Is Orting Safe, Pros and cons of living in Orting
Is it Safe to Live in Orting?
Orting, Washington, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Orting is notably lower than both the state and national averages, with specific reductions in violent crime incidents. Violent crime rates are significantly lower than state and country benchmarks (according to FBI crime statistics).
Property crime rates also fall below the national average, contributing to the perception of Orting as a secure community. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Orting is approximately 1 in 318, and for property crime, it’s about 1 in 111 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This suggests a lower risk of experiencing criminal activity compared to many other areas.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Orting is described as very competitive, with homes receiving an average of two offers and selling in approximately 51 days (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price of a home in Orting was $549,000 in March 2026, showing a slight increase of 0.7% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
The median property value in Orting was $493,100 in 2024, which is 1.48 times higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Between 2023 and 2024, the median property value saw an increase of 8.9%. The homeownership rate in Orting is 83.5%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Rental Market Insights
Orting’s rental market features a limited number of listings, indicating active demand. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Orting is approximately $1,935 per month (as reported by All Ready Moving). However, other sources indicate a higher average rent of $3,200, which is 60% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow).
For those seeking rentals, the price range for all property types is between $2,550 and $3,325 (as reported by Zillow). A significant portion of renters in Orting, approximately 56%, spend more than half of their income on rent, which is considerably higher than the U.S. average of about 24% (as reported by Washington State Authority).
Cost of Living Factors
Orting’s overall cost of living is approximately 35% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant contributor, being about 69% higher than the national average, while utility prices are 10% lower. Transportation costs in Orting are 28% higher than the national average.
Food prices in Orting are also higher, at 9% above the national average. Healthcare costs are 15% higher than the national average. These combined expenses contribute to Orting being considered one of America’s more expensive cities, with estimated monthly expenses of $2,591 for a single person and $5,667 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com).
Economy and Employment
Job Market and Major Employers
Orting has a workforce of approximately 4,805 residents, with the most common employment sectors being Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). The job market is powered by these sectors, with a significant portion of the working population employed in professional or administrative positions.
Top employers in Orting include the Orting School District, Safeway, and the Washington Soldiers Home (as reported by All Ready Moving). The job market saw growth of 2.56% between 2023 and 2024, with employment increasing from 4,690 to 4,810 employees.
Wages and Income Levels
The average annual household income in Orting was $140,528 in 2024, representing a 5.8% increase from the previous year. The median income stood at $132,877, showing a 9.8% shift over the same period (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes).
The average base salary in Orting is $65,000 per year, with an hourly wage of $24.34 (as reported by All Ready Moving). However, other sources indicate the average annual salary in Orting to be $53,153, with most salaries ranging between $38,104 and $64,121 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment and Workforce Participation
The unemployment rate in Orting is reported to be 2.8%, indicating a relatively stable job market (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure is below the U.S. average of approximately 4% (as reported by Washington State Authority).
Among residents aged 16 and older, 64.5% are in the labor force. Of those in the non-military labor force, 17.8% are employed by local, state, and federal government entities (as reported by Orting Population History). The surrounding Pierce County supports a significant number of jobs, with an average annual pay of $70,395 (as reported by Washington State Authority).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Precipitation
Orting experiences average temperatures with a high of 61°F and a low of 43°F (as reported by Livability.com). The average annual rainfall in Orting is 43 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 4 inches.
While specific monthly temperature and precipitation data are not detailed, the climate is characteristic of the Pacific Northwest, with typically wet winters and drier summers. The region’s proximity to natural features influences its weather patterns.
Natural Setting and Geography
Orting is situated between the Puyallup and Carbon rivers in central Pierce County, approximately 30 miles northwest of Mount Rainier (as reported by Wikipedia). This location places it in a scenic area with access to natural landscapes.
The city is known for its annual Daffodil Festival Parade and its proximity to rivers, lakes, and mountains (as reported by Redfin). Orting is also characterized by its numerous bridges, with four of them being former railroad crossings now converted into trails.
Demographics and Community
Population and Age Distribution
Orting has a population of approximately 8,978 residents, with a slight decrease of -0.39% annually (as reported by Data USA). The population has seen a decrease of -2.34% since the 2020 Census, which recorded 9,052 residents (as reported by Orting Population History).
The median age in Orting is 34.1 years (as reported by Census Reporter). The age distribution shows that 21.8% of residents are under 15, 14.6% are between 15 and 24, 31.4% are between 25 and 44, 21% are between 45 and 64, and 11.2% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Orting is predominantly White, with 77.5% of the population identifying as such (as reported by Census Dots). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute 9.6%, followed by those identifying with two or more races at 7.0% (as reported by Census Dots).
Other racial groups include Asian residents at 3.2%, Black or African American residents at 1.5%, and Native American/Other at 1.2% (as reported by Census Dots). Orting is less racially diverse than Washington state overall (as reported by Census Dots).
Household and Family Structure
Orting has approximately 2,920 households, with an average of 3 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Of these households, 78.7% are families, while 21.3% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives.
In 2020, 45.0% of households in Orting had children under the age of 18 living with them (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income in Orting was $132,877 in 2024 (as reported by Census Reporter).
Education and Schools
School District Performance
The public schools in Orting are rated as above average (as reported by Niche). This indicates a generally positive educational environment for students within the city.
While specific school ratings for individual institutions are not detailed, the overall assessment suggests that Orting provides a solid educational foundation for its younger residents. Further details on school performance can be found through educational review platforms.