University Place 87 Exceptional
University Place Livability #17 ranked city in Washington#320 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in University Place

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in University Place?

University Place, Washington is a moderately-sized city with a population of 34,663 people. With a population density of 4,159 people per square mile, University Place is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (71% White). Given that fact, University Place could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make University Place your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 28 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time 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 great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in University Place, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in University Place and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare University Place to Washington and the national average.

With a livability score of 86/100, University Place is ranked #322 in the United States and #16 in Washington. Compared to the United States average, University Place ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! University Place also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that University Place ranks well for amenities (B-), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for University Place, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In University Place, the average school test scores reached an impressive 72%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making University Place an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

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, University Place has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

University Place 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 University Place. Median real estate prices in University Place come in at $689,996, which is 40.3% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In University Place, the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 11.1% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around University Place

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Compare University Place, WA Livability

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      University Place transportation information

      Statistic University Place Washington National
      Average one way commute28min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.0%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.3%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.0%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.3%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home5.5%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The University Place, 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.