Is Lake Morton-Berrydale Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lake Morton-Berrydale
Lake Morton-Berrydale, Washington, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. This census-designated place provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, characterized by a strong sense of community and a generally pleasant environment. It is a place where natural beauty meets developing infrastructure, creating a setting that appeals to a diverse range of individuals and families.
The area boasts a population that values its community ties and the overall quality of life. With a median age of 41.9 years, the demographic suggests a stable population that appreciates the established nature of the neighborhood. Lake Morton-Berrydale is known for its predominantly White population, with significant Asian and Hispanic communities also contributing to its rich cultural mosaic. This diversity is reflected in the community’s social fabric and its evolving character.
Is it Safe to Live in Lake Morton-Berrydale?
Lake Morton-Berrydale presents a mixed but generally favorable safety profile. The overall crime rate is comparable to the national average, with some sources indicating it is slightly higher than the average US city, earning it a C- grade for safety. However, other analyses suggest crime rates are significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 61% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). Your personal safety can vary by neighborhood, with eastern areas generally considered the safest.
The cost of crime per resident in Lake Morton-Berrydale is approximately $424 per year, which is notably less than both the national and Washington state averages. This figure represents tangible costs associated with crime, including criminal justice system expenses and direct costs to victims. While most crime is concentrated in the northern parts of the CDP, the northwest section experiences the fewest incidents annually.
Crime Statistics and Trends
Lake Morton-Berrydale’s crime rate stands at about 30.09 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This rate positions the area as safer than 34% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Year over year, crime in Lake Morton-Berrydale has decreased by 14% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crime rates are 40% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 61% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Lake Morton-Berrydale is about 1 in 84 (as reported by AreaVibes). While crime risk is generally low, some sources predict around 46 violent crimes and 713 property crimes annually within certain block groups (as reported by Augurisk).
Pros and Cons of Living in Lake Morton-Berrydale
Lake Morton-Berrydale offers a compelling lifestyle with its blend of suburban amenities and natural surroundings. The median home price is substantial, reflecting the desirability of the area. The community is home to a well-educated population, with a high percentage of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, contributing to a vibrant and engaged community.
However, the cost of living can be a consideration, with housing expenses being notably higher than the national average. The average commute time is also longer than the national average, which may be a factor for those prioritizing shorter travel times to work. Despite these aspects, the area’s appeal is strong for those seeking a balance between community living and access to urban opportunities.
Housing Market Insights
The median home value in Lake Morton-Berrydale was approximately $714,200 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), and recent data indicates a median sale price of $735,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This reflects a competitive housing market, with homes selling quickly, often within an average of 4 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The homeownership rate is high, at 88.6% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a strong preference for ownership among residents.
While home prices are above the national average, the market has seen some fluctuations, with prices down 7.9% compared to the previous year as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price is around $849,950 (as reported by Realtor.com®). Rental options are also available, with average rental prices in some neighborhoods reaching approximately $3,440 per month (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Lake Morton-Berrydale employs approximately 5.45k people, with employment growing at a rate of 1.56% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The largest employing industries include Construction, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance. The highest paying industries are Information, Utilities, and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Lake Morton-Berrydale is 2.5% (as reported by Zip Atlas). The median household income was reported as $129,833 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), which is significantly higher than the national average. This robust income level, coupled with a low poverty rate of 3.74% (as reported by Data USA), suggests a strong and stable economic environment for its residents.
Climate and Environment
Lake Morton-Berrydale experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, dry summers and long, cold, and wet winters. The summers are generally short, lasting from late June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 72°F. August is the hottest month, with highs around 78°F and lows of 57°F.
Winters are colder, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F, typically from November to March. December is the coldest month, with average lows around 37°F and highs of 45°F. Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, with November receiving the most rain, averaging 8.7 inches, while July is the driest month with only 0.8 inches of rainfall.
Average Temperatures and Precipitation
Over the course of the year, temperatures in Lake Morton-Berrydale typically range from 36°F to 79°F, rarely dropping below 26°F or exceeding 89°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall is around 52 inches, with average annual snowfall being approximately 5 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
The chance of a wet day in winter gradually decreases from 59% at the start of the season to 52% by the end (as reported by Weather Spark). During summer, the probability of precipitation is low, with July being the driest month. The warmest water temperatures are in August, averaging 57°F, while February has the coolest water temperatures at 47°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education and Schools
Lake Morton-Berrydale is served by local school districts that aim to provide quality education to its young residents. While specific school ratings for Lake Morton-Berrydale itself are not detailed in the provided data, nearby areas offer insights into the educational landscape. For instance, in Kent, where Lake Morton-Berrydale is located, schools like Grass Lake Elementary School are rated 8/10 by GreatSchools (as reported by Trulia).
The broader region, including districts like Morton School District, shows varying performance metrics. Morton School District has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, with 0% of students proficient in math and reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). This highlights the importance of researching specific school performance within the immediate vicinity when considering a move.
School District Performance
Information on the specific performance of schools directly within Lake Morton-Berrydale is limited. However, general trends in the surrounding areas can provide context. For example, in the Kent School District, which serves Lake Morton-Berrydale, Grass Lake Elementary School has received positive feedback from parents (as reported by Trulia).
The quality of education can vary significantly by district and individual school. Prospective residents are encouraged to consult detailed school performance reports and parent reviews for specific institutions of interest. This due diligence is crucial for understanding the educational opportunities available within the community.
Demographics and Diversity
Lake Morton-Berrydale is a diverse community with a population of approximately 11,183 people as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 67% of the population, followed by Hispanic (11.4%) and Asian (11%) communities (as reported by Data USA and Census Reporter). This demographic makeup contributes to a rich cultural environment.
The median age in Lake Morton-Berrydale is 41.9 years (as reported by Data USA), indicating a mature and stable population. Citizenship rates are high, with 89.3% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is around 16.9%, similar to the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Population Trends and Characteristics
The population of Lake Morton-Berrydale was recorded at 10,474 in the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). Projections for 2026 estimate the population to be around 10,690, showing a slight annual growth rate of 0.31% (as reported by World Population Review). The area has seen a decrease of -3.85% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 11,118 in 2020.
The gender distribution shows a slightly higher male population, with approximately 121.3 males for every 100 females (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate is low at 3.74% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a generally prosperous community. The median household income is substantial at $129,833 (as reported by Data USA).