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City

Tacoma

#9 in Best Places to Live in Pierce County
  • B+
    Overall Grade
  • City in Washington
  • 286 reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    B
  2. Crime & Safety
    C-
  3. Housing
    C+
  4. Nightlife
    A
  5. Good for Families
    B
  6. Diversity
    A+
  7. Jobs
    B-
  8. Weather
    B-
  9. Cost of Living
    C+
  10. Health & Fitness
    A-
  11. Outdoor Activities
    A
  12. Commute
    A-
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About Tacoma...
Population
205,602

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$212,400
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$980
National
$949
Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    50%
  • Own
    50%
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Tacoma Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Tacoma Neighborhood Map

  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C-
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      614
      283
    • Murder
      6
      6
    • Rape
      71
      41
    • Robbery
      257
      136
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      1,153
      500
    • Theft
      4,149
      2,043
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      1,248
      284
    Home Security Options for Tacoma
    Learn More
    • 24/7 Whole home protection with no contract
    • CNET Editor’s choice winner 2018

    Residents

    Diversity
    A+
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Median Household Income
    $53,553
    National
    $55,322
    Children
    18%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      9%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      18%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      34%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      27%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      12%
      13%

    Jobs in Tacoma

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    Tacoma Reviews

    286 reviews
    All Categories
    Home to a conglomerate of different racial and national identities, there is no lack of cultural and artistic diversity in Tacoma! From easily accessible healthy food choices to the vibrant impressionist street art in the rustic downtown, Tacoma is a melting pot of fascinating personalities from people of all different walks of life. Sadly, though many parts of Tacoma are undergoing modernization (the breathtaking Point Ruston for example), an epidemic of poverty and homelessness is on the uprise like never before. There are simply too many people, not enough homes, and not enough jobs. Public schools are underfunded and in desperate need of more teachers. The high cost of living has also taken an unfortunate toll on many families and the extent to which they are able to provide for their children. If the community is able to stand together to bring about lasting transformational development for the future, I believe Tacoma will become a very popular place to live an visit!
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    If you love down to earth people who love coffee, art, music, and gardening you are in the right place. Tacoma is a city in the Puget Sound area of Washington state. 30 minutes away from Seattle, with a smaller more close knit feel. People of all ages enjoy this cute city from adults who love quite spaces to those who love to party even kids with an adventurous side find Tacoma a great place to be! Local community is an important aspect that Tacoma prides itself on, with great schools for all ages and neighborhoods for everyone to thrive in.
    Some people dream of moving away from their hometown, but I can confidently say that I wouldn't mind living out the rest of my days here in Tacoma, Washington. Perhaps I am set in my comfort zone, but I think Tacoma is perfect for being a comfort zone. There are affordable places around Tacoma, but prices for safer areas are going up. I'm not saying that's a bad thing; Tacoma's value overall is increasing. However it does make it harder for the minimum wage folks to find a safe place to live. While the search is more difficult, it isn't impossible! Diversity in Tacoma is wonderful, part of me is afraid of leaving because I find Tacoma to be extremely accepting of all people. It is true I haven't experienced racism firsthand, but can't we count that as a positive for not seeing it?
    Ask any Tacoma resident and they'll tell you they're happy to be living here. Tacoma is a place you move to, not from.