harbor is $1,983 for a 985-square-foot apartment. While 46% of apartments in this city are priced between $1,501 and $2,000, you’ll find 11% are priced lower and 43% are priced higher.
Gig Harbor Typical Living Expenses
Here’s a list of Payscale’s typical expenses in Gig Harbor, WA:
- Average Gig Harbor utilities per month: $317
- Doctor’s visit: $139.43
- Gallon of gas: $4.22
- Gallon of milk: $2.42
- One dozen eggs: $1.71
Gig Harbor Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Gig Harbor
As one of the most picturesque small cities in the U.S., Gig Harbor is home to several lovely neighborhoods and excellent Gig Harbor real estate properties that all have close access to the scenic waterfront, lively watersport culture, and breathtaking views of the mountain. The southeast parts of Gig Harbor are amenity-packed and tend to be the most desirable, whereas the northeast parts are often the most affordable. The north side of the city will bring you close to the top-rated Canterwood Country Club and the areas in the south of Gig Harbor are near the popular Madrona Links Golf Course. The Gig Harbor downtown is nestled toward the center of the city. This is the location of Gig Harbor’s historic waterfront Harborview Avenue – the perfect spot for enjoying the local shops and restaurants.
Gig Harbor Weather & Climate
With a marine west coast climate, Gig Harbor experiences cool, wet winters with lows of 37°F, and warm, dry summers with highs of 76°F. This beautiful Gig Harbor weather is perfect for participating in summer boating activities and cruising around the harbor on a boat, paddleboard, or kayak. You’ll want a raincoat during Gig Harbor’s 46 inches of annual rainfall and sunglasses throughout the 139 sunny days. The best months to visit Gig Harbor are July, August, and September.
Things to Do in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is home to a remarkable active arts community that’s great for enjoying a variety of different activities, arts, sports, and unique events like the Maritime Gig Festival. Check out popular go-to places like the movie theater or Costco. If you’re looking for a place to spend cash, there are many great shopping centers to check out. Here are a few more of the best things to do Gig Harbor:
Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed
This eventful park and Netshed in Gig Harbor is a great place to go with the family! It features a waterfront, scenic views, and green space where many annual community events, farmer’s markets, and summer concerts are held.
3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, (253) 851-6170
Ocean5
If you’re looking for somewhere to go and have a good time with friends, this fun event center is a must-go! It offers bowling, an arcade, a laser arena, and plenty more entertainment options!
5268 Point Fosdick Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, (253) 857-7529
Uptown Gig Harbor
Home to numerous shopping and dining experiences, you’ll find over 35 local merchants mixed in with larger retailers. You can also watch an IMAX movie, tour the Art Walk, or have a refreshing coffee or tea.
4701 Point Fosdick Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, (253) 851-4557
Additional Attractions in Gig Harbor WA
- Sunrise Beach Park
- Crescent Creek Park
- Jerisich Dock
- Harbor History Museum
- Donkey Creek Park
- Arabella’s Landing Marina
The parks and recreational facilities in Gig Harbor are served by the Gig Harbor Parks & Recreation department. You can also tune into Gig Harbor news or see other Gig Harbor city events.
Gig Harbor Restaurants
Curious about Gig Harbor restaurants? Check out a few of the best restaurants from Gig Harbor’s diverse mix of food options:
- Tides Tavern. Popular American tavern restaurant with a waterside patio. Tides Tavern, 2925 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, (253)-858-3982
- Anthony’s at Gig Harbor. Seafood restaurant in Gig Harbor serving delicious local catches. Anthony’s at Gig Harbor, 8827 N Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98332, (253)-853-6353
- Il Lucano Ristorante Italiano. Modest and traditional Italian restaurant with a fine wine selection. Il Lucano Ristorante Italiano, 3119 Judson St #B, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, (253)-514-8945
Jobs in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is projected to experience a 41.3% increase in job growth over the next decade, which is 7.8% higher than the U.S. average. The average base salary in Gig Harbor is $73,000 while the average hourly rate is $20.54. A few of the most popular job positions in Gig Harbor are physicians/doctors, nurses, and safety managers whereas the most popular employers are HCR ManorCare, YMCA, and Metagenics. If you’re interested in Gig Harbor jobs, try searching the web for jobs in and around Gig Harbor Washington.
Gig Harbor Schools
Gig Harbor is served by Peninsula School District 401 and has over 8,000 students, 18 schools, and a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. This district includes Gig Harbor High School and Harbor Ridge Middle School. The city is also home to the Tacoma Community College.
The city’s Gig Harbor Pierce County Library is open seven days a week if you’re in need of quiet studying time.
Gig Harbor Statistics & Information
- County: Pierce County
- Gig Harbor area: 6.12 mi²
- Gig Harbor zip codes: 98329, 98332, 98335
- Gig Harbor area code: 253
- Gig Harbor Elevation: 36’
- Gig Harbor Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (PST)
- Closest International Airport to Gig Harbor: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 31 miles northeast of Gig Harbor.
Gig Harbor WA Map
Ready to start planning your move to Gig Harbor, Washington? Allow our team of professional Gig Harbor moving experts to ensure you experience a stress-free relocation! Give All Ready Moving a call today at 360-507-2447!
