Is Maltby Safe, Pros and cons of living in Maltby

Maltby, Washington, offers a unique blend of tranquil, rural living with convenient access to the amenities and employment opportunities of the greater Seattle area. Nestled in Snohomish County, this community provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking a respite from urban hustle while remaining well-connected to a major metropolitan hub. This balance makes Maltby an appealing option for a diverse range of residents, from families to professionals working in nearby cities.

The community’s character is defined by its natural surroundings, featuring lush greenery and a charming landscape that appeals to those who appreciate the outdoors. Maltby combines this rural charm with practical suburban conveniences, creating a lifestyle that offers the best of both worlds. This profile makes it a noteworthy consideration for individuals and families exploring new places to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Maltby?

Maltby presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as significantly lower than national averages. Total crime in Maltby is estimated to be 50% below the national average, with violent crime being 65% below the national average. Property crime also fares well, being 47% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a community where residents can feel secure in their daily lives.

Further analysis indicates that Maltby is considered safer than a substantial portion of other cities within Washington state. Specifically, Maltby is safer than 74% of all other cities in Washington (as reported by AreaVibes). This statistic reinforces the perception of Maltby as a secure place to reside, contributing to its appeal for those prioritizing safety in their choice of community.

Housing Costs and Real Estate Trends

Home Prices

The real estate market in Maltby is characterized by high-value properties, with the median home sale price reaching approximately $1.4 million as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This figure represents a notable increase of 10.2% compared to the previous year. The median listing price was around $1.4 million in July 2025, with a price per square foot of $499 (as reported by Redfin and NeighborhoodScout). These figures indicate a premium market where properties are a significant investment.

The median property value in Maltby was $1 million in 2024, which is more than three times the national average (as reported by Data USA). This high median home value is further supported by Niche, which places the median home value at $1,002,100 (as reported by Niche). Maltby’s real estate market is considered very competitive, with homes often selling close to the asking price and going under contract within a few weeks (as reported by Redfin and NeighborhoodScout).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Maltby offers a range of options, though rental prices are also above the national average. The median gross rent in Maltby was $2,158 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure is 22% higher than the national average, or $424 more than the national median rent (as reported by Zumper). Apartment rents average around $2,114 monthly, with one-bedroom units at approximately $1,942 and two-bedroom units at $2,549 (as reported by Zumper).

Houses for rent in Maltby are more expensive, averaging about $3,154 per month (as reported by Zumper). NeighborhoodScout indicates an average rental price of $2,720, which is lower than 47.9% of Washington neighborhoods (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The median monthly rent is listed as $1,881 on Livability.com (as reported by Livability.com). The significant variation in reported median rent figures suggests that it is important to research specific rental properties and their current market rates.

Homeownership and Housing Stock

Maltby boasts a high homeownership rate, with approximately 90.5% of residents owning their homes (as reported by Data USA). This aligns with Niche’s data, which indicates that 90% of residents own their homes, while only 10% rent (as reported by Niche). The housing stock primarily consists of detached single-family homes, making up 90.8% of the units, appealing to those seeking space and privacy (as reported by Point2Homes).

The majority of residences in Maltby were built between 1970 and 1999, with a notable number also constructed between 2000 and the present (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The vacancy rate in Maltby is quite low, at 1.7%, which is lower than 87.8% of neighborhoods in the U.S. This tight housing supply indicates strong demand for property in the area (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Economic Landscape and Employment

Job Market and Major Employers

Maltby’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with significant employment in Construction, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). These sectors collectively employ a substantial portion of the local workforce, reflecting the community’s economic drivers. Other notable industries include Management Occupations and Business & Financial Operations Occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Major employers in the Maltby area include FedEx, Volt, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Cedar Grove, and Cascade Corporation (as reported by Indeed.com). These companies contribute to the local job market and provide employment opportunities across various sectors, from logistics and staffing to manufacturing and environmental solutions. The presence of these established companies helps to stabilize the local economy and offer diverse career paths for residents.

Salaries and Wages

The average salary in Maltby, Washington, is approximately $31.45 per hour or $65,409 annually, as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Maltby was reported as $213,480 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). Other sources indicate a median household income of $185,457 (as reported by Point2Homes and WorkSource). There is a range in reported median income figures, with some sources showing a median individual income of $74,084 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).

Households led by residents aged 25 to 44, typically in the early to mid-stages of their careers, have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often professionally established, earn $200,110 overall (as reported by Point2Homes). The highest-paying industries in Maltby include Wholesale Trade, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services (as reported by Data USA).

Unemployment Rate

Maltby currently experiences a very low unemployment rate, standing at 1.4% (as reported by Point2Homes). This rate is significantly below the typical range of 4% to 5% considered normal for a healthy job market. A low unemployment rate suggests strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, indicating a high level of job security and financial stability for residents.

In comparison, Washington State’s unemployment rate was 5.1% during the fourth quarter of 2025 (as reported by AWB Institute). The national unemployment rate for the same period was 4.5% (as reported by AWB Institute). Maltby’s exceptionally low unemployment rate highlights its robust local employment conditions.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Temperatures

Maltby, Washington, experiences distinct seasonal temperature variations. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 34°F in December to a high of 76°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season generally spans from late June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 70°F.

The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 75°F and lows of 57°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and AccuWeather). Conversely, the cool season lasts from mid-November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows around 37°F and highs near 45°F (as reported by AccuWeather).

Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions

Maltby receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 43 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The month with the most rainfall is typically November, with an average of about 6 to 8.9 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Plantmaps). July sees the least amount of rain, with an average of around 0.9 inches (as reported by Plantmaps).

The area experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. Winters are generally characterized by being wet and overcast, while summers are described as short, comfortable, and partly cloudy. Annual snowfall averages around 10 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

The public schools serving Maltby are generally well-regarded. Maltby Elementary School, for instance, ranks within the top 20% of all schools in Washington, particularly for overall test scores (as reported by Niche and Homes.com). Math and reading proficiency at Maltby Elementary are above the Washington state average, with 60-64% of students achieving proficiency in both subjects (as reported by Niche).

The student-teacher ratio at Maltby Elementary is 16:1, which is equal to the Washington state average (as reported by Niche). Other schools in the vicinity, such as Woodinville High School and North Creek High School, also receive solid ratings (as reported by Niche). Overall, Maltby is noted for having highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal as a place to raise a family (as reported by Niche).

Population and Diversity

Maltby is home to approximately 10,910 residents, a slight decrease from the 11,277 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The median age in Maltby is around 46.4 years (as reported by Point2Homes and WorkSource). The population is composed of roughly 49.9% males and 50.1% females (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Maltby is predominantly White, with 81.9% of the population identifying as such (as reported by Data USA and Census Dots). Other significant racial groups include Asian (5.2%), Multiracial (7.0%), and Hispanic (3.9%) (as reported by Census Dots). Maltby is less racially diverse than Washington state overall, with a diversity index probability of 32.0% (as reported by Census Dots).

Pros and Cons of Living in Maltby

Pros

Maltby offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere combined with convenient access to Seattle, making it ideal for commuters and nature lovers alike. The community boasts a very low unemployment rate, indicating a strong local economy and good job security for residents (as reported by Point2Homes). Furthermore, Maltby is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national averages (as reported by AreaVibes).

The public school system in Maltby is highly rated, providing quality education for families with children (as reported by Niche). The high rate of homeownership and the prevalence of single-family homes suggest a stable community with a strong sense of residency. Residents also benefit from a comfortable climate with mild summers and manageable winters.

Cons

The cost of living in Maltby, particularly housing, is notably high. The median home price is well above the national average, making homeownership a significant financial commitment (as reported by Redfin and Data USA). Rental costs also exceed national averages, which can be a barrier for some.

While Maltby is less diverse than the state of Washington overall, its population is primarily White (as reported by Census Dots). Some sources indicate a recent decline in population, though the area is generally considered to have a stable or slightly growing housing market due to low vacancy rates (as reported by Point2Homes and NeighborhoodScout).