A small city situated in the north of Pierce County, Sumner is a middle-class city flanked by Puyallup and Auburn, all of which are located south of Seattle. Established in the mid-19th century in preparation for a rail line, Sumner was initially called “Franklin”, until the name was changed in 1891 due to confusion with other nearby settlements. Nowadays, Sumner is known as a cozy suburban area of Seattle, and is home to a few notable people, such as actor Wayne Northrop and musician Kelly Joe Phelps.
Sumner, WA Population & Demographics
Sumner has a population of 10,053 distributed over 7.5 miles at a population density of about 1,300 people per square mile. The median age here is 34.8, which is marginally less than the Washington average of 37.7. The median household income in Sumner is $63,043, which is 20% lower than the average household income for the state of Washington, being $73,775.
The racial demographics of Sumner’s population are mostly White, with Caucasians making up 76% of Sumner’s population, with a notable minority of Hispanics, which make up 13% of the city’s population. Sumner’s gender ratio is majorly skewed towards women, at 55%.
Thinking about moving to this community, but wondering if Sumner is a safe place to live? In terms of crime, Sumner is something of a mixed bag, according to Areavibes. Like her sister city, Seattle, Sumner has a problem with lots of property crime. However, violent crime is essentially non-existent in the community, meaning Sumner is a safe place to live. This community is served by the City of Sumner Police Department.
Cost of Living in Sumner, WA
Like most of Washington, Sumner is still pricey, but is in a significantly better place than Seattle, with the cost of living here being only 8% higher than most places in the United States, according to Payscale. The median home price in Sumner is $333,000, which is marginally less than the average Washington home price of $339,000. If you choose to move to Sumner, you’ll find that you’ll be paying more than the average for groceries and utilities, but slightly less for housing and transportation. In terms of renting in Sumner, one can expect prices of $1,072 per month for all units.
Sumner, WA Everyday Expenses
If you want to know how affordable Sumner is, the best way to visualize it may be to take a look at everyday expenses you can expect to pay, provided by Numbeo.
- Gallon of Milk – $3.63
- Loaf of Bread – $3.30
- Gallon of Gasoline – $3.74
- Basic Utilities per Month – $215.42
- Internet per Month – $61.21
Best Neighborhoods & Places to Live in Sumner, WA
Sumner is a little small, and that’s part of why locals love it. Its size doesn’t really facilitate the creation of distinctive neighborhoods, but there’s still plenty to know about the area. Check out some of your neighborhood options below:
As one might expect, different areas have different property values. Most of the high value property is in the Benroy area, up north and closer to Seattle. Meanwhile, cheaper property can be found in the southern section.
If you’re looking to make yourself part of a particular portion of Sumner, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Sumner, WA.
If you are interested in renting, then take a look at some of the apartments in Sumner.
Sumner, WA Climate & Weather
Washington, especially Seattle, are known for being notoriously rainy during certain seasons, and Sumner is no different. You can expect lows of 35 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 76 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Sumner experiences more than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 49 inches per year as compared to 38 inches – so pack your raincoat! Meanwhile, Sumner experiences far less than the average in snow, with 6 inches as compared to 28. The best times to visit Sumner, in terms of comfort rating, are July and August.
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Things to Do in Sumner, WA
Sumner is a relaxed community, but you’ll still find plenty to do in terms of attractions and shopping sprees! Check out shopping in the area like Fred Meyer and A Good Book for all your shopping needs! You should also check out some of the best things to do in Sumner, WA below:
Loyalty Park
Need a bit of time outside? Loyalty Park provides a local outdoor area in Sumner with picnic areas, recreation, and a playground for the kids. Perfect for a day out!
516 Boyd Ave, Sumner, WA 98390, +12538916500
Rainier View Park
Parks are numerous around Sumner, and Rainier View Park is among the nicest. Alongside the typical recreation and picnic areas, this nice park also includes wonderful mosaic sculptures.
15603 Meade McCumber Rd E, Sumner, WA 98390, +12538638300
Sumner, WA Additional Attractions:
The Sumner Main Street Association keeps a list of Sumner events. The community of Sumner is served by the Sumner parks & recreation system, which oversees all the lovely outdoor parks and recreation centers in the area. See all of this community’s most interesting parks at the Sumner city parks & recreation site.
Places to Eat in Sumner, WA
Alongside its host of things to do, Sumner is also home to plenty of great eats! Check out some below:
The Buttered Biscuit
Among the most popular eats in Sumner is the Buttered Biscuit, which serves an excellent array of American breakfast and brunch dishes. If you need something to pick you up in the morning, the Buttered Biscuit is your spot!
1014 North St #1000, Sumner, WA 98390, +12538266099
Aversano’s
What would any American city be without a proper Italian restaurant? This bar serves pizza and other Italian favorites in a casual environment.
6015 Parker Rd E, Sumner, WA 98390, +12538633618
Sumner, WA Schools & Colleges
Sumner’s residents are served by the Sumner School District, which contains approximately 10,000 students. Some of Sumner’s fantastic schools include Maple Lawn Elementary School, Sumner Middle School, and Sumner High School. While you’re living in Sumner, your children will have access to a wonderful array of top-rated schools!
Students and others in Sumner are served by the Pierce County Public Library.
Jobs in Sumner, WA
Those planning on making a living in Sumner should know that wages have been static while cost of living has been increasing, according to Payscale. The most popular positions of employment are Operations Manager, Warehouse Supervisor, and Production Engineer. The most popular employers in Sumner are Amazon.com Inc, Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., and MetalTech-USA. The average salary for a worker in Sumner is $62k a year, while the average hourly wage is $19.05.
If you’re planning on living in Sumner, there will be a variety of industries and avenues of employment for you to pursue! Check out the latest listings for jobs in Sumner, WA here.
Map of Sumner, WA
Explore Sumner’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
Sumner, WA Statistics & Information
Sumner’s zip codes are 98352 and 98390, while the area code is 253. Sumner is 34 miles from Seattle and if you are commuting from Sumner to Seattle it will likely take you about 40 minutes. Sumner’s time zone is Pacific Standard Time, and sits at an elevation of 75’.
Tips for Moving to Sumner, WA
- Find plenty of competitively-priced housing in the Seattle area
- Enjoy Sumner’s close-knit community
- Utilize a short commute to Seattle
Want to take that last step and get started on your adventure in making Sumner your new home? Give All Ready Moving a call at 360-507-2447! Our team of highly-trained and trustworthy Sumner movers will ensure your move is an easy process, at an excellent rate! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
