Hoquiam is a small city situated where the Hoquiam River empties into North Bay on the west coast of Washington state. Those living in Hoquiam WA reside near the ocean. The Pacific Ocean is only 12 miles away. Hoquiam’s rich history is showcased by the 7th Street Theatre, a historic movie palace built in 1928, and the Robert Lytle Mansion, built in 1897 and known locally Hoquiam as “The Castle”. The name Hoquiam comes from a Native-American word meaning “hungry for wood”, due to the large quantity of driftwood at the mouth of the Hoquiam River.
Hoquiam is a designated Tree City because of the expanse of virgin forest around it. Hoquiam became a lumbering center in its early days, manufacturing wood products and machine tools. Fishing and fish canneries are also important industries in town. Hoquiam celebrates its logging heritage each year at the Logger’s Playday.
Other popular community events in town include the Shorebird Festival, the Hoquiam’s Riverfest, and the On Track Arts Festival. Popular attractions in town include a national wildlife refuge, a farmers market that is open all year, several museums, and a lively downtown shopping district. You’ll love living in Hoquiam WA.
Where Is Hoquiam WA?
Hoquiam is a city in Grays Harbor County that borders those living in Aberdeen. Hoquiam is located at the mouth of the Hoquiam River. Those living in Hoquiam WA are about 53 miles west of Olympia and 82 miles west of Tacoma.
Map of Hoquiam WA
Hoquiam WA Population and Demographics
Hoquiam and Gray’s County have a long history of Native American tribes living in Hoquiam WA, and it can be seen in many of the place names in the area. “Hoquiam” was actually the name of a tribe that was local to the area. Native Americans make up a significant 5.0% of the population in Hoquiam.
The Quinault Beach Resort & Casino in nearby Ocean Shores, WA is one of many Native American casinos in the state that give the Native Americans opportunities to grow and thrive in the region while living in Hoquiam WA. The Hoquiam population is 8,776.
Here’s an overview of Hoquiam’s demographics:
- Population density: 906.85 per square mile
- Ethnic and racial demographics:
- 85.0% White (81.3% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino)
- 6.7% two or more races
- 6.0% Hispanic or Latino
- 5.0% American Indian and Alaska Native alone
- 1.5% Asian alone
- 1.2% Black or African American alone
- 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
- Median age: 41.4
- Sex ratio: 50.7% males, 49.3% females
- Median household income: $47,614
- Educational attainment: 94.7% high school degree or higher, 18.7% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 3.0%
- Veteran population: 829
The safety of the individuals living in Hoquiam WA is a high priority of the Hoquiam Police Department. The department partners with the community through the Safe Neighborhood Watch program to ensure a safe environment for all residents and visitors. The crime rate in Hoquiam is 2,422 per 100,000 people, which is 4% higher than the national average. However, the violent crimerate in Hoquiam is 67% lower at 123 crimes per 100,000 people last year. Those living in Hoquiam WA report feeling safe.
Hoquiam WA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hoquiam WA is 1% higher than the US average but 17% lower than the Washington state average. The cost of living in Olympia is much higher, which is why many people move to the suburbs and like living in Hoquiam WA.
Hoquiam WA real estate is the most expensive cost of living factor to consider when moving to Hoquiam. Housing costs in Hoquiam are 27% below the national average and 62% lower than the state average, making Hoquiam a great location to buy a home. The median sale price of a home in Hoquiam is $249,500. Of the houses for sale Hoquiam WA has, the cost per square foot is $179. Check out the one of the great current homes for sale Hoquiam WA has available. Renting in Hoquiam is very affordable as well. According to Apartments.com, the average rent in Hoquiam is $500 for a studio apartment, averaging 296 square feet, and $751 a month for a two bedroom apartment, averaging 824 square feet.
Most people who rent while living in Hoquiam WA will find houses for rent Hoquiam WA in the $2,000 range. You can find a list of apartments for rent and houses for rent in Aberdeen WA and Hoquiam WA on Apartments.com.
Typical Hoquiam WA Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $6.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.13
- Dozen eggs: $3.57
- 1 pound of chicken: $3.63
- Average Hoquiam monthly utility bill: $140.33
Source: Numbeo, Aberdeen, WA
The Best Neighborhoods in Hoquiam WA
Living in Hoquiam WA offers many quiet neighborhoods that are safe and great for families. The city offers a sparse suburban feel where your neighbors aren’t too close. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Hoquiam:
Ontario
With mostly Craftsman homes, this neighborhood is close to scenic Grays Harbor, where residents enjoy fishing, boating, and the water. Homes are affordable, and a variety of businesses, restaurants, parks, schools, and shops are close by.
Woodlawn
A coastal neighborhood with many waterfront amenities and recreational opportunities. The community is historic and walkable as well. Residents enjoy easy access to local shops and eateries.
West Hoquiam
West Hoquiam is a tranquil, family-friendly neighborhood known for its cleanliness, welcoming atmosphere, and dog-friendly environment. The community offers easy access to shopping, dining, parks, schools, and more.
Hoquiam WA Weather & Climate
Hoquiam’s climate is typical of the northwest, with a temperate climate that brings mild winters, warm summers, and lots of rain. The weather here really gives you all four seasons, which is why many love living in Hoquiam. Winter temperatures range on average from 32°F to 47°F, while average summer temperatures are generally between 54°F and 73°F.
Hoquiam gets 88 inches of rainfall per year, more than double the national average of 38 inches. Most rain falls in the winter months. You’ll see a little snow in Hoquiam, about 2 inches per year. The skies are typically cloudy in Hoquiam, and there are about 128 sunny days per. The US average is 205 sunny days.
For those interested in visiting and living in Hoquiam WA, the best time of year to visit Hoquiam is from early July to late August.
Things to Do in Hoquiam WA
Living in Hoquiam WA and the surrounding area offers many things to see, experience, and fun activities to do. You will find you can also find convenient shopping at Grays Harbor Farmers Market, Simpson Plaza, and Past and Present Mercantile. You can also get local shopping done at Rite Aid Hoquiam WA, Harbor Drug & Gifts, and Bi-Mart. Here are some of the best things to do in Hoquiam:
Polson Museum
The Polson Museum has an extensive collection of photographs, photographs, antiques, equipment, and texts that document the history of Grays Harbor. The photography collection alone boasts over 39,000 items. Exhibits are situated in different rooms including a logging room, a sports room, a children’s room, a period costume room, and a stairway gallery.
1611 Riverside Ave, Hoquiam, WA 98550, (360) 533-5862
Ocean City State Park
A popular place for locals living in Hoquiam WA, Ocean City State Park offers a sandy beach, camping, fishing, hiking, campfire sites, and more. Spanning 170 acres, the park features dunes, thickets of shore pine, shell fishing, surfing, horseback riding, and opportunities to see the local flora and fauna.
148 WA-115, Hoquiam, WA 98550, (360) 289-3553
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge encompasses almost 1,500 acres of intertidal flats, open water, salt marsh, and forested habitats. The refuge supports a wide diversity of wildlife, including hundreds of thousands of shorebirds during the spring migration, one of the largest concentrations of shorebirds on the West Coast, excluding Alaska. It’s a fun activity for those living in Hoquiam WA with kids.
1000 Airport Way, Hoquiam, WA 98550, (360) 753-9467
Additional Attractions near Hoquiam, WA:
If you’re looking for more activities while living in Hoquiam WA, the city has done many improvements on the land and areas that they own. Hoquiam has 12 parks with lots of amenities. There isn’t a single bad park for kids! Most residents living in Hoquiam WA are within 10 minutes walking distance of a park. The bordering city of Aberdeen boasts close to 20 more parks, encompassing 273 acres. So, no matter which area your house is in while living in Hoquiam, you won’t be limited in green spaces. Park amenities include softball fields, soccer fields, baseball fields, playgrounds, and more.
Hoquiam WA Restaurants
Those living in Hoquiam WA have a wide selection of cuisines to satisfy a variety of tastes, from pubs to family-friendly restaurants. When you find it’s time to leave the house and find a delicious new location for your family to eat at, enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining establishments such as:
Brunch 101
For a great brunch, lunch, or breakfast while living in Hoquiam WA, Brunch 191 is the only place you’ll find it all. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the Chicken and Waffles are awesome. Other popular items on the menu include Eggs Benedict, Biscuits & Gravy, and Huevos Rancheros.
716 Simpson Ave, Hoquiam, WA 98550, (360) 986-3093
8th Street Ale House
The 8th Street Ale House serves classic American Pub fare along with craft brews, wines, and cocktails. Eat and drink in the turn-of-the-century styled pub or outside in the beer garden. The menu features awesome burgers, fish and chips, sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and more.
207 8th St #2507, Hoquiam, WA 98550, (360) 612-3455
Casa Mia Italian Restaurant
Casa Mia is a family-owned restaurant serving up homestyle Italian food, including award-winning pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. The family-friendly atmosphere, delicious homemade food, and affordable prices keep customers coming back.
2936 Simpson Ave, Hoquiam, WA 98550, (360) 533-2010
Jobs in Hoquiam WA
Gray’s County provides job opportunities for those living in Hoquiam WA. Common fields are timber and wood product manufacturing, food production, and hospitality and tourism. Hoquiam’s proximity to Olympia and Tacoma offers additional employment opportunities. One of the major employers in Grays Harbor County, WA is Harbor Regional Health, which includes Grays Harbor Community Hospital, Harbor Medical Group, and outpatient clinics that provide 28 different services and specialties, such as family medicine, orthopedics, OB/GYN, pediatrics, internal medicine, urology, and cardiology.
Other major employers in the county hiring people living in Hoquiam WA include Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Aberdeen Public School District, and Quinault Beach Resort & Casino. If you’re relocating here and looking for jobs in Hoquiam, check out Indeed and the City of Hoquiam Employment Opportunities page.
Schools in Hoquiam WA
The Hoquiam School District is made up of 5 schools: Hoquiam High, Hoquiam Middle, Central Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Emerson Elementary. Hoquiam schools commit to creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. Schools in Hoquiam encourage strong relationships with parents and teachers to inspire, engage, and guide each student’s success.
The district understands that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and learning styles. They provide adaptive pathways to support each child’s academic success through a range of instructional strategies and techniques. The school district is why many people are moving to Hoquiam.
If you’d rather your kids attend private school while living in Hoquiam WAl, there are a lot of great options nearby. Private school options near Hoquiam include St. Mary’s School, Grays Harbor Adventist Christian School, and Veritas Classical Academy.
For students who want to further their education near Hoquiam, options include Grays Harbor College, the University of Washington, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, and Portland Community College.
For a fun and relaxing day, check out the Hoquiam Library where you can check out books, magazines, digital media, music, and more.
Hoquiam WA Statistics & Information
- County: Grays Harbor County
- Area: 16.42 square miles
- Hoquiam WA zip code: 98550
- Area code: 360
- Elevation: 20 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Moving to Hoquiam? You’re in for a treat! When you’re ready for living in Hoquiam WA, you need top-rated Hoquiam movers to help you get there quickly and safely. Whether you’re moving an apartment or a large home, or you need storage, we can help. All Ready Moving is who to call when you’ve decided on living in Hoquiam WA! Contact us at 360-507-2447 or fill out our form for a free quote today.
