Is Redmond Safe, Pros and cons of living in Redmond
Redmond, Washington, situated east of Seattle, offers a dynamic blend of technological innovation and natural beauty, making it an appealing place to live for many. The city is renowned as the headquarters for tech giants like Microsoft and Nintendo of America, significantly shaping its economy and culture. This strong presence in the tech industry attracts a skilled workforce and fosters a forward-thinking environment.
Beyond its corporate landscape, Redmond is celebrated as the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest,” boasting an extensive network of trails and a vibrant cycling community. This focus on outdoor recreation, combined with a generally mild climate, provides residents with ample opportunities for an active lifestyle throughout the year. The city’s strategic location also offers convenient access to the greater Seattle metropolitan area and the Pacific Northwest’s natural wonders.
Is it Safe to Live in Redmond?
Redmond’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a rate of 29 per one thousand residents, meaning one in 35 people could become a victim of crime (NeighborhoodScout). However, when compared to similar-sized communities, Redmond’s crime rate is notably above average. The majority of these incidents are property crimes, with a rate of 28 per one thousand population, while violent crime rates are around the national average (NeighborhoodScout).
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Redmond is approximately one in 761, which is comparable to the national average (NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes, such as burglary and larceny, present a higher risk, with a chance of one in 36 of becoming a victim (NeighborhoodScout). While Redmond is considered safer than only 8% of U.S. cities overall, its violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average (NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Redmond’s housing market is characterized by high prices, with a median listing price of $1.35 million (Realtor.com®). The median home value in Redmond is approximately $1,402,276, reflecting a 2.4% decrease over the past year (Zillow). Rental prices also tend to be high, with a median rent of $2,717 per month (Realtor.com®).
The cost of living in Redmond is substantially higher than the national average, standing at 94% above it (AreaVibes). Housing expenses are a significant factor, being 268.3% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This elevated cost extends to utilities, transportation, and groceries, contributing to an overall expensive living environment (AreaVibes, Payscale).
Median Home Prices and Rent
The median sale price of a home in Redmond was $1.4 million in March 2026, showing a 4.0% increase from the previous year (Redfin). Homes typically sell after 13 days on the market, indicating a competitive market (Redfin). Rental prices have also seen an increase, with the median rent at $2,535 last month, a $40 increase month-over-month (Zumper).
As of December 2025, the median home price in Redmond, WA, was $1,424,000, with a year-over-year increase of 1.1% (Prop:Metrics). The average rent in Redmond, WA, was reported at $4,200 in July 2025, though this figure may vary by property type and size (Prop:Metrics). For instance, a 2-bedroom apartment averages around $2,943 per month, while houses for rent can cost approximately $4,050 monthly (Zumper).
Overall Cost of Living Index
Redmond’s cost of living index is 194, meaning it is 94% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This high cost is driven primarily by housing, which is 268.3% above the national average (AreaVibes). Goods and services, groceries, transportation, and utilities also contribute to the elevated cost of living in the city (AreaVibes, Payscale).
When compared to other cities, Redmond’s cost of living is 33% lower than San Francisco, but 43% higher than the U.S. national average (Salary.com). The median household income in Redmond is $196,543, which is 141.7% higher than the national average, helping to offset some of the high living expenses (AreaVibes).
Job Market and Economy
Redmond boasts a robust job market, largely driven by its prominent technology sector, with major employers like Microsoft and Nintendo of America headquartered in the city (Wikipedia). These companies not only provide numerous job opportunities but also contribute to the city’s innovative and dynamic economy.
The unemployment rate in Redmond was 5.1% as of March 2026 (YCharts). This rate is slightly higher than the long-term average of 3.68%, but remains competitive within the state and national context. The city’s strong economic base and continuous growth attract professionals from various fields, particularly in technology and related industries.
Major Employers
Microsoft and Nintendo of America are the most well-known major employers in Redmond, shaping the city’s economic landscape significantly (Wikipedia). These tech giants offer a wide array of employment opportunities, from software development to management and support roles.
Other significant employers in Redmond include CBRE Group, SpaceX, Stryker Corp, Amazon.com Inc., and The Overlake School, among others (6figr.com). This diverse range of companies provides a broad spectrum of job opportunities across various sectors, contributing to a stable and growing job market.
Average Salary and Unemployment Rate
The average annual salary in Redmond is approximately $85,550, translating to about $41.13 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Salaries typically range from $65,678 to $104,571 annually, with top earners potentially making more (ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Redmond was 5.1% in March 2026 (YCharts). While this is higher than the long-term average, it is generally comparable to or lower than the state and national averages (OneRedmond, Employment Security Department). The employment rate in Redmond is approximately 96.09% (BestNeighborhood.org).
Climate and Weather
Redmond, Washington, experiences a mild climate typical of the Pacific Northwest, characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters (Wikipedia). The warmest month is August, with average high temperatures around 77°F and lows of 58°F, while January is the coolest, with average lows of 37°F (Time and Date).
Rainfall is most common in November, and while snowfall is uncommon, it does occur (Wikipedia). The city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, with August being the clearest month, offering about 69% clear, partly cloudy, or mostly clear skies (Time and Date). The wetter season typically runs from October to May, with an increased chance of wet days during these months.
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
Summers in Redmond are generally pleasant, with average daily high temperatures above 72°F from late June to mid-September (Time and Date). Winters are cooler, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F from mid-November to early March (Time and Date). The city experiences distinct seasons, contributing to its varied natural beauty throughout the year.
The wettest month is November, with an average of 17.6 days experiencing precipitation (Time and Date). Conversely, August is the driest month, with an average of only 3.9 wet days (Time and Date). This pattern of distinct wet and dry seasons influences outdoor activities and the local environment.
Education and Schools
Redmond, Washington, is served by highly-rated public schools, with many schools achieving top rankings within the state (Niche, SchoolDigger.com). The Lake Washington School District, which primarily serves Redmond, is recognized for its strong performance and commitment to academic excellence.
Students in Redmond public schools demonstrate high proficiency in math and reading, exceeding state averages (Niche). The district boasts a variety of well-regarded institutions, including Nikola Tesla STEM High School, Stella Schola, and Sunrise Elementary School, which are consistently ranked among the best (Niche, SchoolDigger.com).
School Ratings and Performance
Redmond public schools consistently receive high ratings, with an average ranking of 10/10, placing them in the top 1% of Washington public schools (Niche). Math proficiency scores average 78%, and reading proficiency scores average 83%, significantly higher than the Washington state averages (Niche).
Nikola Tesla STEM High School, Stella Schola, and Sunrise Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in Redmond, known for their academic achievements and strong student outcomes (Niche). The overall educational environment in Redmond is considered exceptional, providing a solid foundation for students’ academic and future success.
Demographics and Population
Redmond, Washington, is home to a diverse population, with a significant presence of Asian and White residents (Data USA, Wikipedia). As of 2024, the population is approximately 77,400, with a projected increase to 86,605 by 2026 (Data USA, World Population Review).
The city’s demographic makeup includes a notable percentage of foreign-born residents, around 45.2%, contributing to its cultural richness (Data USA). The median age in Redmond is 35 years, with a slightly higher male population than female (World Population Review).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Redmond is diverse, with White residents comprising about 45% and Asian residents making up approximately 40% of the population (Niche). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 7% of the population, with smaller percentages for other racial and ethnic groups (Niche).
In the 2020 census, White residents accounted for 65.19% of the population, while Asian residents made up 25.36% (Wikipedia). This diverse composition reflects the city’s appeal to a wide range of communities and backgrounds.
Population Growth and Age Distribution
Redmond is experiencing steady population growth, with an annual increase of 2.61% (World Population Review). Since the 2020 census, the population has grown by over 18%, indicating a dynamic and expanding community (World Population Review).
The median age in Redmond is 35 years, with a slight skew towards a younger demographic in the 30-39 age range (World Population Review, Census Reporter). The population distribution shows a balanced mix of age groups, contributing to a vibrant community life.