Is Bremerton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bremerton

Bremerton, Washington, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and urban accessibility, nestled on the Kitsap Peninsula across Puget Sound from Seattle. This city, known for its deep-water port and significant naval presence, provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents. Bremerton is a place where maritime history meets modern development, creating a dynamic environment for those seeking a balance between natural beauty and community amenities.

The city’s strategic location provides convenient access to the greater Seattle metropolitan area via a scenic ferry ride, making it an attractive option for commuters and those desiring a slightly more tranquil home base. Bremerton’s identity is closely tied to its maritime heritage, with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard serving as a cornerstone of its economy and history. This connection to the sea shapes much of the city’s character, from its waterfront activities to its overall atmosphere.

Is it Safe to Live in Bremerton?

Bremerton’s crime statistics present a mixed picture, with some data indicating rates below the national average and other reports suggesting higher-than-average crime. Violent crime rates in Bremerton are reported to be 51.2% below the national average, with property crime rates also below the national average by 55.2% (as reported by FBI crime data). However, other analyses indicate that Bremerton’s overall crime rate is 53% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 21% higher and property crimes 60% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Bremerton is approximately 1 in 31 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 226, and property crime is 1 in 35 (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Neighborhood safety can vary significantly within Bremerton. While the northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, with residents having a 1 in 35 chance of being a victim of crime, the southeast neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 10 (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident in Bremerton is estimated at $684 per year, which is higher than both the national and state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Bremerton

Housing Expenses

The cost of living in Bremerton is generally higher than the national average. Housing costs in Bremerton are approximately 4.7% higher than the national average, with an average monthly rent of $1,760 (as reported by Salary.com and RentCafe). The median home value in Bremerton is around $457,199 (as reported by Livability.com), with median listing prices in some areas, like ZIP code 98312, reaching $529.9K (as reported by realtor.com®). The median rent for a house in Bremerton is $2,500, with prices ranging from $750 to $15,816 (as reported by Trulia).

For those considering renting, the average monthly rent for an apartment is $1,760, with studios averaging $1,266, one-bedroom apartments at $1,657, and two-bedroom units at $1,864 (as reported by RentCafe). In ZIP code 98312, the median rent stands at $1.6K per month, though year-over-year rent prices have seen a decrease of 14.23% (as reported by realtor.com®).

Everyday Expenses

Bremerton’s cost of living is 19% higher than the U.S. national average and 58% higher than Washington’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This includes elevated transportation expenses and rising food prices, although food expenses are reported to be 12.9% below the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are about 4.6% lower than the national average, with monthly expenses for a single person estimated at $2,440 and for a family of four at $5,239 (as reported by Salary.com).

Goods and services also contribute to the cost of living. A men’s shirt costs around $51.67, and women’s slacks are about $51.04. Entertainment, such as a movie ticket, is approximately $14.00 per month, and personal services like a haircut average $27.67 (as reported by RentCafe). Healthcare services are notably more expensive, costing 23% more than the U.S. average, while entertainment and grooming services are about 20% pricier (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Bremerton’s economy is significantly influenced by its large naval base and shipyard. Naval Base Kitsap is the region’s largest employer, accounting for a substantial number of military and civilian personnel (as reported by Bremerton, WA – Official Website). Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is also a principal economic driver for the city (as reported by Bremerton, WA – Official Website). Other significant employers include Olympic College and Harrison Hospital, although Harrison Hospital has recently decided to relocate (as reported by Bremerton, WA – Official Website).

The public sector plays a crucial role in Bremerton’s employment landscape, making up a significant portion of jobs in the city (as reported by Bremerton, WA – Official Website). Major companies in Bremerton also include healthcare systems like MultiCare Health System and CommonSpirit Health, as well as Kitsap Credit Union and Kitsap Transit (as reported by ReadySetHire). Manufacturing companies such as Ecolab, Swire Coca-Cola, and General Dynamics NASSCO also contribute to the local job market (as reported by Indeed.com).

Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Bremerton is approximately $53,635, which equates to about $25.79 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate the average yearly salary in the area to be $64,612 (as reported by ReadySetHire). Salaries can vary significantly by occupation and experience, with top-paying jobs including those in technology, healthcare, and skilled trades (as reported by ReadySetHire). The median household income in Bremerton is $74,940 (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Bremerton-Silverdale, WA, was 4.80% as of a recent report, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by FRED). Another source indicates an unemployment rate of 5% in 2026 (as reported by Data USA). This rate is lower than the rates seen in previous months and years (as reported by FRED).

Climate in Bremerton

Temperatures and Precipitation

Bremerton experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The average temperature ranges from a low of 35°F in December to a high of 78°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 56.93 inches, with December being the wettest month, averaging about 9 inches of rain (as reported by Wikipedia and myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall is minimal, averaging around 3 inches (as reported by Wikipedia and myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Bremerton are pleasantly warm and mostly clear, with low humidity, while winters are characterized by frequent cloud cover and rain, particularly in December and January (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Spring and fall bring moderate rainfall and comfortable temperatures. The period from May through September is generally considered the best time to visit, offering the most comfortable weather with average daily high temperatures between 65ºF and 86ºF and low humidity (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Bremerton

School Ratings and Performance

Public schools in Bremerton, WA, have an average math proficiency score of 27% and a reading proficiency score of 39%, which are below the Washington state averages (as reported by Niche). The public schools in the 98310 ZIP code have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Washington public schools (as reported by Niche). Among the top-ranked public schools are Catalyst Public Schools, Fairview Middle School, and View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy (as reported by Niche).

The Bremerton School District operates 13 schools, serving grades PK-12. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, which is lower than the state average (as reported by Niche). However, proficiency rates in math and reading for the district are significantly lower than state averages, with 0% of students proficient in math and 0% in reading according to one report (as reported by Niche). The Bremerton Homelink Program stands out as a higher-performing option within the district (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics of Bremerton

Population and Diversity

Bremerton has an estimated population of 46,123 in 2026, with a current growth rate of 0.91% annually (as reported by Data USA and Wikipedia). The city is home to approximately 44,830 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). Bremerton is the largest city on the Kitsap Peninsula (as reported by Wikipedia). The population is composed of various racial and ethnic groups, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents being the most common, followed by those identifying with two or more races and Asian residents (as reported by Data USA).

In terms of citizenship, 96.2% of Bremerton residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 7.96% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Bremerton is 33.2 years, with males having a slightly younger median age than females (as reported by Data USA).

Income and Poverty

The median household income in Bremerton is approximately $74,940 (as reported by Data USA), with individual salaries averaging around $53,635 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other figures place the median household income at $72,831 (as reported by Livability.com) and the median individual income at $41,513 (as reported by Data USA). Bremerton’s median household income is higher than the U.S. median income, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Despite the median household income, 13.8% of the population in Bremerton lives below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA). The most common demographic living in poverty includes females between 25-34 and 35-44 years old, as well as males aged 25-34. White individuals represent the largest racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA).