Tacoma, WA

Tacoma WA scores 25/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 220% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 320 (100 = avg); violent crime index 304; property crime index 335. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Tacoma. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Tacoma is about $1,676/month (on the high side). At $1,676/month for a typical unit, you need about $60,336+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $479,600.

Median household income is $85,884, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($85,884) clears the $60,336 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 59°F (highs near 67°F, lows near 50°F).

You can be outside most of the year without extreme gear. Heating and cooling costs are usually moderate compared with hotter or colder metros. If you visit, go in winter or midsummer (not only in spring) to see the extremes.

Who tends to thrive in Tacoma: (1) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and no state income tax compounds that advantage at higher salaries) (2) Households earning $60,336+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,676/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Tacoma who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 25/100) (2) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,676/month (3) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Tacoma does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $60,336 household income for $1,676/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Moving to Tacoma requires serious research first. Safety scores 25/100 which is significantly below average. If you have a specific reason to be here that justifies the tradeoff, go in with eyes open on neighborhood selection.