Is Hazel Dell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hazel Dell

Hazel Dell, Washington, a census-designated place located north and west of Vancouver, offers a blend of suburban convenience and a connection to its agricultural past. This community, named for its historical abundance of hazel trees, has grown into a populated area with a distinct character. It is a place where residents can find a variety of amenities while still appreciating a connection to nature.

The area is bisected by Interstate 5, providing accessible transportation routes to surrounding areas. Hazel Dell is bordered by Vancouver city limits to the south, Lake Shore to the west, Salmon Creek to the north, and Walnut Grove to the east. This strategic location places it near natural attractions like Vancouver Lake and urban centers, offering a dynamic living environment.

Is it Safe to Live in Hazel Dell?

The overall crime rate in Hazel Dell is higher than the national average, with a rate of 67.28 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This places Hazel Dell in the 4th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 4% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). There is a varying chance of being a victim of crime depending on the neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 12 in central areas to 1 in 21 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade.org).

However, specific areas within Hazel Dell exhibit different safety profiles. While some neighborhoods experience higher instances of property crime, particularly near Interstate 5, the rate of violent crime is noted as being slightly lower than the average U.S. neighborhood (according to Crimegrade.org). Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Demographics and Population

Hazel Dell is home to approximately 23,237 residents as of 2024 (according to Data USA). The population is diverse, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents making up the largest demographic group. In 2024, 11.2% of residents were born outside of the country, and 94.5% of residents are U.S. citizens, a figure that is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).

The median age in Hazel Dell is 37.7 years, with a nearly even split between males and females (according to Data USA and Point2Homes). The population includes about 15.9% children under 15 and roughly 15% of residents aged 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). This age distribution suggests a community with a mix of young families and older residents.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Hazel Dell is considered very competitive, with a score of 81 out of 100 (according to Redfin). The median home value in Hazel Dell was $455,500 in 2024, which is significantly higher than the national average (according to Data USA). The homeownership rate stands at 52.4%, which is lower than the national average (according to Data USA).

The cost of living in Hazel Dell is approximately 25% higher than the national average, largely influenced by housing expenses, which are about 57% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). The median monthly rent for all bedroom types and property types is around $1,650, which is 15% lower than the national average (according to Zumper). However, specific apartment rents vary, with studios averaging $1,362 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,692 in Northeast Hazel Dell as of April 2026 (according to Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Employment in Hazel Dell grew at a rate of 1.89% between 2023 and 2024, with the number of employees increasing from 12,000 to 12,200 (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (according to Data USA). The job groups with the highest number of residents are Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Management Occupations (according to Data USA).

The median household income in Hazel Dell was $86,305 in 2024, showing a growth from the previous year (according to Data USA). The average annual salary in Hazel Dell is approximately $46,309 as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). The poverty rate in Hazel Dell is 9.8%, which is lower than the national average (according to Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Hazel Dell experiences a temperate climate with average annual temperatures around 62°F high and 42°F low (according to Livability.com). The average annual rainfall is approximately 42 inches, with an average annual snowfall of about 2 inches (according to Livability.com). Monthly average precipitation data indicates that the wettest months are typically November and December, with over 5 inches of rain each, while July and August are the driest, with less than an inch (according to Plantmaps).

The average daily temperatures in Hazel Dell range from highs in the mid-40s in January to highs in the mid-70s in July (based on data from Portland International Airport, which is near Hazel Dell). The median last spring frost date is around March 21st (according to Precip).

Education and Schools

Hazel Dell is served by the Vancouver School District, which received an overall B grade from Niche (according to Homes.com). Within the area, Hazel Dell Elementary School in Vancouver, WA, has a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10 (according to Homes.com). However, a highly-rated Hazel Dell Elementary School is located in Noblesville, Indiana, which consistently ranks in the top 10% of Indiana elementary schools and received a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger (according to SchoolDigger).

The student-teacher ratio at the Indiana Hazel Dell Elementary School is 15.8 to 1, and it significantly outperforms district and state averages in test scores (according to SchoolDigger). This distinction is important for families considering educational options, as the ratings and performance can vary greatly between different locations bearing the same school name.

Major Employers and Economic Drivers

While specific major employers for Hazel Dell are not detailed, the broader Vancouver area, which Hazel Dell is part of, has key industries. These include manufacturing and healthcare companies (according to Homes.com). The Kraft Heinz Company is a significant food and beverage producer with a global presence, though its direct impact on Hazel Dell’s local employment landscape is not specified (according to The Kraft Heinz Company).

The economy of the greater Portland region, which includes Hazel Dell, has seen a mixed job market. From April 2023 to April 2024, the greater Portland region experienced a net loss of jobs, with sectors like manufacturing and retail trade showing declines (according to KGW). However, the healthcare and social assistance sector, along with retail trade and manufacturing, remain significant employment areas for Hazel Dell residents (according to Data USA).