Have you always dreamed of settling down in a peaceful city in the Pacific Northwest that offers beautiful scenery, fun community events, and a calm pace of life? Maybe you should consider moving to McCleary, WA.
Located in the logging country of Western Washington, McCleary is known for its door manufacturing industry and annual Bear Festival. It’s named after Henry McCleary, a lumber baron who set up two sawmills in the area in 1897. He sold the business to the Simpson Logging Company in 1941, and two years later, the land was incorporated as a city.
In the modern era, McCleary is a good place to live for anyone who wants a small-town atmosphere and access to outdoor recreation. For those who think this may be the perfect place to settle down, here is everything you need to know about living in McCleary WA.
Where Is McCleary, WA?
McCleary is in Grays Harbor, Washington, in the Aberdeen micropolitan area. Washington State Routes 8 and 108 both pass through McCleary, offering convenient access to other nearby areas for residents living in McCleary WA. It’s in the heart of Washington’s logging country in between Schafer State Park and Capitol State Forest.
It’s 22 miles or a 24-minute drive from McCleary, WA to Olympia, WA.
McCleary Population & Demographics
More and more people are moving to McCleary all the time. The McCleary WA population is 1,997 as of the 2020 census. The city has seen rapid growth in recent years, and the number of residents living in McCleary WA increased by 20.8% between 2010 and 2020. It has a fairly rural atmosphere with a population density of 1,103 people per square mile.
It’s a relatively young, family-oriented community. About 21% of the population of McCleary, WA, is under 18, while 27% are in their 30s and 40s. It’s also overwhelmingly female, and 56% of residents are women, while 44% are male.
The population is primarily white (77% white,non-Hispanic), although 11% of residents living in McCleary WA are Hispanic or Latino. Otherwise, the population is 2% Native American, 2% Asian, 1% Black or African American, and 7% two or more races.
Other McCleary WA Demographics
- The median age of residents living in McCleary WA is 38.4 years old
- The median household income is $75,652, which is about 20% lower than the rest of Washington state
- 88.9% of residents living in McCleary WA have a high school diploma, while 17% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 4.3%
Living in McCleary WA is very safe. The total crime rate is 2,089 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 10% lower than the national average and 44% lower than the Washington crime rate.
The violent crime rate is 43% lower than the rest of the US, while the property crime rate is 4% lower than the national average. You may want to lock your doors if you plan on moving to McCleary, but in general, crime shouldn’t be much of an issue.
The McCleary Police Department handles crime and law enforcement in the community.
Cost of Living in McCleary WA
Living in McCleary WA is very affordable. The cost of living index is a good metric to reference. It compares the typical cost of consumer goods to the average US city, which is represented by 100. The COLI for the Olympia area is about 115, meaning it’s about 15% more expensive than the national average. However, in McCleary, WA, homes are more affordable than in Olympia.
The Family Budget Calculator developed by the Economic Policy Institute is also a great resource. It indicates that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids needs to make about $100,567 to afford the cost of living in McCleary WA.
Typical expenses of living in McCleary WA
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.96
- 12oz bottle of water: $1.86
- 12 regular eggs: $3.41
- Cappuccino: $4.76
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.04
- Average McCleary monthly utility bill: $159.36
Source: Numbeo
*numbers reflect the Olympia area but will be similar in McCleary
Real estate in McCleary, WA, is especially affordable. Redfin shows that the median price of homes for sale in McCleary WA is $140,000. That makes McCleary homes for sale 100% less expensive than the typical home in the US. The median price per square foot of McCleary real estate is $112.
Tenants will also find plenty of rentals in McCleary, WA. You’ll find about 80% of owner-occupied homes, while homes for rent in McCleary, WA, make up about 20% of housing stock. According to Rentcafe, the typical price of McCleary rentals starts around $1400 for a one bedroom and goes up to $2,000 for three or more bedrooms. So if you’re moving to McCleary and looking for affordable homes, you’re in luck.
McCleary Neighborhoods | Where to Live in McCleary
As a small city with just under 2,000 residents, moving to McCleary doesn’t offer many well-defined neighborhoods. Downtown McCleary, where Route 108 connects with S. 3rd Street, is the main part of town and features an assortment of restaurants and shops. The Beehive Retirement Center is a popular assisted living community for seniors living in McCleary WA.
The old highway area is also a serene community with a few small farms just outside town that offers affordable McCleary WA real estate. The most desirable developments tend to be in the north, while the most affordable houses for sale in McCleary, WA, are in the southeast.
McCleary WA Weather & Climate
Like most parts of the Pacific Northwest, weather in McCleary, WA, is characterized by its overcast days and frequent rain showers. McCleary has a warm summer Mediterranean climate, which typically means short try summers and cold, cloudy winters.
Temperatures typically range from 34°F to 76°F, although it can get as cold as 24°F in the winter and as hot as 87°F in the summer. The best McCleary, WA, weather is usually from mid-July to August.
If you plan on living in McCleary WA, you better be ready for precipitation. The city averages 74 inches of rain and 5 inches of snow every year, so don’t forget that umbrella.
Things to Do in McCleary WA
You’ll find a few different options if you’re looking for fun things to do in McCleary. Its most notable community event is the annual Bear Festival, which takes place in the summer and features parades, live music, sports tournaments, car shows, food stalls, and more. You’ll find a few opportunities for shopping in town at Gordon’s Select Market, Spellbound Lasercraft, and McCleary Health Mart. The Capitol Mall in Olympia is also just a short drive away. Here are a few other attractions to visit while living in McCleary WA.
Beerbower Park
Located in the heart of town, Beerbower Park is a small community park featuring public amenities like a playground and baseball diamond. It’s also the site of the annual Bear Festival, a popular event for anyone living in McCleary WA.
100 3rd St, McCleary, WA 98557 (360) 495-3667
McCleary Museum
Housed in a former Methodist church, the McCleary Museum is a local historical society and event center featuring exhibits and artifacts telling the story of the community and its importance in the logging industry. Great for history enthusiasts living in McCleary WA.
426 S 3rd St, McCleary, WA 98557 (360) 470-2340
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McCleary Community Center
The McCleary Community Center is a public event space available to rent that features kitchen facilities, meeting and banquet rooms, and a playground. So if you’re living in McCleary WA, and want to plan a community gathering, it’s the place to do it.
726 W Simpson Ave, McCleary, WA 98557 (360) 495-3667
Additional Attractions Near McCleary
The city of McCleary Parks and Cemetery Department has more information on facilities and site rentals on its website for families and outdoor adventurers living in McCleary WA.
McCleary Restaurants
You’ll also find a few delicious restaurants in McCleary, Washington, serving everything from steak dinners to quesadillas. Here are a few of the top McCleary, WA, restaurants you should check out today.
Al Carbon Steakhouse
A local stable among residents living in McCleary WA, the Al Carbon Steakhouse is a family-run operation serving steaks and Mexican cuisine with fast service, plus beer, wine, and cocktails.
200 W Simpson Ave, McCleary, WA 98557 (360) 495-0057
Bear’s Den
Bear’s Den is another local favorite. It serves hamburgers and other classic American cuisine in a comfortable setting, with cocktails and a kid’s menu, making it a popular place for families living in McCleary WA.
301 W Simpson Ave, McCleary, WA 98557 (360) 495-3822
Ranch House BBQ & Steakhouse
Situated in between McCleary and Olympia, the Ranch House BBQ & Steakhouse is a popular roadside smokehouse serving mouthwatering slow-cooked meats with outdoor seating.
10841 Kennedy Creek Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512 (360) 866-8704
Jobs in McCleary
Living in McCleary WA offers a stable economy and great employment opportunities in the logging industry. Most people are employed at the Simpson Logging Company’s lumber mill, which manufactures wooden doors. However, outside of lumber, the primary industries providing jobs in McCleary, WA, include construction, public administration, professional services, and healthcare. Its close proximity to Olympia also offers work opportunities in state government for those living in McCleary WA.
Other major employers in Grays Harbor County:
- Stafford Creek Corrections Center
- Grays Harbor County Government
- Summit Pacific Medical Center
- Harbor Regional Health
- Aberdeen School District
Payscale shows that the average hourly rate workers make in the Olympia area is 22.49 per hour. City of McCleary, WA jobs are available with the local government. You can also find great McCleary jobs on Indeed, such as production worker or marketing coordinator.
McCleary Schools
Moving to McCleary means students will attend great schools. The McCleary School District #65 serves students in McCleary WA in grades Pre-K through 8. It consists of one school – McCleary Elementary – which serves around 332 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
Most high school-aged students living in McCleary WA travel to Elma of Olympia. Elma High School is well-regarded and ranks #1 in the Aberdeen area and #158th in Washington State. Capital
High School in Olympia is also well respected and ranks #95 in the state of Washington.
Olympic Christian Academy, a private Pentecostal school, is also in McCleary. Residents living in McCleary WA should also check out the McCleary-Timberland Library for books and community events.
McCleary Statistics & Information
- McCleary County: Grays Harbor
- McCleary area: 2.07 square miles
- McCleary zip code: 98557
- McCleary area code: 360
- McCleary elevation: 272 ft
- McCleary time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- The closest airport to McCleary: The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is 72 miles away.
McCleary WA Map
Find more exciting attractions, activities, and fun things to do while living in McCleary WA with this map.
Discover Everything Living in McCleary Has to Offer
Ready to find out what living in McCleary WA is really like? Trust the dedicated McCleary movers at All Ready Moving and Storage to make your upcoming relocation easy and affordable. Call (360) 507-2447 today for a free quote.
