Is Federal Way Safe, Pros and cons of living in Federal Way

Federal Way, Washington, nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility. This city is known for its diverse population and its strategic location within the bustling Puget Sound region.

The city’s motto, “It’s all within reach,” hints at its convenient access to natural beauty, major employment centers, and recreational activities. Federal Way serves as a significant hub for commerce and community, aiming to provide a well-rounded living experience for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Federal Way?

Federal Way experiences a crime rate that is notably higher than both the state and national averages. The city’s overall crime rate stands at 4,918 per 100,000 people, which is 132.05% above the national average (according to AreaVibes). This elevated rate is driven by significant increases in both violent and property crimes.

Specifically, Federal Way has a violent crime rate that is 51.9% higher than the national average, with 545 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals. The property crime rate is even more pronounced, exceeding the national average by 148.4%, with 4,372 property crimes per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Federal Way is approximately 1 in 23 (according to AreaVibes).

Motor vehicle theft is a particular concern, with Federal Way experiencing one of the nation’s highest rates. Last year, the city reported 1,144 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people, placing it in the bottom 10% of all cities nationwide for this crime (as reported by AreaVibes). These statistics suggest that residents should exercise a heightened level of vigilance and implement security measures to protect their property.

Demographics and Diversity

Federal Way is a city characterized by its significant ethnic and cultural diversity. As of the 2020 census, the city’s population was 101,030, with a median age of 36.9 years (according to Wikipedia). The racial makeup includes 57.49% White, 9.75% African American, 14.16% Asian, and 2.69% Pacific Islander, with Hispanic or Latino individuals comprising 16.21% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).

More recent data indicates that in 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constituted 34.9% of Federal Way’s population, followed by Hispanic residents at 20% and Black or African American residents at 17.8% (according to Data USA). This diversity is also reflected in the school district, where 111 languages are spoken among students (as reported by the City of Federal Way).

The population is relatively young, with over 50 percent of residents under the age of 34 and nearly 80 percent under 54 years of age (as reported by the City of Federal Way). This demographic trend suggests a dynamic and growing community.

Cost of Living

Federal Way is considered an expensive place to live, with its overall cost of living being higher than both the national and state averages. One report indicates the cost of living in Federal Way is 23% higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Another source states that Federal Way’s cost of living is 16% higher than the U.S. national average and 37% higher than Washington’s state average (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing costs are a significant contributor to the city’s high cost of living. Federal Way housing is reported to be 81% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home value in Federal Way was $601,744 as of March 31, 2026, showing a decrease of 1.8% over the past year (according to Zillow).

While the cost of living is high, Washington State has no state income tax, which can be a financial advantage for residents (as noted by AreaVibes). However, the overall expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, contribute to Federal Way being among the more expensive cities in the United States.

Housing Market: Prices and Rent

The Federal Way housing market is described as very competitive, with a median home sale price of $590,000 as of April 2026 (according to Beyond Real Estate). This price is down 3.2% compared to the same period last year. Homes are selling quickly, with an average of 35 days on the market, and it is currently considered a seller’s market (as reported by Beyond Real Estate).

The median listing price in Federal Way is approximately $600,000 (as reported by realtor.com®). Redfin notes that the median sale price of a home in Federal Way was $615,000 last month, up 8.9% since last year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in this market typically receive about three offers on average (as reported by Redfin).

Regarding rental prices, the average rent for an apartment in Federal Way is around $1,838 as of April 2026 (as reported by Point2Homes). This is a 1.21% decrease compared to the previous year. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,884 per month (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Major Employers

Federal Way’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, retail trade, hospitality, professional services, and construction (as indicated by the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce). The city is part of the larger South King County business footprint, reflecting statewide economic priorities.

Major employers in Federal Way include Weyerhaeuser International, Inc., Federal Way Public Schools, and World Vision U.S. (as identified by Zippia). Other significant companies with a presence in the city include Walmart, Costco Wholesale, Amazon, and FedEx (according to Indeed.com and Lensa).

The average salary in Federal Way is approximately $54,864 annually, which equates to about $26.38 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary widely depending on the occupation and experience level.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Federal Way is reported to be 3% (as indicated by ERI Economic Research Institute). This rate is generally considered to be very low, suggesting a robust job market. For comparison, the unemployment rate in Washington State was 5.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025 (as reported by the AWB Institute), and the national unemployment rate was 4.5% during the same period (as reported by FRED).

This low unemployment rate indicates that a high percentage of the labor force is employed, which is a positive sign for the local economy. The city’s employment rate is estimated at 63.0% (as reported by Wikipedia).

The low unemployment rate suggests that job seekers may find ample opportunities within Federal Way and the surrounding areas. This economic indicator is crucial for individuals considering a move to the city for employment reasons.

Climate

Federal Way experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers and wet winters. The city has warm, dry summers with average daily high temperatures above 72°F from late June to mid-September (as reported by Federal Way Climate). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 77°F and lows of 56°F.

Winters are cool and wet, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F from mid-November to early March. December is generally the coldest month, with average lows of 37°F and highs of 45°F (as reported by Federal Way Climate). The temperature typically ranges from 37°F to 78°F throughout the year and rarely drops below 27°F or exceeds 88°F.

Rainfall is most common in the wetter season, which runs from October to May. November typically sees the most wet days, with an average of 16.8 days experiencing at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season occurs from May to October, with August having the fewest wet days, averaging about 3.4 days (as reported by Federal Way Climate).

School Ratings

Federal Way Public Schools serves a large and diverse student population, with approximately 21,818 students in grades PK-12. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 (as reported by Niche). While the district is recognized for its diversity, ranking second among school districts in Washington for diversity, it faces academic challenges.

State test scores indicate that only 0% of students are proficient in math and 0% in reading, which is significantly below state averages (as reported by Niche). However, some schools within the district stand out. Federal Way Public Academy is noted as the district’s top performer, ranking in the 95th percentile for middle schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Twin Lakes Elementary School is recognized for its strengths in science, and Nautilus K-8 School shows strength across subjects (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Despite overall low test scores, the district’s traditional high schools, such as Decatur High School, maintain graduation rates above the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics and Population Statistics

Federal Way’s population was estimated at 100,252 in 2024, making it the 10th most populous city in Washington State (as reported by Data USA). The city’s population is young, with over 50% of residents under the age of 34 (as reported by the City of Federal Way).

The racial makeup is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group, followed by Hispanic and Black or African American populations (as reported by Data USA). According to the 2020 census, the population included 57.49% White, 9.75% African American, and 14.16% Asian residents (as reported by Wikipedia).

As of 2024, approximately 31.8% of Federal Way residents were born outside the country, totaling around 31,600 individuals (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in 2024 was $86,909, though 9.8% of families live below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA).