Is Fort Lewis Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Lewis

Is it Safe to Live in Fort Lewis?

Fort Lewis, Washington, presents a complex safety profile, with crime rates significantly higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported at 45.10 per 1,000 residents, earning it a D- grade for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This indicates that Fort Lewis is safer than only 13% of U.S. cities, with a higher likelihood of crime compared to most other locations (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Violent crime rates in Fort Lewis are also a concern, with a rate of 5.848 per 1,000 residents. This also contributes to a lower safety percentile, ranking it safer than only 14% of cities nationally (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While specific neighborhood safety can vary, with some areas considered safer than others, the general trend suggests a need for heightened awareness and caution for residents.

Despite these statistics, it’s important to note that crime maps often highlight specific areas within a city. In Fort Lewis, residents often consider the west and southwest parts of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crimes, such as theft and vandalism, are noted as more prevalent than violent crimes in the area (as reported by SpotCrime).

Cost of Living and Housing in Fort Lewis

The cost of living in Fort Lewis, Washington, is notably higher than the national average. The overall cost of living index stands at 132, meaning it is 32% more expensive than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). This elevated cost is largely driven by housing expenses, which are 84.1% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

When considering housing specifically, the median rent across all property types in Fort Lewis was approximately $1,685 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This figure is 13% lower than the national median rent, though local housing costs can be significantly higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). For those looking to purchase a home, the median home price in the nearby zip code 98327 is $557,223 (as reported by Zillow).

Utilities in Fort Lewis also contribute to the higher cost of living, with the utilities index being 10.3% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While Washington State has no state income tax, the general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy in Fort Lewis

Fort Lewis, Washington, is a community closely tied to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), a significant military installation. JBLM is recognized as the largest single employer in Washington State, employing over 130,000 active-duty military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and retirees (as reported by Moving to Fort Lewis Guide). This military presence forms the backbone of the local economy and job market.

Beyond the military, data on specific major employers in Fort Lewis is limited. However, Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, is a significant employer in its region, with various roles across departments like engineering and arts and design (as reported by Zippia). Average salaries at Fort Lewis College vary, with some positions like Case Manager earning around $47,442 annually, while entry-level student worker roles are closer to $23,680 per year (as reported by Zippia).

The unemployment rate in Lewis County, Washington, was 6.3% in March 2026, which is higher than both the Washington state average of 5.1% and the national average of 4.3% (as reported by WA.gov). This suggests a more competitive job market outside of the direct military employment sphere.

Climate and Weather in Fort Lewis

Fort Lewis, Washington, experiences a climate characterized by mild, wet winters and short, warm summers. Temperatures typically range from a low of 35°F in winter to a high of 78°F in summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average annual precipitation of 44 inches, with the wettest month being November, averaging about 7 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Snowfall is minimal, with an average of 4 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The region enjoys approximately 142 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between mid-May and September (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Summers are typically dry and partly cloudy, while winters are overcast and wet (as reported by Fort Lewis Climate).

Humidity levels remain comfortable throughout the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment. The best time to visit or enjoy outdoor activities is generally considered to be from mid-May to September, when temperatures are mild and humidity is low (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Fort Lewis

Educational opportunities in the Fort Lewis area are primarily associated with Fort Lewis College, located in Durango, Colorado. Fort Lewis College is a four-year public institution with a B-minus overall Niche grade, rated 3.77 out of 5 based on over 1,200 reviews (as reported by Niche). The college is particularly recognized for its diversity, ranking second out of 26 diverse colleges in Colorado (as reported by Niche).

Academically, Fort Lewis College receives a B-minus grade from Niche, with specific strengths noted in areas like Psychology and Business (as reported by Niche). The college offers a variety of majors and degrees, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and outdoor-related fields, reflecting its location. The student body is diverse, with a significant percentage of American Indian or Alaska Native students, a demographic the college actively supports through initiatives like a tuition waiver (as reported by Fort Lewis College).

While Fort Lewis College is a prominent educational institution in the broader region, specific K-12 school ratings for the immediate Fort Lewis, Washington, area are not readily available through the provided search results. Parents and guardians may need to research specific school districts in Pierce County, Washington, for detailed K-12 performance data.

Demographics of Fort Lewis

Fort Lewis, Washington, is home to a population of approximately 15,200 residents as of 2024, with 95.8% of them being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The population is relatively young, with a median age of 22.9 years (as reported by Fort Lewis, WA Population 2026). There is a notable gender imbalance, with a ratio of 175.5 males for every 100 females (as reported by Fort Lewis, WA Population 2026).

The racial composition of Fort Lewis includes a significant White population at 50.17%, followed by Black or African American residents at 17.25% (as reported by Fort Lewis, WA Population 2026). Hispanic residents make up 26.5% of the population (as reported by Data USA). A notable portion of the population, 10.8%, was born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in Fort Lewis is $58,796, with a poverty rate of 13.25% (as reported by Fort Lewis, WA Population 2026). The community is growing, with its population increasing by 12.39% since the 2020 census (as reported by Fort Lewis, WA Population 2026).