Is Steilacoom Safe, Pros and cons of living in Steilacoom
Steilacoom, Washington, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenient access to the amenities of the greater Puget Sound region. This historic town, incorporated in 1854, is known for its picturesque setting along the coast and its role as a bedroom community for those serving at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The town provides a distinct living experience, balancing its rich history with modern conveniences. Residents often appreciate the close-knit community feel, the natural beauty of the surrounding area, and the opportunity to enjoy a quieter pace of life while remaining connected to urban centers.
Is it Safe to Live in Steilacoom?
Steilacoom’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data, Steilacoom has an overall crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average for all U.S. communities of all sizes. Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Steilacoom is approximately 1 in 117 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The violent crime rate is also around the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime being one in 1,108 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Property crime, which includes burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson, is reported at a rate of 8 per 1,000 residents, which is also about average for cities and towns across America. DoorProfit provides a safety grade of B- for Steilacoom, indicating that the overall crime rate is 25% below the national average. They also state that your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 320, and property crime is 1 in 53 (as reported by DoorProfit).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Steilacoom is competitive, with median home prices significantly above the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Steilacoom was $664,000, an increase of 37.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median property value in Steilacoom was $655,000 in 2024, which is nearly double the national average (as reported by Data USA). Redfin also notes a median listing price of $899K in March 2026, with prices per square foot at $388 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).
Rental prices in Steilacoom are also above the national average. The average rent in Steilacoom, WA, is $2,050 as of May 2026, which is slightly higher than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow). Renters can expect to find options ranging from $1,150 to $4,500, with 1-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,350 and 2-bedroom apartments averaging $1,612 (as reported by Rent.). The limited availability of rental listings, with only 8 on the market in March 2026, contributes to this trend (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).
Job Market and Employment
Steilacoom’s job market is influenced by its proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the broader economic landscape of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. The unemployment rate in Washington state was 4.6% in November 2025 (as reported by the Employment Security Department). The average salary in Steilacoom, WA, is estimated to be around $42,300 per year, with the 75th percentile earning up to $57,800 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Steilacoom was $100,851 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
Major employers in the vicinity include those associated with Joint Base Lewis-McChord, as well as businesses in the education and healthcare sectors, which are significant contributors to the state’s economy (as reported by Washington State Authority). Companies like Safeway, McDonald’s, and Starbucks are also present, offering various employment opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Steilacoom experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and relatively dry, warm summers. The average high temperatures in July, the warmest month, typically reach the mid-70s Fahrenheit, while January, the coldest month, sees average low temperatures in the upper 30s Fahrenheit (as reported by NOAA). Rainfall is most prevalent during the fall and winter months, with average annual precipitation around 40-50 inches, primarily as rain (as reported by NOAA).
The area generally avoids extreme weather conditions, benefiting from the moderating influence of the Puget Sound. Snowfall is infrequent and usually light. The weather in Steilacoom is often described as mild, with a good amount of sunshine during the summer months and overcast skies with rain during the rest of the year. Daily temperatures in May can range from highs in the low 70s to lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (as reported by FOX Weather).
Education and School Ratings
The Steilacoom Historical School District serves the town’s students, with an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). The district includes several elementary schools, such as Chloe Clark Elementary School (rated B+), Saltars Point Elementary School (rated B), and Cherrydale Elementary School (rated B) (as reported by Niche). Steilacoom High School also receives a notable A- rating from Niche, indicating strong academic performance and a positive learning environment (as reported by Niche).
The Steilacoom Historical School District ranks well within the state, often appearing in the top 20% for best school districts in Washington (as reported by Niche). The district emphasizes college preparation, with many students pursuing higher education at institutions like the University of Washington and Washington State University (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Population
Steilacoom has a population of approximately 6,686 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 68.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic (13.1%), Multiracial (9.1%), Asian (5.0%), and Black or African American (4.4%) (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Steilacoom is 39.8 years (as reported by Data USA).
The town’s population is largely comprised of U.S. citizens, with 96.5% holding citizenship, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The majority of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 27.6 minutes (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Steilacoom is 62.9% (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Steilacoom
Steilacoom offers a desirable living environment with its historical charm and scenic location. The town’s safety, with crime rates generally at or below the national average, is a significant advantage. Furthermore, the highly-rated public schools provide a strong educational foundation for families. The community’s proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord also creates a stable economic base.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is a notable drawback. Both home prices and rental rates are considerably higher than the national average, which can be a barrier for some prospective residents. While the job market is present, it may require commuting to nearby larger cities for more diverse or higher-paying opportunities. The climate, while mild, does involve a significant amount of rain and overcast days for much of the year.