Is Sumner Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sumner
Sumner, Washington, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled in Pierce County, this city provides a unique living experience for its residents. It is a place where community values are strong, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest is readily accessible.
The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and is a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle. With its well-established neighborhoods and a growing local economy, Sumner presents an appealing option for those considering a move to the Seattle metropolitan area.
Is it Safe to Live in Sumner?
Sumner’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a rate of 59.10 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). However, this figure is influenced by property crimes, as violent crimes in Sumner are reported to be 31.2% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, with some areas being much safer than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
When considering safety, it’s important to look at specific crime statistics. While the overall crime rate is elevated, violent crime rates are lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime, however, is a larger concern, with a rate of 36.90 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This means that while violent incidents are less common, theft and other property-related offenses are more prevalent than in many other U.S. cities.
Cost of Living in Sumner
Housing Expenses
Housing costs in Sumner are notably higher than the national average. The median home value in Sumner is approximately $590,000, showing a slight year-over-year growth of 0.5% (as reported by Prop:Metrics). This indicates a relatively stable housing market in the short term.
Renting in Sumner also comes with a premium. The average rent for all bedroom counts and property types is around $2,191 per month, which is 9.55% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). For a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay about $1,795 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,995 (as reported by Zumper).
Everyday Expenses
Sumner’s overall cost of living is 31% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This is driven by several key expense categories. For instance, housing expenses are 84% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are 28% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Additionally, grocery prices are 9% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and healthcare expenses are 15% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Sumner’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers. Key companies in the area include Amazon.com Inc., Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., and MetalTech-USA (as reported by Livability.com). Other significant employers are Potelco, which provides electric utility construction services, and Washington Tractor, Inc. (as reported by Zippia).
The city also hosts major distribution centers and corporate offices for companies like REI (as reported by Wikipedia). Dillanos Coffee Roasters is another prominent business based in Sumner (as reported by Wikipedia). These companies contribute significantly to the local employment landscape.
Employment and Wages
The employment rate in Sumner is robust, currently standing at 95.72% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The average annual salary for a job in Sumner, WA, is approximately $55,000, or $26.44 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources indicate a median wage closer to $40,300 annually, with an average salary of $43,242 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The most common job sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Construction, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). Popular job roles are in Sales & Related Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Management Occupations (as reported by Data USA).
Climate in Sumner
Temperature and Seasons
Sumner experiences a climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. August is typically the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 77°F and lows around 54°F. Conversely, December is the coldest month, with average highs of 46°F and lows of 34°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city enjoys about 142 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between mid-May and September. During the summer months, temperatures typically range from 69°F to 77°F, rarely dropping below 60°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). Winter temperatures are more moderate, with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the mid-30s.
Precipitation and Sunshine
Sumner receives an average of 47 inches of precipitation annually, with about 6 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). November is the wettest month, averaging 7 inches of rain. July is the driest month, with minimal rainfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city experiences a distinct dry season from July to August. July is also the sunniest month, with an average of 10.4 hours of sunshine per day (as reported by Weather and Climate). The annual sunshine totals approximately 2075.2 hours (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Schools and Education
School District Performance
Most of Sumner is served by the Sumner School District, with portions also falling under the Dieringer and Puyallup School Districts (as reported by Wikipedia). The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, which serves a large portion of the city, is rated B+ overall by Niche (as reported by Niche). This district is ranked 50th out of 231 school districts in Washington (as reported by Niche).
Within this district, Sumner High School is rated B+ and ranks 122nd out of 438 Washington high schools (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger). State test scores indicate that 43% of students are proficient in math and 81% in reading at Sumner High School (as reported by Niche).
Educational Opportunities
Sumner High School offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students. It is recognized as one of the best high schools for athletes in Washington, ranking 24th out of 411 (as reported by Niche). The district itself is also noted for its teachers, ranking 110th out of 408 for best public high school teachers in Washington (as reported by Niche).
For higher education, Pierce College Puyallup is a key institution serving the region, contributing to educational and professional development (as reported by Livability.com). The presence of these educational institutions supports the community’s commitment to learning and growth.
Demographics of Sumner
Population and Diversity
As of the most recent estimates, Sumner has a population of approximately 10,997 residents (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The city’s population has been growing at a rate of 0.51% annually (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The median age in Sumner is 37.6 years, with males at 35.5 and females at 39.3 (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).
The racial composition of Sumner is predominantly White, making up about 75.54% of the population. Other significant demographic groups include those identifying with other races (7.13%), Native American (4.33%), and individuals of two or more races (11.93%) (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).
Household and Income Statistics
The median household income in Sumner is approximately $98,191 (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The poverty rate in the city is around 4.9% (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The average household size is 2.40 people (as reported by Wikipedia).
Regarding homeownership, approximately 54% of housing units are owner-occupied (as reported by AreaVibes). The median value of owner-occupied housing is $519,900 (as reported by AreaVibes), with a median gross rent of $1,974 per month (as reported by AreaVibes).