Is Fircrest Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fircrest

Fircrest, Washington, nestled in Pierce County, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessible urban amenities. This charming city, with a population of just over 7,000 residents, provides a welcoming atmosphere for those seeking a quieter pace of life while remaining within reach of the larger metropolitan areas of Tacoma and Seattle. Its strategic location, combined with a strong sense of community, makes Fircrest an appealing option for a diverse range of individuals and families.

The city’s history is rooted in its development as a residential area, with a name that evokes a sense of prestige and academic connection, reflected in its street names. Fircrest has evolved into a well-established community known for its peaceful neighborhoods, well-maintained parks, and a commitment to providing a high quality of life for its residents. This dedication is evident in the city’s continuous efforts to maintain its infrastructure and enhance its local amenities.

Is it Safe to Live in Fircrest?

Fircrest generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often reported as being in line with or below national averages. While no community is entirely free of crime, Fircrest benefits from a lower overall crime rate compared to many other cities (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also noted to be lower than the national average (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

Violent crime statistics indicate that Fircrest’s rate is comparable to the national average, with specific figures showing it to be around 365 per 100,000 residents (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Residents often feel that the southeastern part of the city is particularly safe (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The city’s crime rate is considered to be 44% below the national average, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime being about 1 in 296 (as reported by DoorProfit).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in Fircrest is noted to be higher than the national average, with estimates suggesting it is about 14% more expensive than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This higher cost is influenced by various factors, including housing, groceries, and everyday goods and services (as reported by AreaVibes). Renting in Fircrest is generally more affordable than in many other U.S. cities, with average rent prices significantly lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

The housing market in Fircrest is characterized by a competitive environment and a median home value that has seen an increase over the past year. As of March 2026, the median home price was around $670,000, reflecting a 6.3% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median home value in Fircrest is approximately $623,545, with a slight decrease of 0.9% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The homeownership rate in Fircrest is around 71.8% (as reported by Data USA).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Fircrest offers a variety of options. The average rent for an apartment in Fircrest is reported to be around $1,022 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). However, other sources indicate a higher average rent, with Zillow reporting an average rent of $1,995 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zillow). One-bedroom apartments typically rent for about $1,500, while two-bedroom units average around $1,995 (as reported by Zillow).

Renting in Fircrest is considered more affordable than the national average, with prices being 38% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Fircrest was $1,742 in the last month (as reported by Redfin). This makes Fircrest a more budget-friendly option for renters compared to many other areas.

Job Market and Economy

Fircrest’s economy is supported by a local workforce and proximity to larger employment hubs like Tacoma. The average salary in Fircrest varies depending on the source, with ZipRecruiter reporting an average annual salary of $52,518 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). ERI SalaryExpert provides a different figure, stating the average salary in Fircrest, Washington, is $75,690 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

The unemployment rate in Fircrest is reported at 6.8% (as reported by Point2Homes), while Washington state’s unemployment rate was 5.1% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). Major employers in the vicinity, particularly in nearby Tacoma, include Joint Base Lewis-McChord, MultiCare Health System, and Tacoma Public Schools (as reported by Livability.com). Many residents work outside of Fircrest due to its primarily residential nature.

Average Salaries and Income

The average individual income in Fircrest is reported as $54,109 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, other sources indicate a higher median household income, with Fircrest households earning a median of $113,926 annually (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). This median household income has shown a year-over-year growth of 5.7% (as reported by Data USA).

The distribution of salaries shows a wide range, with most salaries falling between $34,578 and $66,084 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The poverty rate in Fircrest is reported at 5.69% (as reported by Point2Homes), and 2.2% of families live in poverty (as reported by CUBIT).

Climate and Weather

Fircrest experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The temperature typically ranges from 37°F to 77°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 28°F or exceeding 87°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The summer months, from late June to mid-September, are generally pleasant with average daily high temperatures above 71°F.

August is the hottest month, with highs around 76°F and lows of 55°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Winters are colder and wetter, with temperatures often falling below 51°F. December is typically the coldest month, with average lows around 37°F and highs of 45°F (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The city receives approximately 43 inches of annual precipitation and around 4 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Demographics and Population

Fircrest is home to a population of approximately 7,069 residents, making it the 160th most populated city in Washington state (as reported by CUBIT). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease of 3.67% since the 2020 census (as reported by CUBIT). The median age in Fircrest is around 44.5 years, with a slightly older demographic compared to some surrounding areas (as reported by CUBIT and Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Fircrest is predominantly White, accounting for about 69.3% of the population, followed by those identifying as two or more races (12.3%) and Asian (7.5%) (as reported by CUBIT). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 4.6% of the population (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a foreign-born population of about 11.1% (as reported by Data USA).

Education and Schools

Fircrest offers residents access to a range of educational opportunities. The public schools in Fircrest are generally considered to be above average (as reported by Niche). While specific school ratings for Fircrest are not detailed in the provided search results, the general sentiment suggests a positive educational environment for families.

The educational attainment of Fircrest residents is notably high, with 96.4% having earned at least a high school diploma. A significant portion of the population has pursued higher education, with 38% having attended some college, 25% holding a bachelor’s degree, and 12% having completed post-graduate work (as reported by Livability.com). This emphasis on education contributes to the overall profile of the community.

Major Employers and Industries

While Fircrest is largely a residential city, its economy is significantly influenced by the employment opportunities in the surrounding areas, particularly Tacoma and Seattle. Major employers near Fircrest include large institutions such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord, MultiCare Health System, CHI Franciscan Health, and Tacoma Public Schools (as reported by Livability.com). These large organizations provide a substantial number of jobs for the region’s workforce.

The primary industries employing Fircrest residents are professional and administrative positions, with a smaller percentage in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). A notable portion of the working population is employed by private companies (50.8%), with a significant segment also working in the public sector (24.3%) (as reported by Point2Homes). Many residents commute outside of Fircrest for their employment, leveraging the city’s convenient location.