Searching for a peaceful town in the Pacific Northwest? Living in Steilacoom WA just might be your perfect place!
A small town in Northwestern Washington, Steilacoom is best known as a bedroom community for military personnel stationed at the nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord and is a nice place to live.
When Steilacoom was incorporated in 1854, it became the first incorporated town in Washington State. It gets its name from the local Native American tribe who lived in the Puget Sound region.
Here is everything you need to know about moving to Steilacoom WA.
Is Steilacoom a Good Place to Live?
Steilacoom, Washington, is a picturesque town with a rich history and a strong sense of community, often regarded as one of the best places to live in Washington.
Known as the oldest incorporated town in the state, four different sites (including the First Protestant Church North) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the town boasts charming historic homes and stunning views of Puget Sound.
Residents living in Steilacoom WA enjoy highly rated schools, a safe and open-minded atmosphere, and convenient access to Tacoma, Lakewood, and JBLM. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate its parks, walking trails, and recreational amenities, including disc golf and sports fields. With its mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, living in Steilacoom WA offers a welcoming, suburban feel with a blend of natural beauty and modern convenience.
Older adults and their families can work with senior movers serving Steilacoom for help with downsizing, packing, transportation, and settling into a new home or retirement community.
Where Is Steilacoom?
You have an idea where those living in Tacoma are located or perhaps have friends or family living in Olympia, but where is Steilacoom WA, and what county is Steilacoom WA in?
Steilacoom is in Pierce County, Washington, just outside of Tacoma. Situated along the South Basin of Puget Sound, residents living in Steilacoom WA enjoy gorgeous water views and a pleasant breeze. Lake Steilacoom and American Lake also border the town, providing even more natural serenity. The cities of Lakewood, Dupont, and South Tacoma all surround it.
Steilacoom is in a central location, just 13.2 miles from Tacoma and 43.5 miles from Seattle.
As locals living in Steilacoom WA, our Steilacoom movers are all too familiar with the area and have helped countless families move to or from the slow-paced town of Steilacoom. As the best Steilacoom moving company, we’d love to help you do the same if you have plans on moving to Steilacoom WA. Call our crew anytime at 360-507-2447 for your free quote!
What Is the Population of Steilacoom WA? | Steilacoom Population & Demographics
According to the 2020 Census, the population of Steilacoom is 6,727, which is a 12% increase since 2010. The population density living in Steilacoom WA is 3345 residents per square mile. Steilacoom ranks as the 17th largest town in Pierce County and 111th largest in Washington State.
Many residents living in Steilacoom WA are military veterans who served in either the Gulf or Vietnam War.
Additional Steilacoom Demographics
- The Steilacoom population is 51.8% female and 48.2%, male
- The median age is 38.4 years old
- The racial makeup of the population is 71.4% White (62.2% White Alone, non-Hispanic), 5.9% Black, 1.2% Native American, 6.3% Asian, 0.3% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 15.4% Hispanic, and 13.4% two more more races
- The median household income is $94,709, which is slightly above Tacoma
- Steilacoom residents are highly educated; 95.7% have a high school diploma, while 45.8% have a college diploma
- The foreign-born population living in Steilacoom WA is 9.9%
Is Steilacoom a Safe Place to Live?
Steilacoom is a very safe place to live. According to the latest FBI statistics, the total Steilacoom crime rate is 1,435 per 100,000 people living in Steilacoom WA, which is 61.5% lower than in the state and 38.3% lower than in the country. To give you a better idea, the crime rate in Seattle is 75.8% higher than the state average.
There were also no murders reported in 2020 and only 13 violent crimes, making Steilacoom a very safe place to live and enhancing the allure of moving to Steilacoom WA.
Steilacoom Department of Public Safety patrols the town and protects residents living in Steilacoom WA, which includes 11 law enforcement employees, ten of which are police officers.
Cost of Living in Steilacoom | Is Steilacoom Expensive?
If you are considering moving to Steilacoom WA, you likely want to know the cost of living. Is Steilacoom expensive?
It’s slightly more expensive than the national average but still quite affordable for the quality of life it offers, and we’ll use the cost of living in Tacoma, the nearest measured metro, to draw insights.
The cost of living index for the area around Steilacoom is 120.1, which means it’s about 20.1% more expensive than the national average. In comparison, the COLI for Seattle is 144.6. So, while living in Steilacoom WA may be slightly more expensive than the nation overall, it’s still much more affordable than many nearby areas.
According to the Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four (with two kids and two adults) would need an income of $106,961 to afford to live in Pierce County when considering costs like housing, food, property taxes, healthcare, childcare, transportation, etc.
Typical Expenses when Living in Steilacoom WA:
- Inexpensive restaurant: $18.00
- Cappuccino: $5.48
- Can of coke: $2.76
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.16
- Loaf of bread: $3.87
- 12 eggs: $4.65
- 1 pound of chicken: $7.34
- 1 pound of beef: $8.58
- 1 pound of apples: $2.12
- 1 pound of white rice: $2.96
- Average Steilacoom utilities per month (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square foot apartment): $232.33
*Data represents the general Tacoma area – Source: Numbeo
Housing is one of the biggest considerations for those considering living in Steilacoom WA. The median price of homes for sale in Steilacoom is $632,500, up 13.9% since last year. That makes the average price per square foot of Steilacoom houses for sale $369. While home prices skyrocketed in 2023, most likely due to a low inventory, they have stabilized in 2024.
The average Steilacoom rent is $1,513 for a 1-bedroom apartment, a more affordable way to enjoy living in Steilacoom WA.
There’s a healthy balance of tenants and homeowners, as 34.8% rent, while 65.2% own a home. The rental market in Steilacoom is roughly on par with the rest of the country, as the average rent in the US is $1,739.
Steilacoom Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Steilacoom
Living in Steilacoom WA offers various benefits no matter where you look.
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Steilacoom is a small town with only 2 square miles in area, so there aren’t many distinct neighborhoods. The most desirable neighborhoods tend to be in the northern part of the city that offers easy access to the military base and downtown Tacoma, but the most affordable tend to be found in the east. Often, the neighborhoods are characterized as emulating a small New England Village due to common masonry chimneys and cedar shake roofs on the houses.
Pocket neighborhoods in Steilacoom you may want to check out include:
- Cormorant Passage
- Ketron
- Saltar’s Point
- Madrona Park
These neighborhoods offer prime real estate, great schools, and friendly neighbors. But no matter what neighborhood you choose, they all offer high-quality of life that makes living in Steilacoom WA a hard-to-beat choice.
What’s the Steilacoom Weather & Climate Like?
According to the Koppen classification, living in Steilacoom WA means enjoying a warm-summer Mediterranean climate categorized by warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters, very similar to the Tacoma climate.
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The best time to visit Steilacoom is between June and October before the cloudy season starts. The average temperature in Steilacoom ranges from about 39°F to 79°F. However, the winter low rarely goes below 27°F, and the summer high typically doesn’t get above 89°F.
Northern Washington is known for its heavy rainfall, but many people want to know if it snows in Steilacoom. The answer is yes, but very seldom, and the town averages about 6 inches of snowfall per year, so don’t expect blankets of white when living in Steilacoom WA.
In comparison, the average Steilacoom rainfall is 44 inches per year. So, pack an umbrella if you plan on moving to Steilacoom WA.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Steilacoom?
Although not quite as bustling as Seattle or Tacoma, there is still a wide variety of fun things to do in Steilacoom. There is very little shopping in the town, but Tacoma and Olympia are just a quick drive and feature popular malls and shopping areas such as Tacoma Mall, Lincoln Plaza, or Capital Mall that cater to everyone living in Steilacoom WA.
Here are some of the top Steilacoom attractions.
Steilacoom Historical Museum
The Steilacoom Historical Museum is a local landmark dedicated to the history of Washington’s first town. The museum features over 300 photos and artifacts where residents can learn about the town’s development.
Steilacoom Historical Museum, 1801 Rainer St, Steilacoom, WA, 98388 (253) 584-4133
Sunnyside Beach Park
Sunnyside Beach Park is a picturesque public space with 1400 square feet of shoreline, picnic tables, a playground, a volleyball court, and hiking trails. It’s one of the best things to do in Steilacoom with kids on a weekend afternoon.
Sunnyside Beach Park, Chambers Creek Rd W, Steilacoom, WA 98388 (253) 581-1912
Lake Steilacoom
Although technically in Lakewood, Lake Steilacoom is a local landmark only a few miles from the town it’s named after. Residents living in Steilacoom WA can fish, kayak, boat, or swim in Lake Steilacoom. Plus, there is a nearby park with a playground, dog park, sports courts, hiking trails, and more.
Lake Steilacoom, Lakewood, Pierce County, WA (253) 983-7887
The town of Steilacoom maintains 12 public parks managed by the Steilacoom Parks Department and you’ll find a town calendar of events with various activities, so outdoor activities are always on-tap when living in Steilacoom WA!
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Other Attractions to Enjoy Living in Steilacoom WA:
- Chambers Bay Golf Course
- Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center
- Pioneer Orchard Park
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
What Are the Top Steilacoom Restaurants?
Although not known for its culinary scene, a few local favorite restaurants in Steilacoom offer friendly service and a wide selection of drinks and entrees, and you can find a couple of quaint coffee shops to start off the morning, just another allure of living in Steilacoom WA.
Topside Bar and Grill
The Topside Bar and Grill is a casual American restaurant serving burgers, seafood, and steaks. It’s famous for its roof deck, which offers scenic views of the water, and it is one of the best restaurants in Steilacoom.
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Topside Bar and Grill, 215 Wilkes St, Steilacoom, WA 98388 (253) 212-3690
The Bair at the Bair Drug and Hardware
The Bair is a retro soda shop and food counter located within Bair Hardware, one of Steilacoom’s oldest retail establishments. Patrons can expect friendly service and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and drink options.
The Bair at The Bair Drug & Hardware, 1617 Lafayette St, Steilacoom, WA 98388 (253) 588-9668
Steilacoom Pub and Grill
Steilacoom Pub and Grill is a local favorite that serves comfort food, beer, and wine, with frequent events such as trivia nights, karaoke, open mics, and more.
Steilacoom Pub & Grill, 1202 Rainier St, Steilacoom, WA 98388 (253) 584-7693
What’s the Economy in Steilacoom Like? | Jobs in Steilacoom
The Steilacoom economy is strong, thanks to the local military base and nearby cities like Tacoma and Olympia. The Steilacoom job market saw a 1.8% increase in the last year and will grow by an expected 30.82% over the next ten years, so living in Steilacoom WA promises a bright future.
The largest employer in Steilacoom is the Joint Base Lewis McCord military base in Lakewood. The base is over 10,000 square feet and supports about 40,000 active-duty military personnel. Other major employers in Steilacoom include the City of Olympia, Bloodworks Northwest, State Farm Insurance, and the Western State Hospital, which used to be Fort Steilacoom.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average Steilacoom hourly wage is $21 per hour, and the median income is $44,298/year.
A few major employers have headquarters in Steilacoom, but residents living in Steilacoom WA have easy access to nearby urban areas with plenty of economic opportunity.
What School District Is Steilacoom? | Steilacoom Schools
Interested in living in Steilacoom WA, and interested in the education scene? The Steilacoom Historical School District #1 operates the town’s public schools, which also serve communities in Anderson Island, Kenton Island, Dupont, and sections of Lakewood and University Place. The district features one pre-K school, four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
A handful of notable schools serving students living in Steilacoom WA include Steilacoom High School and Cherrydale Primary School.
Residents can also visit the Steilacoom Library on Steilacoom Blvd, which is open every day of the week except Sunday.
What Is Steilacoom High School Ranked in the National Rankings?
Steilacoom High School ranks within the top 5% of public schools in Washington and ranks well above average in college preparedness and reading and math proficiency.
Living in Steilacoom WA Statistics and Information
- County: Pierce County
- Steilacoom Area: 2.05 sq miles
- Steilacoom Zip Code: 98388
- Steilacoom Area Code: 253
- Steilacoom Elevation: 75 ft
- Steilacoom Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest Airport: The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is 34 miles away or a 45-minute drive.
Steilacoom WA Map
Interested in living in Steilacoom WA? Explore more fun things to do, attractions, and amenities with this map of Steilacoom!
When you’re ready to make moving to Steilacoom WA happen, trust the Steilacoom movers at All Ready Moving and Storage to make your transition quick and easy. Call us today at 360-507-2447 to request a quote.
