Is Fife Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fife
Fife, Washington, a suburb of Tacoma, presents a compelling mix of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Nestled in Pierce County, this city offers a unique blend of residential comfort and a robust commercial landscape, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its strategic location along Interstate 5 provides convenient access to major hubs like Tacoma and Seattle, while also being a gateway to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
The city’s development has been shaped by its history, from agricultural roots to its current status as a thriving hub for warehousing, distribution, and transportation. This evolution has created a dynamic environment where businesses flourish and residents can enjoy a variety of amenities. Fife’s commitment to growth is evident in its ongoing infrastructure development, promising an even more connected and accessible future for its community.
Is it Safe to Live in Fife?
Fife’s crime rates present a complex picture, with some analyses indicating a higher-than-average incidence of crime compared to national and state levels. The city has a crime rate of 66 per one thousand residents, placing it among communities with higher crime rates (NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of property crime is approximately 1 in 18, and the city has a notably high rate of motor vehicle theft (NeighborhoodScout).
While overall crime rates may be a concern, it’s important to note that safety can vary by neighborhood. Some reports suggest that the southwest part of Fife is considered the safest, with a significantly lower chance of crime victimization compared to other areas (NeighborhoodScout, CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, the northwest neighborhoods may experience a higher concentration of incidents (CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing Market
The cost of living in Fife is notably higher than the national average, with an index score of 140, indicating it is 40% more expensive than the typical U.S. city (ERI SalaryExpert, Livability.com). Housing expenses are particularly high, standing at 66% above the national average (Payscale). This is reflected in the median home value, which was approximately $543,100 in 2024 (Data USA), and the median sale price of homes has recently been around $515,000 (Redfin).
Rental prices in Fife are also on the higher side, though they may be slightly lower than the national average for apartments. The average rent for an apartment in Fife is around $1,816 per month, with one-bedroom units averaging $1,576 and two-bedroom units averaging $1,932 (RentCafe). To live comfortably in Fife, a family of four would need a household income of approximately $106,961 or more (Moving to Fife WA Guide).
Housing Market Trends
Fife’s real estate market is characterized by a competitive environment, with homes selling relatively quickly. The median days on market for homes has been around 13 to 17 days (Redfin, Beyond Real Estate). While prices have seen some year-over-year fluctuations, with recent reports indicating a decrease in median home prices, the market generally shows strong activity.
The homeownership rate in Fife is 46.3%, which is lower than the national average (Data USA). This suggests a significant portion of the population opts for renting, contributing to the demand in the rental market. Despite recent price drops, home appreciation rates over the past decade have been strong, ranking in the top 30% nationwide (NeighborhoodScout).
Job Market and Economy
Fife boasts a robust job market, driven by its strategic location and its role as a significant center for warehousing, distribution, and transportation industries. Major employers in the area include prominent companies like Amazon, FedEx, Costco Business Center, and Emerald Queen Casino, among others (Community Profile – Fife, WA). The city’s business-friendly environment and access to transportation networks make it an attractive location for a diverse range of businesses.
The employment rate in Fife is strong, with recent data indicating an employment rate of 96.29% (BestNeighborhood.org). The average salary in Fife, WA, is reported to be around $55,000 annually, or $26.44 per hour (Zippia). However, other sources place the median wage at $42,000 per year (ZipRecruiter). The minimum wage in Fife is $13.69 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage (Zippia).
Major Employers and Industries
The industrial and commercial sectors are dominant in Fife, with a strong presence in transportation and warehousing. Key employers such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS highlight the city’s importance in logistics and distribution networks (Community Profile – Fife, WA). Other significant employers include retail giants like Costco and service-oriented businesses like the Emerald Queen Casino.
Beyond logistics, Fife also has a presence in manufacturing, with companies like Milgard Windows & Doors and Mission Foods operating in the area (Indeed.com). The city’s economic vitality is further supported by its proximity to the Port of Tacoma, facilitating international trade and related employment opportunities.
Climate and Weather
Fife experiences a mild climate, characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. Summers are generally short, warm, and dry, with temperatures often reaching into the mid-70s Fahrenheit in August (Weather Spark). The warmest month of the year is August, with average highs around 78°F and lows of 56°F. Winters are cooler and wet, with overcast skies being common.
The coldest month is December, with average lows around 38°F and highs near 47°F (Weather Spark). Fife receives a significant amount of precipitation annually, with an average of around 40-44 inches of rain (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather). November is typically the wettest month, while July is the driest.
Seasonal Averages
During the summer months, from June to September, Fife enjoys pleasant weather with average high temperatures in the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The warm season typically lasts about 2.7 months (Weather Spark). Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor activities, though rainfall can be more frequent during these transitional periods.
Winter brings cooler temperatures, with average highs in the upper 40s and lows in the upper 30s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is minimal, with an average of about 3-6 inches per year (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather). The city’s climate is generally comfortable, with temperatures rarely dropping below 28°F or exceeding 90°F throughout the year (Weather Spark).
Schools and Education
The majority of Fife is served by the Fife School District, which provides educational services from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (Community Profile – Fife, WA). The district is recognized for its diversity, ranking seventh out of 233 school districts in Washington for diversity (Niche). It also ranks well for student-athletes and as a place to teach.
Fife High School, serving grades 10-12, is considered an above-average public school, with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 (Niche). While state test proficiency scores in math are reported at 0%, reading proficiency is notably higher at 70% (Niche). The Fife School District as a whole receives an overall “B” grade from Niche, indicating a solid educational environment.
District Performance
Fife School District is noted for its commitment to inclusivity, being among the most diverse school districts in Washington (Niche). This diversity is a key aspect of the educational experience offered to students. The district’s performance in preparing students for higher education and athletic pursuits is also highlighted in its rankings.
While math proficiency scores may present a challenge, the district’s overall ranking and emphasis on diversity suggest a well-rounded educational approach. Parents and students can find a supportive community within the Fife School District, focused on providing a comprehensive K-12 education.
Demographics and Diversity
Fife is a diverse city with a population of approximately 10,999 residents as of the 2020 census (Wikipedia). The city’s population has seen some growth since then, with estimates placing it slightly higher in recent years (Data USA, Moving to Fife WA Guide). The median age in Fife is around 31.3 years, indicating a relatively young population demographic (Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of Fife is varied, with significant White, Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino populations (Wikipedia, Data USA). Approximately 22.6% of residents were born outside the country as of 2024, reflecting a diverse cultural landscape (Data USA). This diversity contributes to the unique character and vibrancy of the community.
Age and Household Composition
The age distribution in Fife shows a substantial portion of the population in the 25 to 44 age bracket, making up about 39.2% of residents (Point2Homes). Children under 15 constitute about 23% of the population, while those aged 65 and older represent approximately 7.2% (Point2Homes). This age distribution suggests a community with a mix of young families and working-age adults.
Fife has an average of 2.70 persons per household, with about 66.3% of households being families (Data USA, Point2Homes). The median household income is reported to be around $90,532, with a poverty rate of approximately 11.21% (Point2Homes). These figures provide insight into the economic well-being and household structure of the city’s residents.