Is Everett Safe, Pros and cons of living in Everett
Everett, Washington, nestled on the shores of Puget Sound, offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. This vibrant city, located north of Seattle, is a hub for industry, culture, and outdoor recreation. As you consider a move to Everett, understanding its various facets, from safety and cost of living to its job market and community life, is essential.
This guide delves into the key aspects of life in Everett, providing insights into its crime rates, economic landscape, climate, educational opportunities, and the diverse population that calls it home. Whether you’re drawn by career prospects, the allure of the Pacific Northwest, or a desire for a close-knit community, Everett presents a compelling case for a new chapter.
Is it Safe to Live in Everett?
Everett’s overall crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some categories being lower than the national average and others significantly higher. Violent crime in Everett averages 89.6 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 15.6% below the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). However, property crime is considerably higher, with an average of 378.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 131.2% (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
Motor vehicle theft is a notable concern, with Everett experiencing one of the highest rates in the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the city is actively working on public safety initiatives, including community policing and programs addressing homelessness and addiction, residents should be aware of these crime statistics. The city has seen a decrease in violent crimes per 100,000 residents by approximately 31% from 2017 to 2021, bringing it below the United States violent crime rate (as reported by the City of Everett’s government website).
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Everett is notably higher than the national average, influenced significantly by housing expenses. Overall, Everett’s cost of living is approximately 18% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin). Housing costs in Everett are about 34% higher than the national average, with the median home price being $560,000 as of last month (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices also reflect this trend, with the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Everett being $1,750 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This is 10% lower than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment in Everett costs about $1,495 on average, while a two-bedroom apartment is $1,799 (as reported by Zumper). Utilities are slightly lower than the national average, but transportation costs are higher.
Home Prices and Rental Market
The Everett housing market is described as very competitive, with homes receiving an average of three offers and selling in about 19 days (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $359, a slight decrease from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). In March 2026, the median listing price for a home in Everett was $605,000, with median days on the market increasing by 19.23% year-over-year, indicating a slower pace for buyers (as reported by the Everett, WA Housing Market & Rental trends report).
The rental market shows a median rental price of $1.9K per month, indicating steady demand (as reported by the Everett, WA Housing Market & Rental trends report). Rental prices have seen a slight decrease of 1.28% year-over-year (as reported by the Everett, WA Housing Market & Rental trends report). Neighborhoods like Delta and Westmont offer more affordable rental options, with average rents around $1,593 and $1,633 per month, respectively (as reported by RentCafe).
Understanding the Expenses
Beyond housing, other expenses contribute to the overall cost of living in Everett. Utility prices are approximately 8% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, transportation expenses, including bus fares and gas prices, are about 17% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Groceries in Everett are also pricier, with costs around 9% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). For a single adult with no dependents, a pre-tax salary of around $90,000 is recommended to live comfortably in Everett (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Everett’s economy is robust, driven by major industries and a skilled workforce. The city’s labor force of over 80,000 is primarily employed in technology, aerospace, and service-based industries (as reported by the Association of Washington Cities). The Boeing Company is a significant presence, with its massive manufacturing complex drawing numerous aerospace and technology companies to the region.
Other key employers include Naval Station Everett, Providence Regional Medical Center, and Snohomish County Government, contributing to a diverse employment landscape. The Port of Everett also plays a crucial role, being a major center for construction and manufacturing cargoes, as well as transshipping aircraft assemblies for Boeing (as reported by Economic Alliance Snohomish County).
Major Employers and Industries
The aerospace sector is a cornerstone of Everett’s economy, with The Boeing Company being a primary employer (as reported by Economic Alliance Snohomish County). This industry’s presence has fostered growth in related technology and manufacturing sectors. Healthcare is another significant employer, with Providence Regional Medical Center and The Everett Clinic being major providers (as reported by Economic Alliance Snohomish County).
Government entities, including Naval Station Everett and Snohomish County Government, also provide substantial employment opportunities (as reported by Economic Alliance Snohomish County). The city is actively working to attract and retain businesses, focusing on innovation and economic development.
Wages and Unemployment
The average annual salary for employees in Everett is approximately $84,711, equating to an hourly wage of about $41 (as reported by Salary.com). However, other sources indicate a wider range, with an average annual salary in Everett around $63,776, or approximately $30.66 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Everett was $83,512 in 2024 (as reported by Everett Demographics).
The unemployment rate in Everett was at 6.30% as of April 2026, which is higher than the previous month and year but lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts). For the broader Seattle-Bellevue-Everett metropolitan area, the unemployment rate was 5.70% in March 2026 (as reported by YCharts).
Climate and Environment
Everett experiences a temperate climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically short, warm, and partly cloudy, while winters are cold, wet, and mostly cloudy (as reported by Time and Date). The temperature generally ranges from 36°F to 77°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 26°F or exceeding 87°F.
August is the hottest month, with average highs around 76°F and lows of 55°F. December is the coldest, with average lows of 37°F and highs of 46°F. Everett receives a significant amount of rainfall, particularly during the wetter months, with November and December being the cloudiest months of the year (as reported by Time and Date).
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
The warm season in Everett spans from late June to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 71°F (as reported by Time and Date). The cool season lasts from mid-November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F (as reported by Time and Date). The average annual precipitation is around 40-50 inches, with most of it falling between October and March.
The city experiences considerable cloud cover for a large part of the year, with the clearest period occurring from mid-June to early October. August is the clearest month, with skies being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 68% of the time (as reported by Time and Date).
Education and Schools
Everett offers a range of educational opportunities through its public school district and higher education institutions. The Everett School District serves a large student population and is rated as very good overall, with a focus on a strong educational system and safe school environments (as reported by Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
Within the district, several elementary schools receive high ratings, including Tambark Creek Elementary School (rated A) and Silver Firs Elementary School (rated A) (as reported by Niche). High schools like Everett High School have mixed reviews but are generally considered above average (as reported by Niche).
School District Performance
The Everett School District is ranked among the top school districts in Washington, noted for its diversity and as a good place to teach (as reported by Niche). While state test scores indicate that 31% of students are proficient in math and 65% in reading at Everett High School, the district as a whole strives for academic success (as reported by Niche).
Niche provides an overall grade of B+ for the Everett School District, reflecting a balance of academic performance, diversity, and student life. The district offers a variety of programs and extracurricular activities designed to enhance student learning and development.
Higher Education and Learning
Everett is also home to higher education institutions, including Everett Community College, which awarded 1,701 degrees in 2023 (as reported by Data USA). Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett also serves students, awarding 858 degrees in the same year (as reported by Data USA). These institutions provide pathways for further education and skill development for residents.
The presence of these educational centers contributes to a knowledgeable workforce and enriches the community’s intellectual and cultural fabric. They offer opportunities for lifelong learning and professional advancement.
Demographics and Community
Everett is a diverse city with a population of approximately 111,845 residents, making it the seventh most populous city in Washington (as reported by Everett Demographics). The city’s population has seen a slight increase since the 2020 Census. Everett’s demographic makeup is varied, with White residents forming the largest group at 56.9%.
Other significant ethnic groups include Hispanic (18.1%), Asian (10.0%), and Multiracial (7.1%) residents (as reported by Everett Demographics). The city has become more racially diverse in recent years, with a lower percentage of White residents compared to the state overall.
Population and Diversity
The racial and ethnic diversity of Everett is a defining characteristic of its community. The Hispanic population has grown, and its share of Everett’s population is slightly higher than the state average (as reported by Everett Demographics). This diversity contributes to a rich cultural tapestry within the city.
Citizenship in Everett stands at 88.1%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). A notable portion of residents, 21.4%, were born outside the country, adding to the city’s international flavor (as reported by Data USA).
Community Life and Culture
Everett offers a variety of recreational and cultural activities. Its location on Port Gardner Bay provides access to waterfront activities, and the city boasts over 1,600 acres of parks and trails. The community is known for its blend of a strong work ethic and active lifestyle, with a rising creative class of innovators and entrepreneurs.
The city celebrates its culture through various events, including free summer concerts along the waterfront, a thriving arts community, and numerous entertainment options. Everett also provides a more affordable housing market compared to nearby Seattle, making it an attractive option for families and individuals.