Is Prosser Safe, Pros and cons of living in Prosser
Is it Safe to Live in Prosser?
Prosser, Washington, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that require attention. The city experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average across all communities, though not among the highest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, violent crime in Prosser occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar population sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Prosser is approximately 1 in 55 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident in Prosser is estimated at $551 annually, which is higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest, crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Prosser, Washington, indicates a strong seller’s market. As of April 2026, the median home price in Prosser was $580,000, showing no year-over-year change (as reported by Beyond Real Estate). Homes are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 80 days on the market, and a sale-to-list price ratio of 96.7% suggests buyers are negotiating close to the asking price (as reported by Beyond Real Estate).
Rental prices in Prosser are notably more affordable compared to national averages. As of May 2026, the average rent in Prosser is $949 per month, which is 42% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability makes renting in Prosser an attractive option for many, with various floor plans available at different price points.
Median Home Price
The median home value in Prosser is $314,000 (as reported by Niche). This figure is slightly lower than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). Between 2023 and 2024, the median property value saw an increase of 16.6% (as reported by Data USA).
The homeownership rate in Prosser is 54.4%, which is below the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a significant portion of the population rents their homes.
Average Rent
As of May 2026, the average rent in Prosser, WA, is $949 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This is substantially lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $949, while a two-bedroom unit is around $1,035 (as reported by Apartments.com).
For those seeking larger accommodations, a three-bedroom rental could cost $2,495 or more per month (as reported by Apartments.com). These rental prices indicate that Prosser offers a more affordable renting experience compared to many other cities across the United States.
Cost of Living
Prosser, Washington, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living in Prosser is 4% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are particularly favorable, being 16% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
However, transportation expenses in Prosser are higher than the national average, being 20% more expensive for items like bus fares and gas prices (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly above the national average, by about 7% (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
Housing expenses in Prosser are notably lower than the national average, by approximately 16% (as reported by Payscale). This contributes significantly to the overall affordability of living in the city. The median home value stands at $314,000 (as reported by Data USA), which is below the national average.
When considering renting, the average rent for an apartment is $949 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes Prosser a more budget-friendly option for renters compared to many other areas.
Utilities and Transportation
Utility prices in Prosser are 18% lower than the national average, contributing to lower monthly expenses for residents (as reported by Payscale). Conversely, transportation costs, including gas prices and public transit fares, are 20% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
The average commute time for residents is 20.6 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA). Car ownership is common, with an average of two cars per household (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
Prosser’s economy is characterized by a growing employment sector and key industries that drive its economic activity. As of the most recent data, employment in Prosser grew by 5.89% between 2023 and 2024, with the number of employees increasing from 2,660 to 2,821 (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Prosser stands at 8% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major employers in Prosser are concentrated in sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. Prosser Memorial Hospital is a significant employer with 825 staff members, and the Prosser School District employs 340 individuals (as reported by Prosser Economic Development Association). Other key employers include WSU/IAREC (207 full-time, 150 part-time), Benton Co. Government (144), and City of Prosser (50) (as reported by Prosser Economic Development Association).
Major Employers
Prosser boasts several major employers across different sectors, contributing to its diverse job market. Prosser Memorial Hospital is a substantial employer, with 825 staff members (as reported by Prosser Economic Development Association). The Prosser School District also provides significant employment opportunities, with 340 individuals on its payroll (as reported by Prosser Economic Development Association).
Other notable employers include WSU/IAREC, which employs 207 full-time and 150 part-time staff, and Benton County Government, with 144 employees (as reported by Prosser Economic Development Association). The City of Prosser also contributes to the local employment landscape with 50 employees (as reported by Prosser Economic Development Association).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Prosser is reported at 8% (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure represents the portion of the workforce that is currently without a job but actively seeking employment. For context, the Washington state unemployment rate increased to 5.0% in January 2026 (as reported by Employment Security Department).
While the Prosser unemployment rate is higher than the state average, the city’s economy has seen employment growth in recent years. This suggests a dynamic job market where opportunities may be available for those seeking work.
Climate and Weather
Prosser, Washington, experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns, ranging from hot summers to cold, snowy winters. The annual temperature range in Prosser is from 26°F in December to 92°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average of 8 inches of precipitation annually, with about 14 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The humidity levels remain comfortable during the summer months, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities. Prosser enjoys approximately 124 days per year with comfortable weather, typically between May and June, and September and October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Average Temperatures
During the summer, Prosser experiences hot temperatures, with July being the hottest month. The average high temperature in July is 90°F, with an average low of 59°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). In contrast, winter months bring colder temperatures, with December seeing the lowest temperatures, averaging a high of 39°F and a low of 26°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The overall annual temperature range is from 26°F to 92°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This wide range indicates significant temperature variations throughout the year, requiring residents to prepare for both warm summers and cold winters.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Prosser receives an average of 8 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This figure includes both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow, hail, and freezing rain. The month with the most precipitation is typically December, with an average of 1 inch (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Conversely, August experiences the least amount of rain, with an average of only 0.2 inches (as reported by Prosser Climate Summary). The city also has a drier period lasting approximately 4.1 months, from June to October, during which rainfall is minimal (as reported by Prosser Climate Summary).
Education and Schools
Prosser, Washington, is served by the Prosser School District, which includes public schools for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Prosser High School, a public institution for grades 9-12, is rated C+ by Niche and has a 5/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Prosser High School is 20:1 (as reported by Niche).
While Prosser High School has a graduation rate of 92% (as reported by Niche), proficiency in math and reading could be areas for improvement. Math proficiency is at 17%, and reading proficiency is at 47% (as reported by Niche). The Prosser School District as a whole receives a C+ rating from Niche (as reported by Niche).
School Ratings
Prosser High School holds a C+ rating on Niche and a 5/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Niche). The school serves students in grades 9-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 (as reported by Niche). Academically, the average GPA is 3.23, with 47% of students proficient in reading and 17% proficient in math (as reported by Niche).
Other schools in the Prosser School District include Whitstran Elementary School and Prosser Heights Elementary School, which are recognized among the top public schools in the area (as reported by Niche). The district overall is rated C+ by Niche (as reported by Niche).
Demographics
Prosser, Washington, is a city with a population of approximately 6,305 residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Prosser is 33.1 years, with slightly more females than males (as reported by Data USA). The population is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino presence.
In terms of citizenship, 92.8% of Prosser residents are U.S. citizens, which is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). A notable portion of the population, 16.8%, lives below the poverty line, a figure that is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Population and Diversity
Prosser is home to a population of about 6,305 people (as reported by Data USA). The city’s demographic makeup includes a significant Hispanic population, representing 53.1% of residents (as reported by Prosser Demographics). White residents constitute about 45% of the population, with smaller percentages identifying with other races or two or more races (as reported by Prosser Demographics).
The foreign-born population in Prosser is around 11.5% (as reported by Data USA). As of 2024, the median household income in Prosser was $76,985, an increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA).
Income and Poverty
The median household income in Prosser was $76,985 in 2024, showing a 15.9% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). Despite this income growth, 16.8% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).
The primary demographic living in poverty consists of females aged 25-34, followed by females aged 45-54 (as reported by Data USA). The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line is White, followed by Hispanic and those of two or more races (as reported by Data USA).