Is Ellensburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ellensburg

Ellensburg, Washington, is a city nestled east of the Cascade Mountains, offering a blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty. It serves as the county seat of Kittitas County and is home to Central Washington University, contributing to a dynamic local atmosphere. The city is situated in the Kittitas Valley, a region known for its agricultural output, particularly timothy hay.

This area provides a unique lifestyle, balancing the tranquility of a rural setting with the amenities and opportunities found in a growing community. Ellensburg’s location along major interstates also facilitates travel to other parts of Washington State.

Is it Safe to Live in Ellensburg?

Ellensburg presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The city’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average across all communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, Ellensburg has a crime rate that is higher than 80% of Washington’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When comparing Ellensburg to communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is notably higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). For instance, property crime averages 179.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 9.8% above the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). However, the average violent crime rate is 81.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 23.1% below the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Ellensburg is described as competitive. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Ellensburg was $436,000, showing a slight increase of 0.6% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $276, an increase of 3.4% over the past year (as reported by Redfin).

Homes in Ellensburg tend to sell relatively quickly. On average, homes sell after 20 days on the market, a significant decrease from the 136 days reported last year (as reported by Redfin). In March 2026, 19 homes were sold, an increase from 11 homes sold in March of the prior year (as reported by Redfin).

For those looking to rent, the average rent for an apartment in Ellensburg, WA, is approximately $1,102 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,102 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,283 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Houses for rent are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,225 (as reported by Zumper).

Cost of Living

Ellensburg’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. The overall cost of living index in Ellensburg is 116, meaning it is 16% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This index is calculated by considering various expenses, including food, transportation, healthcare, rent, utilities, and miscellaneous costs.

Compared to the rest of Washington State, Ellensburg is more affordable. The cost of living in Ellensburg is 3% lower than the average city in Washington (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs are also considered relatively affordable within the United States context, though they are 26.3% higher than the average city (as reported by AreaVibes).

For those considering a move, the median household income in Ellensburg was $51,220 (as reported by Livability.com). This median income is lower than the national average, which can impact affordability perceptions despite some cost advantages over the state average.

Job Market and Employment

The job market in Ellensburg is influenced by its status as a university town and a regional hub. The unemployment rate in the Ellensburg, WA Micro Area was 5.1% in 2023 (as reported by CensusDepth). This indicates a relatively stable employment landscape, with over 92.65% of the labor force aged 16 and older employed within the city (as reported by Open Data).

Major employers in Ellensburg contribute significantly to the local economy. Central Washington University is a primary employer, along with Kittitas Valley Healthcare and Anderson Hay & Grain (as reported by Zippia). Other key employers include the Ellensburg School District and Kittitas County itself (as reported by Zippia, University Park & Place).

The average salary in Ellensburg varies depending on the source and job type. ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $49,951 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). ERI SalaryExpert provides a higher average salary of $68,618 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). These figures suggest a range of earning potentials within the city.

Climate and Weather

Ellensburg experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm, dry, and generally clear, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 78°F from mid-June to mid-September (as reported by AccuWeather). The hottest month is typically July, with average high temperatures around 87°F and lows of 58°F (as reported by AccuWeather).

Winters in Ellensburg are cold, with short, freezing, and snowy periods. The cold season lasts from late November to mid-February, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F (as reported by AccuWeather). December is usually the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 24°F and highs of 36°F (as reported by AccuWeather).

The city receives an average annual rainfall of 9 inches and about 15 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com). Due to its location east of the Cascade Range, Ellensburg is situated in a rain shadow, which contributes to its drier climate compared to western Washington.

Education and Schools

Ellensburg is served by the Ellensburg School District, which has received an overall rating of B- (as reported by Niche). The district comprises multiple schools, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Ellensburg High School, part of the district, holds a rating of 3.71 out of 5 based on over 200 reviews (as reported by Niche). While academics are generally considered good, some reviews mention past issues regarding discrimination and a need for more accessible counselors (as reported by Niche).

Central Washington University is a significant educational institution in Ellensburg, attracting students from across the state and beyond. The university offers a wide range of programs and contributes to the city’s vibrant, youthful energy.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Ellensburg had a population of 18,666 residents, with an estimated population of 20,996 in 2024 (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s population is predominantly White, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents making up a significant majority (as reported by Census Reporter, Data USA). Hispanic residents constitute another notable demographic group.

The median age in Ellensburg is around 27.3 years (as reported by Wikipedia), indicating a younger population, partly due to the presence of Central Washington University. Approximately 16.8% of residents are under 18, and 13.4% are 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia).

Regarding household composition, about two-thirds of the population lives in urban areas (as reported by Wikipedia). The homeownership rate in Ellensburg was 61.5% as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA).