Birch Bay 62 Average
Birch Bay Livability #406 ranked city in Washington#16,180 ranked city in the USARanks better than 44% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Birch Bay

PROS
  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Schools Schools

    Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.

What's it like Living in Birch Bay?

Birch Bay is a mid-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 10,265 inhabitants. At 83%, the majority of the Birch Bay population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. Birch Bay is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 51, which is well beyond the United States median age average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Birch Bay, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Birch Bay is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Washington, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Birch Bay and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Using data and statistics Birch Bay has received a livability score of 60 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 39th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a poor rating when compared to the average of other places in the country. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Birch Bay ranks well for housing (A) Birch Bay does not fare well for the following: amenities (F), crime (D-), cost of living (D) and education (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Birch Bay has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Birch Bay real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Birch Bay. Median real estate prices in Birch Bay come in at $510,867, which is 3.9% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Birch Bay, the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 1.9% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Birch Bay

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Compare Birch Bay, WA Livability

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      Birch Bay transportation information

      Statistic Birch Bay Washington National
      Average one way commute26min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work89.2%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.0%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home1.7%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Birch Bay, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.