Moving To Washington

A complete guide of the state from healthcare to diversity

Should you move to Washington?

Washington, also known as the Evergreen State, is a place of stunning natural beauty, innovative industries, and diverse cultural experiences. From the bustling cityscape of Seattle to the serene vistas of the San Juan Islands, Washington’s landscape is as varied as it is breathtaking.

At the heart of Washington’s economy is the tech industry. Seattle and its surroundings are home to tech behemoths like Microsoft and Amazon. The state is also a major player in the aerospace industry, with Boeing’s largest manufacturing complex located in Everett.

But it’s not all tech and airplanes. Washington is the nation’s leading producer of apples, cherries, and hops, and its viticulture sector is flourishing, with more than 1,000 wineries across the state. The port cities of Seattle and Tacoma serve as major gateways for U.S. trade with Asia, supporting a strong logistics and shipping sector.

Living in Washington offers the best of both urban and outdoor lifestyles. Seattle, known for its vibrant arts scene, hip coffee culture, and thriving music history (think grunge and Jimi Hendrix), is as dynamic as cities come. The state also offers unparalleled outdoor adventures – whether it’s hiking in the Cascade Mountains, exploring the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, or enjoying a scenic ferry ride on the Puget Sound.

Washington’s commitment to education is evident in its excellent public and private institutions, including the University of Washington, known for its top-ranked medical school and computer science programs.

If a state with economic dynamism, outdoor beauty, and a strong cup of coffee sounds enticing, Washington might just be the place for you. Do keep in mind, though, the high cost of living in some areas and get ready to embrace the frequent rain!

State Capital

Olympia

Area Code(s)

206, 253, 360, 425, 509, 564

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone

Land Area (sq mi)

66,455

State Bird

Willow goldfinch

Motto

Al-ki (By and by)

State Flag

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Who Lives in Washington?

Discover more about the people who make up the State

Total Population

National Avg 6,652,315

Population Density

116 per sq mi

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

How does Washington compare?

C
Diversity Grade
White alone
66%
Black or African American
4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2%
Asian
10%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
0.8%
Hispanic or Latino
13.7%

Foreign Born Persons

14.7%

Veterans

509722

Under 5 years
5.6%
Under 18 years
21.7%
Over 65 years
16.2%

Washington Climate

How’s the weather?

How Does Washington Compare?

#48
in Sunny Days
#29
in Annual Rainfall
#2
in Daytime Humidity

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Healthcare in Washington

How are the hospitals and care?

Major Hospitals

91

Residents Per Bed

612

Residents Per Physician

335.8

How Does Washington Compare?

#7
in Healthcare
#2
in Available Beds
#23
in Doctors Per Resident

Washington Metropolitans

Washington

Kennewick-Richland

Washington

Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater

Washington

Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard

Washington

Yakima

Washington

Bellingham

Washington

Spokane-Spokane Valley

Washington

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

Washington

Mount Vernon-Anacortes

Washington Cost of Living

How Does Washington Compare?

39
in Cost of Living
2
in Minimum Wage
40
in Living Wage

Don't Forget!

Auto insurance costs change from city to neighborhood. Through Insurify, you can receive personalized quotes from top insurers in 5 minutes or less.

Renting? Renter’s insurance protects you, your guests, and your things. And Lemonade offers renters insurance plans for as low as $5 per month.

Washington State Taxes

Housing in Washington

Buying or renting? Here’s more about real estate in the zip code.

Total Households

2,931,841

Own vs. Rent

Own 63.6%
Rent 36.4%

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Median Home Value

504,200

National $440,300

Median Rent

$1,439

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$646

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Persons Per Household

2.55

Moving advice

Increase your odds of a quick sale, earning more money, or saving your rental deposit by hiring a professional cleaner. A study by HomeLight found home sellers who invest in cleaners earned $3,700 more

Washington Schools

Explore the school district and schools

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #16 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

64%

Proficient or Above

28%

Ranked #9 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

71%

Proficient or Above

32%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
91.9%
Bachelors Degree
37.3%

Need some help with your move?

Moving labor can be hired by the hour, helping you budget for the heavy stuff or your entire move.

Washington Cities & Towns

Washington Economy

The industries, jobs, and economics of the zip code

Median Household Income

$82,400

US Average $74,580

How does Washington compare?

In Labor Force

63.7%

Poverty rate

9.9%

Private Employers

198,854

Total Employees

2,821,109

Washington Counties

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