Fort Lewis 76 Excellent
Fort Lewis Livability #159 ranked city in Washington#3,790 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Lewis

PROS
  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Fort Lewis?

Fort Lewis, Washington is a mid-sized city with a population of 13,510 inhabitants. Fort Lewis tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 23 is far below the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Fort Lewis. With an average one way commute time of only 11 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Fort Lewis, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Fort Lewis, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, housing and more.

The livability score in Fort Lewis is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 87th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Fort Lewis would be considered a very livable city! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Fort Lewis scores well for education (B) and housing (B) On a less positive note, Fort Lewis does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The Fort Lewis unemployment rate of 2.6% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Fort Lewis market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Fort Lewis is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Fort Lewis come in at $0, which is 100% lower than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fort Lewis, the home price to income ratio is 0, which is 100% lower than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fort Lewis

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      Fort Lewis transportation information

      Statistic Fort Lewis Washington National
      Average one way commute11min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.9%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.1%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.0%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk14.8%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home1.7%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Fort Lewis, 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.