Is Edmonds Safe, Pros and cons of living in Edmonds

Edmonds, Washington, offers a picturesque setting along the Puget Sound, blending suburban tranquility with accessible urban amenities. This coastal city is known for its vibrant arts scene, charming downtown, and stunning natural beauty, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life. However, potential residents often wonder about the practicalities of living in Edmonds, from safety and cost to the local job market and educational opportunities.

Understanding these key factors is crucial for anyone considering a move to Edmonds. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, drawing on current data to help you make an informed decision about whether Edmonds is the right fit for your lifestyle and needs. We will delve into the city’s safety statistics, economic landscape, housing market, climate, and educational institutions.

Is it Safe to Live in Edmonds?

Edmonds presents a mixed picture regarding crime rates. While the city’s violent crime rate is significantly below the national average, standing at 30.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 71.2% lower than the national average, property crime rates are higher than the national average (according to FBI crime data). Property crime averages 228.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 39.6% above the national average. Over a recent five-year period, Edmonds recorded 1,442 violent crimes and 5,467 property crimes (according to FBI crime data).

Despite these statistics, local sentiment suggests a sense of safety for many residents. A survey indicated that 65% of Edmonds residents feel safe walking at night, although 35% expressed concerns about crime levels (as reported by AreaVibes). The zip code 98026, which includes parts of Edmonds, is considered very safe with an overall crime index of 59, significantly below the national average of 100 (according to DoorProfit). However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly within different neighborhoods of the city.

The Economic Landscape of Edmonds

Job Market and Major Employers

Edmonds’s job market is primarily driven by the services sector, which accounts for approximately 70% of the city’s employment. Key industries include health care and professional services, with retail, education, and construction also contributing significantly (as reported by Wikipedia). Major employers in Edmonds include the Edmonds School District, Swedish Medical Center, and large retail establishments (as reported by Wikipedia and Economic Alliance Snohomish County). Other significant employers include Rick Steves’ Europe and WinCo (as reported by Economic Alliance Snohomish County).

The unemployment rate in Edmonds was 5.10% as of early 2026, which is higher than the long-term average and has seen an increase from the previous month and year (as reported by YCharts). For reference, Washington state’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.8% in September 2024 (as reported by the Employment Security Department).

Cost of Living and Salaries

Edmonds is considered an expensive city, with its overall cost of living ranking among the most expensive globally and within the United States (as reported by LivingCost.org). The cost of living in Edmonds is 43% higher than the U.S. national average and 255% higher than Washington’s state average, with housing, transportation, and food prices being primary drivers (as reported by Salary.com). The median household income in Edmonds was approximately $122,449 in 2024 (as reported by Census Reporter and CUBIT).

The average annual salary in Edmonds is around $58,228 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This median income is sufficient to cover living expenses for about 2.1 months (as reported by LivingCost.org). A good salary in Edmonds is generally considered to be above $58,000, with some analyses suggesting a figure closer to $107,380 based on housing costs and income ratios (as reported by Zippia).

Housing in Edmonds

Home Prices

The housing market in Edmonds is characterized by high prices, with median home values significantly exceeding the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Edmonds was $1.1 million, marking a 27.6% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median home value in Edmonds is approximately $942,131, showing a slight decrease of 1.4% over the past year (as of March 31, 2026, according to Zillow). Across different neighborhoods, median home prices can vary, with areas like Downtown Edmonds showing a median sale price of $685,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin), while the 98020 zip code median price reached $1.2 million in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

Edmonds homes are considerably more expensive than the U.S. median of $393,134 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). Comparing within Washington, Edmonds home prices are also higher than the state’s average of $577,850 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The housing market is described as competitive, with homes often receiving multiple offers and selling quickly, typically within 10 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market

The rental market in Edmonds also reflects the city’s overall high cost of living. The average rent for an apartment in Edmonds is approximately $2,139 per month, which is 6.95% higher than the national average (as of April 30, 2026, according to Zillow). Another report indicates the average rent is $1,728 per month as of May 2026, which is 5% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Rental prices have seen a slight increase, with a 0.05% rise over the past year, moving from $1,927 to $1,928 (as reported by RentCafe).

Rents vary by apartment size, with studio apartments averaging around $1,595 per month, one-bedroom apartments at $1,725, and two-bedroom apartments at $2,200 (as of April 30, 2026, according to Zillow). A significant portion of rentals, about 57%, fall within the $1,501-$2,000 monthly range (as reported by RentCafe). While 70% of households in Edmonds are owner-occupied, 30% are renter-occupied (as reported by RentCafe).

Climate and Environment

Edmonds experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically short, warm, dry, and partly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures rising above 71°F from June to September. August is the hottest month, with average highs around 76°F and lows of 58°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Winters are generally very cold, wet, and mostly cloudy. The cool season runs from November to February, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 38°F and highs of 46°F (as reported by Time and Date). The city receives an average annual rainfall of 36 inches, with minimal snowfall averaging around 3 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Over the course of the year, temperatures typically range from 38°F to 78°F, rarely falling below 29°F or exceeding 87°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Education in Edmonds

School Ratings

Edmonds Public Schools serves the city, and its schools generally receive above-average ratings. Edmonds Woodway High School, for example, is a highly rated public school with a student-teacher ratio of 24 to 1. State test scores indicate that 47% of its students are proficient in math and 74% in reading (as reported by Niche). Edmonds Elementary School also holds a B+ rating, with 59% of students proficient in math and 70% in reading (as reported by Niche).

The Edmonds School District as a whole receives a B rating (as reported by Niche). While many residents have positive experiences with the district’s teachers and overall environment, some concerns have been raised regarding funding for specific programs and administrative decisions (as reported by Niche). The district is committed to providing a supportive and safe educational journey for its students, despite facing budget considerations (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Lifestyle

Population and Diversity

Edmonds is home to approximately 42,735 residents as of the latest U.S. Census data, making it a moderately sized city within Washington State (as reported by CUBIT and Wikipedia). The population has seen steady growth, with an expected increase to around 43,018 by 2026 (as reported by CUBIT). The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 72.5% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 10% and those identifying as Two or More Races at 7.3% (as reported by CUBIT and Census Dots).

The median age in Edmonds is around 46.9 years, indicating a population that is older than the national average (as reported by CUBIT). This is consistent with the city’s appeal to both young professionals and retirees. A significant portion of residents, about 13.7%, were born outside the country, contributing to the city’s diverse cultural landscape (as reported by Data USA).

Lifestyle and Community

Edmonds offers an urban-suburban mix feel, with many residents owning their homes (70% owner-occupied) (as reported by RentCafe). The city is known for its abundance of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, contributing to a lively yet relaxed atmosphere (as reported by Niche). Edmonds is also recognized as a regional hub for the arts, featuring museums, specialized facilities, and annual festivals, and it was designated as Washington’s first creative district by ArtsWA (as reported by Wikipedia).

Residents tend to be liberal, and the city is considered one of the best places to live in Washington, ranking highly for suburbs for young professionals and overall livability (as reported by Niche). The community is engaged, with various organizations and events fostering a strong sense of local identity and connection among its inhabitants.

Pros and Cons of Living in Edmonds

Pros

Edmonds boasts a beautiful natural setting with coastal views and ample green spaces, offering a high quality of life. The city’s vibrant arts and culture scene provides numerous entertainment and enrichment opportunities. Its strong sense of community, coupled with above-average public schools, makes it an appealing place for families and individuals alike. The job market, while competitive, is supported by stable major employers in healthcare and education.

Cons

The most significant drawback of living in Edmonds is its high cost of living, particularly the expensive housing market, which is considerably above the national and state averages. While violent crime rates are low, property crime is higher than the national average, which is a concern for some residents. The unemployment rate, though not exceptionally high, has seen an upward trend, and salaries may not always keep pace with the high cost of living.