Thinking of moving to Eatonville, WA? If you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, small-town living, and tight-knit communities, then living in Eatonville, WA, is perfect.
Nestled in the foothills of beautiful Mt. Rainier, Eatonville is a rural community known for its 723-acre Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. The town is named after its founder, Thomas C. Van Eaton, who was led to the town’s present site in 1889 by a Nisqually tribesman known as Indian Henry. Van Eaton established a trading post providing provisions for most people in the area. Eatonville was officially incorporated on October 28, 1909.
The town’s motto, “Better Together,” reflects its tight-knit vibe where newcomers are welcome. Generations of families live and grow together, making living in Eatonville, WA with its small-town charm a wonderful place to live.
Where Is Eatonville, WA?
Eatonville is in Pierce County, WA. A small rural town, it is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, forests, rivers, and streams. It’s about 60 miles from Eatonville to Seattle and 35 miles southeast of Tacoma–Downtown Tacoma, specifically.
Nearby towns include Buckley and Wilkeson; take a look at the full list of Pierce County cities. Mount Rainier National Park with its distinctive natural beauty is a popular destination, and Eatonville is about 25 miles from the park’s Nisqually entrance.
Eatonville Population & Demographics
View this post on Instagram
According to the 2020 U.S. census report, the population of Eatonville WA is 2,845, up 3.48% from 2010. Population density is 1,546 people per square mile.
Notable People From Eatonville, WA in Pierce County
Despite being a very small town, Eatonville has some well-known names associated with it. One notable person from Eatonville is Mark Fuhrman, a former Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detective. Furhman is a controversial figure who was part of the police investigation of the O.J. Simpson murder case.
A second notable figure from Eatonville is professional Strongman Lucas Hatton. Hatton won the title of America’s Strongest Man in 2023 and 2024.
Eatonville Demographics
- 48% men vs 52% women
- Median age: 26.9 years
- The racial and ethnic composition of Eatonville WA is 72.6% White (69.9% white, non-Hispanic), Asian 6.1%, Black or African American 4.3%, two or more races 12.4%
- Foreign-born population: 4.6%
- Median household income: $93,603 — the WA state median household income is $94.605
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 93.2% and Bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.8%
Is Eatonville Safe?
Eatonville is a safe place to live. According to the FBI, the overall crime rate in Eatonville is 1,018 per 100,000 people; this is 56.2% lower than the national average. Total crime is 72.7% lower than the Washington state average. The violent crime rate is 25.2% lower than the rest of the state and 24% lower than the national average.
Instances of property crime in Eatonville are 78% lower than the state of Washington as a whole and 62.3% lower than the national average.
Anyone moving to Eatonville can be sure it’s a safe place to live. For more information about the town’s safety, visit the Eatonville WA police department website. On the website, you can also learn more about the five dedicated officers who serve the residents living in Eatonville, WA.
Cost of Living in Eatonville, WA
The nearest large city to Eatonville is Tacoma WA, where the cost of living is about 20% higher than the national average. Tacoma is a significantly larger metro area of Washington state compared to Eatonville, with a median housing price of $478,000 and average rent at $1,732 per month.
Eatonville is less expensive than Tacoma thanks to its rural location and smaller population. This reflects in its lower home and rental prices, as well as in the cost of living in Eatonville, WA figures for a family of four in town.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $135,875.00 per year to afford living in Eatonville, WA. This figure includes expenses like childcare, groceries, healthcare, and transportation.
Typical Eatonville Living Expenses
According to Numbeo, these are the prices you can expect to pay for everyday items living in Eatonville, WA–numbers are based on the next largest city, Tacoma, WA:
- Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle): $2.92One dozen eggs: $4.84
- One gallon of milk: $4.30
- Cappuccino (regular size): $6.06
- Average Eatonville utilities per month: $714.00
Home Prices
View this post on Instagram
According to Redfin, in April 2025, the Eatonville median home price was $423,000–down 3.3% from the previous year. The median sales price per square foot is $264, up 2.9% from the previous year. Overall, the Eatonville housing market is competitive, considering its size and population, with the hottest homes selling in about 11 days.
Thinking of moving to Eatonville? Learn more about buying a house in Eatonville before reaching out to a real estate agent, and take a look at Eatonville, WA homes for sale. And don’t forget about taxes; get an idea of what you’ll be paying living in Eatonville, WA, with this helpful article on Pierce County property taxes.
Average Rent in Eatonville
Average rent in Eatonville, is $1,297 per month. Ensure you know everything you can about renting, including what you need to know about breaking a lease in Washington.
Eatonville Neighborhoods
Newcomers naturally want to know what are the best places to live in Eatonville. While all of Eatonville is lovely, certain parts of town stand out from the others.
Downtown Eatonville
The historic downtown area of Eatonville is a popular part of town. It features many historic shops, plenty of antiquing opportunities, and restaurants. Also close by is Mill Pond Park, complete with a children’s play structure and a skate park. Various annual events occur downtown throughout the year, like the festive Rod Knockers Car Show every June.
There is a generous mix of single-family homes and multi-family units throughout this part of Downtown, making living in Eatonville, WA fun and charming.
Hamner Springs
One of the best neighborhoods in Eatonville for families. Hamner Springs features newer homes, with the average home price at around $534,400. Locals say it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Eatonville for trick-or-treating because residents go all out with Halloween decorations every year. This is a very scenic area for living in Eatonville, WA.
Eatonville Weather
Eatonville has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate; it experiences warm, dry summers and wet winters.
The average Eatonville WA weather summer temperatures stay in the mid-70s, with warmer temperatures extending to spring and autumn also. The average temperature during the winter is 45°F (7°C), but the Eatonville winter low can dip as far as 34°F (1.1°C) in December-January.
Eatonville annual rainfall is 52 inches, roughly 14 inches more than the nationwide average. It rains consistently year-round, with the highest amount falling in the spring. Although winters are mild, Eatonville does experience about 6 inches of snow each year.
Not living in Eatonville, WA yet but want to visit? The best time to visit Eatonville is between late spring and early fall. During these times, the weather is mild and warm, with many sunny days to enjoy nature and countless outdoor activities.
Things to Do Living in Eatonville, WA
Some of the best things to do while living in Eatonville, WA are outdoor activities, but there are also some excellent shopping options. Enjoy a hometown shopping experience at the locally-owned Plaza Market.
Or stock up on fresh, local, organic foods at the Mountain Community Co-Op where specialty vegan, vegetarian, raw, and gluten-free products are also available. No membership is necessary to shop.
Make a stop at Center Street Junction-Mercantile and More to browse a selection of unique, affordable vintage items. Center Street Junction – Mercantile and More also features artisanal items made by local merchants.
Shopping aside, here are some of the best things to do in Eatonville including some wonderful parks:
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
View this post on Instagram
A wildlife park home to bears, wolves, bald eagles, wolverines, bobcats, and more. It features a tram tour through a 435-acre area where animals roam free. Adventurous park guests can drive their own vehicles on a Wild Drive tour and see bison, mountain goats, Roosevelt elk, caribou, swans, and other local wildlife. The Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is hands-down one of the best things to do in Eatonville with kids and the entire family.
11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville, WA 98328 (360) 832-6117
Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village
View this post on Instagram
Among the many fun things to do in Eatonville is to visit the Pioneer Farm Museum. It offers a glimpse of what life was like on a homestead in 1880s Washington. Guests can participate in unique activities like churning cream, grinding grains, scrubbing laundry by hand, and carding wool.
At the Ohop Indian Village, guests go back further in time to before the first local contact with Europeans. They can experience making leather, creating arrowheads, and crafting canoes.
7716 Ohop Valley Rd E, Eatonville, WA 98328 (360) 832-6300
Alder Lake Park
View this post on Instagram
Camping is one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of Eatonville and its stunning views of Mount Rainier. At Alder Lake Park, guests can go fishing, hiking, kayaking, and swimming. Visitors report that facilities are clean and bathrooms are well-maintained. Overall, this is a great place for families to stay busy and enjoy themselves.
50324 School Rd, Eatonville, WA 98328 (360) 569-2778
Additional Attractions in Eatonville WA
The town of Eatonville Parks Department offers various events throughout the year, like “Art Festival in the Park,” a 3-day event held every August. Stay up-to-date on local happenings with the Eatonville WA upcoming events calendar.
Eatonville WA Restaurants
Wondering where to eat in Eatonville WA? No matter if you’re looking for a quick slice of pizza at Varsity Pizza Eatonville WA, or a sit-down BBQ dinner, Eatonville restaurants have an option to satisfy any craving.
Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar
Locally owned and operated, Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar opened in 2008 and was named after a cherished dog. The menu features comfort food favorites like chicken fried steak and burgers alongside lighter fare like salads and sandwiches. Be sure to try Bruno’s famous Bloody Mary or enjoy a craft beer.
Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar, 204 Center St E, Eatonville, WA 98328 (360) 832-7866
Mill Haus Cider Co.
View this post on Instagram
Mill Haus Cider Co. serves the best cider in town. Locals love the flatbreads and burnt-end sliders, but the biggest appeal is the atmosphere. There is a large outdoor seating area with water features, fire pits, and live music. It’s family-friendly with attentive staff.
Mill Haus Cider Co., 303 Center St E, Eatonville, WA 98328 (253) 487-7065
Cruiser Cafe
A small cafe with a good selection of diner-type comfort foods: hamburgers, fries, fish and chips, sandwiches, and milkshakes. Offers indoor and outdoor seating and even a lunch counter. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, a nice place for families living in Eatonville, WA to enjoy an affordable meal.
Cruiser Cafe, 106 Washington Ave S, Eatonville, WA 98328 (360) 832-8646
Jobs in Eatonville
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Eatonville is $47,500 per year. The average hourly wage is $23 per hour. The largest industries are retail, accommodation, food services, and construction. The largest employers in Eatonville, WA are The Salvation Army and the Eatonville School District. For more information on the School District’s open positions, check out the Eatonville WA School District website.
Living in Eatonville, WA and want a job outside of education? Browse jobs in Eatonville. Another great place for finding local jobs is the city of Eatonville jobs board or alternatively tools such as Remote’s US EOR enable you to access remote roles across the United States.
Eatonville Schools
Eatonville schools are run by the Eatonville School District. Schools within the district have won many awards and recognitions. In 2015, Weyerhaeuser Elementary School (WES) was named a STEM Lighthouse School and received $20,000. In 2018, WES received the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School award.
There are no colleges in Eatonville. Locals living in Eatonville, WA attend nearby colleges including Pierce College and South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC).
The Eatonville Pierce County Library is a peaceful place for people living in Eatonville, WA to study. It is one of nine Pierce County Library locations. The library offers classes and events for patrons of all ages, along with online resources. Learn more about the Eatonville Library.
Eatonville Statistics & Information
- County: Pierce County
- Eatonville area: 1.84 square miles
- Eatonville zip code: 98328
- Eatonville area code: 352 / 978
- Eatonville elevation: 824 ft (251 m)
- Eatonville time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Eatonville: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is about 50 miles from Eatonville
Eatonville WA Map
Explore more fun shopping and restaurants to enjoy while living in Eatonville, WA with this map.
Considering Moving to Eatonville? Contact the Best Eatonville Movers Today!
Have you decided living in Eatonville WA is ideal for you? All Ready Moving & Storage is happy to help! Call (253) 255-1216 to request a free quote from the best Eatonville movers. With us, moving to Eatonville is easy!
