Is Keyport Safe, Pros and cons of living in Keyport

Keyport, Washington, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to larger metropolitan areas. Nestled on the Kitsap Peninsula, this census-designated place (CDP) provides a distinct living experience for its residents. The community is home to a U.S. Navy depot, contributing to its identity and economy. Keyport is characterized by its rural feel, with most residents choosing to rent their homes.

The demographic profile of Keyport reveals a community with a median age of 57.0 years, indicating a stable, mature population. Its population is predominantly White, with a notable Hispanic and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander presence. This diverse mix contributes to the unique cultural fabric of the area. Keyport’s small size means that community life often revolves around local events and a shared sense of place.

Is it Safe to Live in Keyport?

Keyport’s safety is a nuanced topic, with varying reports and perspectives. While some sources indicate a high crime rate compared to national averages, others suggest specific zip codes within Keyport are exceptionally safe. The overall crime rate in Keyport is reported to be 48.19 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). However, zip code 98345, which encompasses Keyport, has an overall crime index of 28, significantly below the national average and earning it an A+ safety grade (as reported by DoorProfit). This suggests that safety can vary considerably within the community.

Violent crime rates in Keyport are reported as 62% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, by 41% (as reported by AreaVibes). Despite these lower-than-average statistics for violent and property crimes, residents generally consider the central part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with some areas presenting a higher risk than others.

Cost of Living in Keyport

Keyport’s cost of living is notably higher than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Keyport is 19% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant driver of this elevated expense, being 4.7% higher than the national average for single individuals and 4.7% higher for families of four (as reported by Salary.com). This makes Keyport one of the more expensive cities in the United States to reside in.

While housing is more expensive, some expenses are lower than the national average. Food expenses run 12.9% below average, and energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also slightly lower (as reported by Salary.com). These savings, however, do not entirely offset the higher housing costs, contributing to the overall higher cost of living.

Housing Market

The housing market in Keyport reflects its higher cost of living. The median home price in Keyport was $735,000 in August 2025, showing a significant increase of 26.3% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This median sale price is also 5% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin). The homeownership rate in Keyport is 49.5%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

Rental prices in Keyport are also on the higher side. While specific median rent prices for Keyport are not readily available, nearby rental listings suggest higher costs. For instance, apartments in the nearby Silverdale area range from $1,799 to over $2,396 for 1-3 bedroom units (as reported by Zillow). This indicates that securing affordable rental housing in or near Keyport can be a challenge.

Job Market and Economy

Keyport’s economy is significantly influenced by the presence of the Naval Base Kitsap – Keyport. This naval facility is a major employer in the region, providing numerous civilian and active-duty positions. Naval Base Kitsap as a whole is the largest employer in Kitsap County, with a total headcount of 39,440 (as reported by Kitsap Economic Development Alliance). This base is crucial for the local economy, offering stable employment opportunities in the defense and maritime sectors.

Beyond the naval base, other sectors contribute to Keyport’s employment landscape. Public administration and manufacturing are noted as significant employment sectors for Keyport residents (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Keyport is approximately $60,600 per year, with a 25th percentile wage of $49,400 and a 75th percentile wage of $75,900 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Washington state was 5.1% as of March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts), indicating a stable job market within the broader state.

Major Employers

Naval Base Kitsap is the preeminent employer in the Keyport area and Kitsap County (as reported by Kitsap Economic Development Alliance). The base encompasses both civilian and active-duty personnel, making it a substantial contributor to the local workforce and economy. Other significant employers in Kitsap County include St. Michael Medical Center, Central Kitsap School District, and Port Madison Enterprises (as reported by Kitsap Economic Development Alliance).

While Keyport itself is small, its proximity to Naval Base Kitsap means that many residents are employed by the Department of Defense. Other industries providing employment in the wider region include healthcare, education, and retail. Companies like Raytheon and BAE Systems also have a presence, further diversifying the job market (as reported by Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather

Keyport experiences a temperate maritime climate, characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. Summers are generally mild and dry, while winters are cool and wet. The area receives a significant amount of rainfall, particularly during the fall and winter months. Average monthly rainfall ranges from 0.39 inches in July to 5.1 inches in November (as reported by Time and Date).

Average high temperatures in Keyport range from 48°F in January to 77°F in July (as reported by Time and Date). The climate is influenced by its proximity to the Puget Sound, which moderates temperatures throughout the year. Seasonal outlooks from NOAA often indicate warmer and drier springs and summers for western Washington, though extreme drought conditions are not typically expected (as reported by KOMO News).

Education and Schools

Keyport is served by the North Kitsap School District, which provides educational services to the community. While Keyport itself does not have a high concentration of schools within its immediate boundaries, students attend institutions within this district. North Kitsap High School receives a B+ overall Niche grade, with a rating of 3.43 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Poulsbo Middle School also serves the area, though it has a lower rating of 1.88 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).

Hilder Pearson Elementary School, serving younger students, has a higher rating of 4.25 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). The North Kitsap School District as a whole has a B rating, with 5,363 students and a student-teacher ratio of 25:1 (as reported by Niche). These ratings provide a general overview of the educational environment available to families in Keyport.

Demographics

Keyport has a small population, with approximately 221 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The community is characterized by a median age of 57.0 years, indicating an older demographic compared to the national average (as reported by Census Reporter). The population is predominantly White, accounting for 66.1% of residents, followed by Hispanic (15.4%) and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (10%) populations (as reported by Census Dots).

The majority of Keyport residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 100% (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Keyport was $133,086 in 2023, which is significantly higher than the national median household income (as reported by Data USA). Despite the high median income, 11.4% of the population lives below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA).