Is North Fort Lewis Safe, Pros and cons of living in North Fort Lewis
North Fort Lewis offers a unique blend of military community and suburban living, situated in Pierce County, Washington. This area is known for its proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), making it a popular choice for military families and personnel. The community provides a range of amenities and a distinct atmosphere shaped by its military presence. Understanding the various facets of life in North Fort Lewis is key for anyone considering a move to this area.
The region boasts a temperate climate, with comfortable summers and mild, wet winters. Its location in the Pacific Northwest means residents can expect a good amount of rainfall throughout the year, particularly during the fall and winter months. This climate supports the lush, green landscapes that characterize the area.
Is it Safe to Live in North Fort Lewis?
North Fort Lewis has a crime rate that is significantly higher than the average for U.S. cities, earning it an “F” grade for safety from CrimeGrade.org. This indicates that the area is less safe than 99% of other cities, with a crime rate of approximately 105.2 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident in North Fort Lewis is estimated at $908 annually, which is above the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Within North Fort Lewis, crime risk can vary by neighborhood. Some areas are considered safer than others, with the west part of the city generally viewed as the safest. Conversely, the southwest neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of being a victim of crime estimated at 1 in 7, compared to 1 in 19 in the west (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The southeast parts of North Fort Lewis experience the highest total crime counts annually, while the northwest area reports virtually no crimes (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs
Rental Market Overview
The rental market in North Fort Lewis, Washington, presents a median rent of $1,925 as of February 2026, which is slightly higher than the national average by 1% (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent tend to be more expensive, averaging $2,697 per month, while apartments have a median rent of $1,499 for a one-bedroom and $1,701 for a two-bedroom (as reported by Zumper).
While the number of available rentals can fluctuate, the market offers a variety of options. Prospective renters should be prepared for a competitive environment and conduct thorough research into different neighborhoods to find suitable accommodations. The rental process in Washington typically involves securing references and signing a lease agreement (as reported by Zumper).
Home Prices
Information regarding median home prices specifically for North Fort Lewis is not readily available in the provided search results. However, data for the broader Fort Lewis area indicates a rental market where houses command a higher average monthly cost than apartments. For those looking to purchase, it is advisable to consult local real estate listings and market reports for the most current pricing information.
Job Market and Economy
Employment Trends
In North Fort Lewis, Washington, employment saw a growth of 4.2% between 2023 and 2024, increasing from 666 to 694 employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common job sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). Commuting patterns show that the majority of workers drive alone to their jobs, with walking and carpooling as other common methods (as reported by Data USA).
For the nearby Fort Lewis area, employment experienced a slight decline of 1.01% from 2023 to 2024, with the most common employment sectors being Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the broader JBLM area include significant entities such as the U.S. Army, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin, reflecting a mix of government and private sector opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com).
Major Employers
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) itself is a primary driver of employment in the region, supporting a large military and civilian workforce. Beyond the base, major companies in the vicinity include Boeing, a significant aerospace manufacturer, and Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor (as reported by Indeed.com). Other notable employers in the general area contribute to a diverse economic landscape, offering various career paths for residents.
The presence of these large organizations means that job opportunities span a wide range of industries, from defense and aerospace to healthcare and retail. This concentration of major employers provides a robust job market for those living in and around North Fort Lewis.
Climate and Weather
Average Temperatures
North Fort Lewis experiences a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from a low of 35°F in winter to a high of 78°F in summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 77°F and lows near 54°F. Conversely, December sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs of 46°F and lows of 35°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The area enjoys a comfortable humidity level during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment. The period from mid-May to September is generally considered the best time to visit, offering approximately 4.7 months of comfortable weather each year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Rainfall and Precipitation
The annual precipitation in North Fort Lewis averages around 44 inches, with about 4 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). November is the wettest month, receiving an average of 7 inches of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). A “wet day” is defined as having at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
The region experiences a wetter season that lasts for approximately 6.8 months, from early October to early May, with a greater than 33% chance of a wet day. November typically has the most wet days, averaging around 16.9 days (as reported by Fort Lewis Climate). Conversely, the drier season spans about 5.2 months, from early May to early October, with July having the fewest wet days, averaging only 3.3 days (as reported by Fort Lewis Climate).
Education and Schools
School District Information
Information regarding specific school ratings for North Fort Lewis is not detailed in the provided search results. However, for military families relocating to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) area, school planning is a crucial consideration. Districts such as North Thurston Public Schools and Puyallup School District are mentioned as relevant options for families in the vicinity of JBLM (as reported by Operation Red Dot).
When choosing a school district, families often balance factors like commute time to the base, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and housing affordability. The Steilacoom Historical School District is noted as a sought-after option due to its smaller community atmosphere and strong academic reputation (as reported by Operation Red Dot).
Higher Education Options
Fort Lewis College, located in Durango, Colorado, offers a diverse student body and a range of academic programs. The college has a total enrollment of 3,413 students, with 85% being full-time (as reported by Data USA). The student population is diverse, with 44.1% identifying as White, followed by American Indian or Alaska Native at 27% (as reported by Data USA).
The college provides various majors, with strong departments in areas like archaeology, chemistry, and business. Graduates from Fort Lewis College see a wide range of earning potentials depending on their field of study, with engineering and accounting graduates typically earning higher salaries (as reported by Research.com, Fort Lewis College).
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Data specifically for North Fort Lewis CDP shows an employment base of 694 individuals as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The population is diverse, with a significant portion of workers engaged in office and administrative support, sales, and production occupations (as reported by Data USA).
Fort Lewis College, a local educational institution, reflects a diverse student population. White students constitute the largest group at 44.1%, followed by American Indian or Alaska Native students at 27% (as reported by Data USA). The college also has a notable Hispanic or Latino population at 14.4% and a segment identifying with Two or More Races at 11.3% (as reported by Data USA).
Key Demographics
The gender distribution at Fort Lewis College shows a slightly higher percentage of female students, with a male-female ratio of approximately 46:54 (as reported by Fort Lewis College, MeetYourClass). The student body also exhibits age diversity, with the majority of undergraduates falling within the 18-21 age range, though a significant portion are also aged 25 and over (as reported by Fort Lewis College, MeetYourClass).
Geographically, Fort Lewis College draws students from across the United States, with 52.2% of students coming from out of state, indicating a broad appeal beyond Colorado (as reported by Fort Lewis College).