Is University Place Safe, Pros and cons of living in University Place
University Place, Washington, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled in Pierce County, this city is known for its well-regarded schools, appealing to families and professionals alike. The community provides a comfortable living environment with a strong sense of local identity.
The city’s name originates from the University of Puget Sound, which purchased land in the area during the 1800s. Today, University Place continues to be a desirable location for those seeking a balance between a peaceful residential setting and proximity to the broader economic and cultural opportunities of the Puget Sound region.
Is it Safe to Live in University Place?
The overall crime rate in University Place is comparable to the national average, with property crime being more common than violent crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 424, while property crime risk is around 1 in 52 (NeighborhoodScout). These figures suggest a generally safe environment, though vigilance is always advised.
When compared to other municipalities in Washington, University Place’s crime rate is higher than 78% of the state’s cities (NeighborhoodScout). However, when considering communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is above average (NeighborhoodScout). The western part of the city is generally considered the safest by residents (NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime Statistics
The violent crime rate in University Place stands at approximately 2 per 1,000 inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout). This rate is lower than the national average by 34.2% (CrimeGrade.org). Specific types of violent crime, such as assault, may be a concern in certain areas, with an index 67% above the national average (DoorProfit).
Despite the above-average assault index in some reports, the overall violent crime rate per 1,000 residents is 4.381 (CrimeGrade.org). The cost of violent crime per resident is estimated at $211 annually, which is less than the national average (CrimeGrade.org).
Property Crime Trends
Property crime in University Place is reported at a rate of 19 per 1,000 population (NeighborhoodScout). This indicates an above-average chance of experiencing property crime when compared to all U.S. communities (NeighborhoodScout). The total number of property crimes reported annually tends to be higher in the southeastern parts of the city (NeighborhoodScout).
The overall crime rate in University Place is about 2% higher than the national average (CrimeGrade.org). Property crimes, which include theft and vehicle theft, are the more prevalent concern for residents (CrimeGrade.org). Year over year, crime in University Place has decreased by 29% (CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing
University Place presents a cost of living that is higher than the national average. Housing expenses are notably above the national average, contributing significantly to the overall cost (Payscale). Utility prices, however, tend to be lower than the national average.
The median home value in University Place is approximately $661,410 as of March 2026 (Zillow). This figure has seen a slight decrease of 1.6% over the past year (Zillow). The housing market is described as very competitive, with homes selling close to the asking price (Redfin).
Housing Costs
As of May 2026, the median home price in University Place is $655,750, reflecting a 5% decrease year-over-year (Beyond Real Estate). The market is currently considered a seller’s market due to limited inventory (Beyond Real Estate). Homes are selling in a median of 93 days, and the average sale-to-list price ratio is 99.6% (Beyond Real Estate).
The median listing home price is $699,000 (Realtor.com). This competitive market means buyers should be prepared to act quickly and make strong offers (Beyond Real Estate).
Rental Market
The average rent for an apartment in University Place is approximately $1,703 per month as of May 2026 (RentCafe). This represents an 8.25% increase compared to the previous year (RentCafe). The majority of rentals fall within the $1,501-$2,000 per month range (RentCafe).
For specific unit types, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,510 per month, while a two-bedroom averages approximately $1,845 per month (Zillow). A three-bedroom apartment can be expected to rent for about $2,595 per month (Zillow).
Overall Expenses
The overall cost of living in University Place is estimated to be 16% higher than the U.S. national average (Salary.com). This figure reflects a 3% increase from the previous year (Salary.com). Soaring housing costs are a primary driver of this elevated cost of living (Salary.com).
Transportation expenses are also higher than the national average, by about 28% (Payscale). Grocery prices are approximately 9% higher than the national average (Payscale). Healthcare costs are also elevated, running about 15% higher than the national average (Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
The economy in University Place employs approximately 17,100 individuals (Data USA). The employment rate in the city is currently around 96.39% (BestNeighborhood.org). The primary industries employing residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (Data USA).
The average annual salary in University Place is approximately $49,346, as of April 2026 (ZipRecruiter). Salaries typically range between $34,941 and $61,580, depending on occupation and experience (ZipRecruiter). Some of the top-paying jobs in the area include roles related to ETL, Safeway, and the Fire Department (ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers
Key employers in University Place include Actriv Healthcare, Ink, and West Pierce Fire & Rescue (Zippia). Other significant companies providing employment opportunities in the area are First Financial Northwest Bank and Sound Community Bank (Zippia).
The healthcare sector is a major employment hub, with consistent demand for professionals due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology (WorkSourceWA). Retail positions also represent a substantial segment of the job market, offering many entry-level opportunities (WorkSourceWA).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in University Place was 5.5% in 2026 (Census Depth). This figure has shown a downward trend, decreasing from 6.7% in 2017 to 4.1% in 2023 (Census Depth).
The employment rate is robust, indicating a stable job market for the working-age population (BestNeighborhood.org). This positive employment outlook contributes to the overall economic health of the community.
Climate and Environment
University Place experiences a mild maritime climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers (myPerfectWeather). The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 36°F in December to a high of 78°F in August (myPerfectWeather).
The city receives about 43 inches of precipitation annually, with snowfall being minimal at around 4 inches per year (myPerfectWeather). November is typically the wettest month, while July is the driest (myPerfectWeather).
Temperature and Seasons
Summers in University Place are generally warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures in August reaching around 76°F (myPerfectWeather). Winters are cool and damp, with December experiencing average lows of 36°F (myPerfectWeather). The city rarely experiences harsh winter conditions.
The warm season lasts for approximately 2.7 months, from late June to mid-September (Weather-us.com). Conversely, the cool season extends for about 3.7 months, from mid-November to early March (Weather-us.com).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
University Place receives an average of 43 inches of precipitation annually (myPerfectWeather). The month with the most rainfall is November, with an average of 7.9 inches (Weather-us.com). The drier season spans about 5.3 months, from May to October (Weather-us.com).
Rain is common throughout the year, with a higher chance of wet days occurring between October and May (Weather-us.com). Snowfall is light, with December typically seeing the most snow, averaging 1.1 inches (myPerfectWeather).
Demographics and Lifestyle
University Place is home to a population of approximately 34,900 residents (Data USA). The median age in the city is around 40.1 years (Data Commons). The racial makeup is predominantly White, followed by Asian and Black or African American residents (Data Commons).
The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a foreign-born population that is similar to the national average (Data USA). The poverty rate is 8.18%, which is lower than the national average (Data Commons).
Population Breakdown
As of 2024, the population of University Place was estimated at 35,160 (Data Commons). The median age is 40.1 years (Data Commons). The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with males comprising 47% of the population and females 53% (Point2Homes).
The age composition shows about 18% of residents are under 15, with a significant portion of adults aged 25 to 64 (Point2Homes). Approximately 19.5% of the population is aged 65 or older (Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
White residents constitute about 61.61% of University Place’s population, while Asian residents make up 10.94% (Data Commons). Black or African American residents account for 7.15% of the population (Data Commons).
Hispanic or Latino individuals represent 12.42% of the population (Data Commons). The city also has smaller percentages of Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander residents, as well as those identifying with two or more races (Data Commons).
Income and Household Statistics
The median household income in University Place was $99,031 in 2024 (Point2Homes). This reflects a positive change of +4.9% from the previous year (Point2Homes). The average per capita income is $64,461 (Data Commons).
Households led by residents aged 25 to 44 report a median income of $102,403 (Point2Homes). For those aged 45 to 64, the median household income is $116,178 (Point2Homes). Overall, 91.8% of locals live above the poverty line (Point2Homes).
Education and Schools
University Place is served by a well-regarded public school system, contributing to its appeal for families. The local schools are known for their commitment to academic excellence and student development.
The city’s educational infrastructure provides a supportive environment for students from early childhood through high school. This focus on education is a key factor in the community’s desirability.
School District Performance
While specific school ratings were not found in the provided search results, University Place is generally recognized for having strong educational institutions. The presence of highly-rated schools is often cited as a major draw for families considering a move to the area.
The commitment to providing quality education is a cornerstone of the community’s appeal. This focus on academic achievement supports a positive environment for both students and parents.
Educational Opportunities
The educational landscape in University Place aims to cater to a diverse range of student needs and learning styles. The school district emphasizes comprehensive programs designed to foster academic growth and prepare students for future endeavors.
Beyond K-12 education, the proximity to institutions of higher learning in the greater Puget Sound region offers further educational opportunities for residents. This access to varied learning pathways enhances the overall educational value of living in University Place.
Pros and Cons of Living in University Place
University Place offers a desirable suburban lifestyle with access to natural beauty and a strong community feel. Its well-regarded schools and relatively safe environment are significant advantages for residents.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than the national average. While the job market is stable, salaries may not always keep pace with the elevated cost of expenses.
Advantages
The city boasts a pleasant climate with mild temperatures year-round and beautiful natural surroundings. Its community-oriented atmosphere and good schools make it an attractive place for families and those seeking a peaceful environment.
Residents benefit from a generally safe environment and a stable job market. The proximity to larger urban centers also provides access to a wider range of amenities and opportunities.
Disadvantages
The cost of living, especially housing, is a notable drawback, being significantly higher than the national average. This can present a financial challenge for some individuals and families.
While crime rates are comparable to national averages, they are higher than many other cities in Washington state. This suggests that while not inherently unsafe, it may not be considered one of the safest communities in the region.