Is DuPont Safe, Pros and cons of living in DuPont

DuPont, Washington, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas, making it an appealing choice for many. This Pierce County city provides a unique living experience with its planned community feel and proximity to natural beauty.

The city, named after the DuPont chemical company, has a rich history tied to its industrial past. Today, it presents a modern lifestyle with a focus on community and quality of life, attracting families and professionals alike. Understanding the various facets of living in DuPont is key for anyone considering a move to this Pacific Northwest locale.

Is it Safe to Live in DuPont?

DuPont’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, with violent crimes being particularly infrequent. Residents generally consider the western parts of the city to be the safest, offering peace of mind. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with the south areas presenting a higher risk than the west (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

While DuPont has a lower violent crime rate compared to the national average, property crime rates can be higher than the national average in some analyses. For instance, property crime averages 184.2 per 100k residents, which is 12.6% above the national average according to FBI data. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in DuPont is about 1 in 90 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living in DuPont

The cost of living in DuPont, Washington, is notably higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor. Overall, living costs in DuPont are approximately 48% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Housing expenses in DuPont are about 134% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs are also elevated, being 28% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, utility prices are slightly lower than the national average, by about 10% (as reported by Payscale).

Housing Market and Rental Costs

The median home value in DuPont is around $549,468 (as reported by Livability.com). Rent prices are also substantial, with the average rent for an apartment being approximately $2,014 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This figure is 23% higher than the national average rent price.

To live comfortably in DuPont, considering the average rent, an individual would need to earn about $80,556 per year. This guideline suggests that roughly 30% of your monthly income should be allocated to rent (as reported by Apartments.com). The median listing price for a home in DuPont is around $549K (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

DuPont’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 3,736 residents. The majority of these workers, about 86.9%, are employed in professional or administrative roles, indicating a white-collar economy (as reported by Point2Homes).

Key industries in DuPont include Health Care & Social Assistance, Public Administration, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services. The Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services sector offers the highest average salaries, with an annual income of $188,915 (as reported by Data USA).

Average Salaries and Unemployment

The average salary for jobs in DuPont, Washington, is approximately $75,696 per year, or $36 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $120,781 (as reported by Data USA, Point2Homes, and Livability.com), and an average individual income of $52,151 (as reported by Data Commons).

The unemployment rate in DuPont is approximately 6.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure is higher than the statewide unemployment rate in Washington, which was 4.7% in December 2025 (as reported by the Employment Security Department).

Major Employers

Several companies operate in and around DuPont, contributing to the local job market. Prominent employers include McDonald’s, FedEx, Starbucks, and Amazon.com, as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (as reported by Indeed.com).

Other notable companies that are considered good places to work in the DuPont area include America’s Credit Union and CalPortland (as reported by Zippia). The city itself, as a full-service city, also employs a diverse workforce through its Human Resources department (as reported by the City of DuPont).

Climate and Weather

DuPont experiences a mild climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally short, warm, and dry, while winters are colder, wet, and overcast (as reported by WeatherSpark).

Temperatures in DuPont typically range from 35°F in the winter to 79°F in the summer (as reported by WeatherSpark). The average annual precipitation is around 49 inches, with the wettest month being November and the driest being July (as reported by myPerfectWeather and WeatherSpark).

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

During the summer, the hottest month is August, with average high temperatures around 78°F and lows of 54°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). In winter, the coldest month is December, with average highs of 45°F and lows of 35°F (as reported by Country Studies).

The annual precipitation averages about 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). November typically sees the most rainfall, with around 8.6 inches, while July is the driest month, receiving approximately 0.7 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark).

Education in DuPont

DuPont is served by the Steilacoom Historical School District, which includes Chloe Clark Elementary School and Pioneer Middle School. Both schools are within the city limits and serve a significant number of students from elementary through middle school grades (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Public schools in DuPont are highly rated, with Chloe Clark Elementary School noted for its strong performance in English Language Arts and exceptional math proficiency. Pioneer Middle School also demonstrates strong and stable performance, particularly in English (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com).

School Ratings and Performance

Chloe Clark Elementary School and Pioneer Middle School are the primary public schools serving DuPont. Chloe Clark Elementary has a higher per-student spending and a lower student-teacher ratio compared to Pioneer Middle School (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Both schools consistently perform above Washington state averages in English Language Arts.

Pioneer Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 and students show 41% proficiency in math and 66% in reading (as reported by Niche). Chloe Clark Elementary, serving younger grades, also shows strong academic results, with elementary schools in DuPont having an average math proficiency of 43% (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of DuPont

DuPont is home to a population of approximately 9,931 residents, with a median age of 34.3 years (as reported by Data USA and Data Commons). The city’s population is composed of a majority White demographic, with Asian and multiracial populations also being significant (as reported by Data USA and Data Commons).

The majority of DuPont residents are U.S. citizens, a figure that is higher than the national average. Approximately 13.5% of residents were born outside the country, contributing to a diverse community (as reported by Data USA).

Population and Diversity

The population of DuPont was recorded at 10,151 at the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). As of 2024, the population is around 9,931 people (as reported by Data USA). The city’s demographic makeup includes a significant percentage of White residents, followed by Asian and other racial groups (as reported by Data Commons).

The racial composition of DuPont includes approximately 59.62% White, 14.43% Asian, and 4.54% Black or African American residents (as reported by Data Commons). The proportion of Hispanic residents is around 12.28% (as reported by Data Commons).