Is Silverdale Safe, Pros and cons of living in Silverdale
Silverdale, Washington, offers a blend of suburban convenience and natural beauty, situated on the Kitsap Peninsula with views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. This census-designated place provides a gateway to outdoor recreation while maintaining access to urban amenities, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
The community is known for its friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of local identity, despite its unincorporated status. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances career opportunities with abundant recreational pursuits, from exploring waterfront parks to hiking scenic trails.
Is it Safe to Live in Silverdale?
Silverdale’s overall crime rate is considered to be slightly higher than the national average, with 17 crimes per one thousand residents (NeighborhoodScout). However, the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is about 1 in 60.
When compared to the state of Washington, Silverdale’s crime rate is higher than 68% of its cities and towns. Despite this, the violent crime rate in Silverdale is reported to be 30% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also noted as being lower than the national average (Silverdale, WA Living). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Silverdale is approximately 1 in 441 (NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Silverdale presents a competitive landscape. The median sale price of a home in Silverdale was approximately $617,000 as of March 2026, a slight decrease of 0.38% from the previous year (Redfin). Homes in Silverdale tend to sell relatively quickly, with an average of 85 days on the market.
For those considering renting, the average rent for an apartment in Silverdale was around $2,075 as of March 2026 (Zillow). This figure is slightly higher than the national average rent of $1,910 (Zillow).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Silverdale is approximately 16% higher than the national average (Redfin). Housing is a significant contributor to this figure, being about 20% higher than the national average (Redfin). Other essential expenses, such as groceries and healthcare, are also above the national average, costing 12% and 16% more, respectively (Redfin).
The median household income in Silverdale was reported as $105,483 in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau). This income level helps to offset the higher cost of living, though housing remains a substantial expense for residents.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Silverdale’s economy is supported by several major employers, including Naval Base Kitsap, which is a significant presence in the region. Harrison Medical Center is another key employer, serving as the largest in Kitsap County (Silverdale, Washington). Retail centers and shopping malls also contribute to local employment opportunities.
The broader Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard metropolitan area had an average hourly wage of $35.47 in May 2024, which is higher than the national average of $32.66 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Occupations in management, healthcare practitioners, and technical fields tend to offer higher compensation.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate for the Bremerton-Silverdale, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area was 4.90% as of a recent report, which is lower than the long-term average (YCharts). This rate is also slightly lower than the previous month’s and the previous year’s rates.
The labor force in Silverdale is estimated by the number of employed and unemployed individuals actively seeking work. The employment score for Silverdale is high, indicating a robust job market (ERI SalaryExpert).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures
Silverdale experiences distinct seasonal temperatures. Summers are typically short, warm, and partly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 71°F from late June to mid-September (Silverdale Climate). The hottest month is August, with average highs around 76°F and lows of 55°F.
Winters are cold, wet, and mostly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F from early November to late February (Silverdale Climate). The coldest month is December, with average lows of 37°F and highs of 45°F. Overall, temperatures throughout the year typically range from 36°F to 78°F and rarely fall below 27°F or exceed 88°F.
Rainfall
Rainfall is a notable feature of Silverdale’s climate, with precipitation occurring throughout the year. November is the wettest month, averaging about 7.9 inches of rain (Silverdale Climate). Conversely, July is the driest month, with an average of only 0.7 inches of rain.
A “wet day” is defined as a day with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The chance of a wet day is highest from October to April, with November experiencing the most wet days, averaging 16.5 days (Silverdale Climate). The drier season runs from late April to early October, with August having the fewest wet days, averaging about 3.3.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Silverdale is served by the Central Kitsap School District, which is generally considered to have highly-rated public schools (Niche). Emerald Heights Elementary School, for instance, is highly rated with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 and strong proficiency scores in math and reading (Niche).
Central Kitsap High School and North Kitsap High School are also key educational institutions in the area, with Central Kitsap High School receiving a B+ overall Niche grade. These schools provide a solid educational foundation for the community’s youth.
Demographics
Silverdale has a population of approximately 20,685 residents (U.S. Census Bureau). The median age in Silverdale is around 40.3 years (Data USA). The population is diverse, with a majority identifying as White (approximately 67.4%), followed by Hispanic (9.6%), and Asian (9.1%) residents (Data USA).
The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 48.8% male and 51.2% female residents (Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population, about 96.1%, are citizens, and 10.5% of residents were born outside the country (Data USA).